American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
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Recent findings on the epidemiology and treatment of funguria are reviewed. Funguria, or candiduria, is a common nosocomial condition and may develop as early as the first two weeks of hospitalization. Risk factors include antibacterial therapy, an indwelling urinary catheter, urologic procedures, female sex, diabetes, and immunosuppressive therapy. ⋯ Intravesical amphotericin B appears to act more rapidly; however, the effect of systemic fluconazole therapy often persists longer than that of amphotericin B irrigation, and oral therapy is more convenient and less expensive. Oral fluconazole appears to have a more delayed but more lasting effect on funguria than amphotericin B bladder irrigation. Studies are needed to determine whether intravesical amphotericin B still has a role in the treatment of funguria and to refine strategies involving fluconazole.
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Am J Health Syst Pharm · Jul 1999
ReviewTelemedicine and telepharmacy: current status and future implications.
Uses of telemedicine are described and potential roles for pharmacists are discussed. Telemedicine has been defined as "the use of electronic information and communications technologies to provide and support health care when distance separates the participants." Technologies included in telemedicine are videoconferencing, telephones, computers, the Internet, fax, radio, and television. Telepharmacy has the same basic definition but refers to pharmaceutical care provision. ⋯ Studies of the effectiveness, cost, and societal implications of telemedicine are needed, along with practice models and standards, training programs, and solutions to regulatory, licensing, and legal questions. Securing reimbursement for cognitive services remains a problem for telemedicine and telepharmacy. Telemedicine presents profound opportunities and challenges to pharmacy and other health care professions.