Pharm World Sci
-
Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and prophylactic radiotherapy can prevent ectopic bone formation around the hip after total hip arthroplasty. ⋯ Because of the potential of serious gastrointestinal side effects of NSAIDs and their interaction with anticoagulant drugs, rofecoxib and other COX-2 specific NSAIDs may be a safer option for the treatment of HO. However, randomised controlled studies are needed to confirm the results of the rofecoxib study.
-
Shortly after the invention of nitroglycerin (NTG), it was noticed that this substance is capable of inducing a violent headache. Only recently, it became known that this was due to the release of nitric oxide (NO) by NTG. ⋯ The evidence supporting the role of NO in migraine is discussed, e.g. substances capable of inducing experimental vascular headache do so with NO as the common mediator, while drugs with antimigraine activity inhibit NO and the cascade of intracellular reactions triggered by NO. The importance of NO as a potential initiator of the migraine attack opens new directions for the pharmacological treatment of migraine and other vascular headaches.
-
Medicines information services (MISs) aim to promote the safe, effective and economic use of medicines. Results from published studies suggest that they provide effective information, which in many cases results in improved patient outcome. However, there are several methodological issues that are important in the interpretation of such studies. ⋯ Most studies have been conducted in the United States. Various methodological considerations were identified: study design, sampling, data collection, choice of outcome measures, and validity. The results of each study are interpreted in view of the methods used. In addition, the implications of the methods selected on the validity, reliability and generalisability of the results are discussed. Finally, suggestions for future studies are provided, in order to maximise validity and reliability.
-
This study aimed to identify the key skills and knowledge required for the delivery of an ideal patient consultation in order to develop a training programme (using simulated-patients) to teach consultation skills to undergraduate pharmacy students. ⋯ This study has shown that the use of a structured teaching programme improves students' perceptions of their ability and confidence in conducting an effective consultation. Providing skills training around the consultation process, using simulated patients, provides pharmacists with a good framework around which to practice pharmaceutical care.
-
To gain more detailed information on the current pharmaceutical service provision in nursing and residential homes in Northern Ireland and to assess the views of care staff on future pharmacy services. ⋯ This work has demonstrated that those responsible for care in nursing and residential facilities strongly support further involvement by the pharmacist in these care facilities; pharmacy policy makers must ensure that such services are developed to meet the needs of these vulnerable elderly residents.