American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
-
Am J Health Syst Pharm · Apr 2008
ReviewCurrent and future treatment modalities for Clostridium difficile-associated disease.
Current and future treatment modalities for Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) are reviewed. ⋯ CDAD is a major concern for health care systems and clinicians. New diagnostic tests with increased sensitivity for detecting CDAD with a short turnaround time are necessary for early treatment and prevention. Continued research for more effective treatments and vaccine development for CDAD is also needed.
-
Am J Health Syst Pharm · Apr 2008
Improving pain management for pediatric patients undergoing nonurgent painful procedures.
The development of a topical analgesia protocol to improve pain management for pediatric patients undergoing nonurgent painful procedures is described. ⋯ A multidisciplinary approach to protocol development and implementation significantly increased compliance to a topical analgesia protocol for pediatric patients undergoing nonurgent painful procedures in a community medical center.
-
A training program for improving the confidence and skills of pharmacists responding to pediatric emergencies is described. ⋯ A training program in pediatric emergencies for pharmacists appeared to increase their confidence and competency for responding to these events.
-
Am J Health Syst Pharm · Apr 2008
Bar-code medication administration system for anesthetics: effects on documentation and billing.
The effects of using a new bar-code medication administration (BCMA) system for anesthetics to automate documentation of drug administration by anesthesiologists were studied. ⋯ Implementation of a BCMA system for anesthetic use in cardiac surgery increased the quantity of drugs charged by 21.7% per case and drug revenue per case by 18.8%. Anesthesiologists continued to use the automated system on a voluntary basis after conclusion of the initial study.