Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety
-
Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Sep 2012
High use of tramadol in Germany: an analysis of statutory health insurance data.
Tramadol is a weak opioid according to the World Health Organization pain ladder step II. It is one of the most prescribed analgesic substances in Germany, but tramadol and the step II opioids are very controversially discussed. We analysed patients with filled tramadol prescriptions with special emphasis on high use. ⋯ Despite some limitations, this study shows the prescriptions of tramadol in Germany in an authentic way. It seems that there are some 'challenging' patients that present a treatment dilemma for some prescribers. This might result in a high use of tramadol.
-
Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Sep 2012
Indications for antimicrobial prescribing in European nursing homes: results from a point prevalence survey.
In light of the emerging problem with multiresistant microorganisms in nursing homes (NHs), the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption NH subproject was set up to measure and describe antimicrobial use across Europe. The aim of this paper was to investigate the indications for antimicrobial use and hence identify targets for quality improvement. ⋯ The indications for antimicrobial prescribing varied markedly between countries. We identified uroprophylaxis as a possible target for quality improvement.
-
Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Aug 2012
ReviewTerms used in patient safety related to medication: a literature review.
There is a lack of homogeneity in the terminology used in the context of patient safety related to medication. The aim of this review was to identify the terms and definitions used in patient safety related to medication within the scientific literature. ⋯ A multitude of terms and definitions are used in patient safety related to medication. This heterogeneity makes it difficult to compare the results among studies and to appreciate the true magnitude of the problem. Classifying and unifying the terminology is necessary to advance in patient safety strategies.
-
Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Jul 2012
Increasing scientific standards, independence and transparency in post-authorisation studies: the role of the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance.
ENCePP seeks to promote and support high standards throughout the post-authorisation research process based on robust methodologies, transparency and scientific independence. ⋯ It is envisaged that application of the ENCePP study concept will result in an increase in trust in post-authorisation studies of medicines. The register of studies will allow for ready access to study protocols and results, thereby enhancing transparency and facilitating review. Through the network, standards, transparency and clarity of relationships, ENCePP is expected to add to the European Union capacity to conduct robust post-authorisation studies, thereby benefiting public health. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
-
Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf · Jul 2012
Caution should be used in applying propensity scores estimated in a full cohort to adjust for confounding in subgroup analyses: commentary on "Applying propensity scores estimated in a full cohort to adjust for confounding in subgroup analyses": Commentary on "Applying propensity scores estimated in a full cohort to adjust for confounding in subgroup analyses"