The International journal of pharmacy practice
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patient co-payments for prescription medicines in Wales were abolished in April 2007 and there has been much speculation on the possible effects. We analysed patient-reported use of medicines before and after abolition of the prescription charge, noting changes in the number of items prescribed, number of non-prescription medicines purchased and participants not collecting all prescribed items (primary non-adherence). ⋯ although the rise in number of items prescribed and fall in number of medicines purchased was generally anticipated, there appeared to be little or no effect for those on the lowest incomes.
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the aim of this study was to evaluate drug-use patterns, investigate the factors influencing patient outcome, and determine the cost of drugs utilized in the intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ antibiotics are responsible for the majority of ICU drug costs. Appropriate selection of antibiotics in terms of type, dose and duration of therapy could tremendously reduce the expenses in hospitals without negatively influencing the quality of healthcare.
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Practice and attitudes regarding the management of childhood diarrhoea among pharmacies in Thailand.
to compare practice behaviour and attitudes of pharmacy personnel in the management of childhood diarrhoea between type I (requiring a pharmacist to be on duty) and type II (pharmacist not required) pharmacies, between those surveyed in 2008 and in 2001, and between new-generation (graduation ≤ 10 years) and old-generation (graduation >10 years) pharmacists. ⋯ practice and attitudes of pharmacy personnel were inappropriate in the management of childhood diarrhoea. Revision of the pharmacy curriculum did not result in improvement of practice as seen by the similarity of practice patterns among the 2001 and 2008 samples. Improvement of knowledge and practice behaviour among providers in pharmacies is needed.