International journal of clinical pharmacy
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The prevalence of adverse drug events (ADEs) occurring in the ambulatory setting is high, requiring the development of a coherent and comprehensive patient-safety policy framework. Former experiences demonstrated that emergency department (ED) surveillance can help characterise the burden of outpatient ADEs. We developed a clinical pharmacy programme called the clinical pharmacy survey of adverse drug events (CPSA) to support interventions and research projects in the area of ADE prevention and management. ⋯ Our experience demonstrates that clinical pharmacists can successfully implement a survey process of ADEs in an ED over time. Our method seems basic enough to suit most health care facilities with pharmacy students.
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Review Case Reports
Use of anticoagulation therapy for jugular vein thrombus in pediatric patients with Lemierre's syndrome.
Lemierre's syndrome is a rare condition involving septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein secondary to an acute oropharyngeal infection. The low incidence and prevalence of Lemierre's syndrome contribute to the many controversies pertaining to its therapeutic management, one of which is the use of anticoagulation for associated internal jugular vein thrombus. ⋯ Anticoagulation therapy for internal jugular vein thrombosis associated with Lemierre's syndrome remains a controversy. In the absence of any contraindication or presumed risk, anticoagulation therapy should be considered in high risk patients.
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Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are frequently admitted to the hospital with severe or acute hyperglycaemia secondary to an acute illness or disease. Uncontrolled glycaemia is a significant problem during severe or acute hyperglycaemia. ⋯ Clinical and genetic factors contribute to worsening of insulin resistance and glycaemic control during severe/acute hyperglycaemia in patients with T2DM. Early identification of factors that may influence insulin resistance and glycaemic control may help to achieve optimal glycaemic control during severe/acute hyperglycaemia.
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Antimicrobial guidelines aim to optimise treatment and minimise development of resistance. Care bundles support the implementation of local guidelines. ⋯ The pharmacist made a significant contribution to improving adherence to evidence based antimicrobial prescribing quality indicators agreed by the multidisciplinary team. Prompts have been identified from the pharmaceutical care process and applied in the design of two antimicrobial care bundles proposed to support adherence with antimicrobial prescribing policies and guidelines.
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Home diagnostic tests in the state of Qatar: a snapshot of public views, level of awareness and use.
In Qatar, home diagnostic tests are available over the counter in community pharmacies. While possibly beneficial, these tests have the potential for harm if they are used in the absence of pharmacist counseling. ⋯ During the 5-month study period, 297 patients answered the survey (60 % response rate). Most respondents were aware of at least one home diagnostic test (98 %). The top four home diagnostic tests that the respondents had ever heard of included: thermometers (91 %), blood pressure monitors (91 %), blood sugar tests (86 %) and regular pregnancy tests (72 %). Seventy-one percent of respondents had performed at least one home diagnostic test. When asked about the factors that influenced their choice of the home diagnostic tests, the pharmacist was only cited by 7 % of respondents. The majority of respondents (>80 %) agreed that using a home diagnostic test is convenient, comfortable and helps them in early diagnosis and treatment of healthcare conditions. Only 31 % agreed that the pharmacist offered sufficient information on what to do in case the test result turns to be positive. The study results suggest that generally, the public has good attitudes and awareness of home diagnostic tests. However, the results indicate that Qatar community pharmacists are not sufficiently involved in public education about home diagnostic tests. Pharmacists should take a more active role in counseling the public on the proper use of these tests.