Significant increase in the number of occupational exposures reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Centre (2016-2022): the importance of poison centre data in health surveillance.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace can result in injuries and fatalities. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and trend of occupational exposures reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Centre and to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the trend. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all acute occupational exposures reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Centre between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2022 was performed. Data on patient and exposure characteristics, symptoms and treatment recommendations were analyzed. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2022, the Dutch Poisons Information Centre received 5,508 calls regarding acute occupational exposures. The annual number of calls on acute occupational exposures almost doubled over the years studied (from 475 in 2016 to 936 in 2022). During and after the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-December 2022), the number of calls stabilized, but the upward trend was not significantly affected. There were an estimated 0.20 calls per 1,000 human exposure calls per month (95 per cent confidence interval: -0.14; 0.53). Victims were often exposed through multiple routes, with inhalation being the most common route (44 per cent), followed by ocular (32 per cent) and dermal contact (30 per cent). Acids (1,138 exposures) and alkalis (912 exposures) were often involved. The Dutch Poisons Information Centre had information on 6,334 patients, although the total number of exposed patients was not known as some victims did not seek medical assistance, or were treated by healthcare professionals who did not consult our Centre. At the time of contact, 13 per cent (n = 795) of the patients reported no symptoms, 76 per cent (n = 4,805) reported mild to moderate symptoms and 3 per cent (n = 183) reported potentially severe symptoms. Information on symptoms was missing for 9 per cent (n = 551) of the patients. Hospital observation and treatment were recommended for 5 per cent (n = 325) of the patients. DISCUSSION: This study highlights the necessity for poisoning prevention strategies to reduce the number of work-related incidents involving hazardous substances. CONCLUSION: The continuing increase in the number of workplace incidents involving hazardous substances is of concern. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach should be taken to gain a full understanding of occupational exposure to hazardous substances and to identify risk factors.

Centro de Información y Derivación de Pacientes (CIDP)

Estamos fortaleciendo el Centro de Información y Derivación de Pacientes (CIDP) para mejorar la coordinación en la atención médica durante emergencias y situaciones de plétora de los servicios.

Herramienta para evaluar la comprensión de la Gestión de Información y del Conocimiento en Infomed / A Tool for Assessing the Understanding of Information and Knowledge Management at Infomed

Introducción: La información y el conocimiento constituyen recursos estratégicos en las organizaciones ya que garantizan una efectiva toma de decisiones y mayor adaptabilidad a contextos cada vez más dinámicos y cambiantes. Objetivo: Proponer una herramienta diagnóstica para evaluar la comprensión de la Gestión de Información y el Conocimiento en el Centro Nacional de Información de Ciencias Médicas/Infomed. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis de las particularidades de la Gestión de Información y el Conocimiento en las organizaciones. Se caracterizó el Centro Nacional de Información de Ciencias Médicas/Infomed, teniendo en cuenta su objeto social, estructura y actividad informacional. Resultados: Se propone una herramienta ajustada a las características de dicha entidad para el diagnóstico de la comprensión de la Gestión de Información y el Conocimiento. Esta herramienta diagnóstica esboza cuatro divisiones estructurales para la recogida de información. Su concepción y diseño valoran, entre otros aspectos de interés, los elementos cognitivos y de comportamiento de los trabajadores de cara a los procesos de Gestión de Información y el Conocimiento. Conclusiones: Esta herramienta permite diagnosticar el estado de la comprensión de la Gestión de Información y el Conocimiento en el Centro Nacional de Información de Ciencias Médicas/Infomed, sobre la base de la importancia de la identificación y el desarrollo de estos procesos en la organización. También tiene en cuenta la necesidad de articular aquellos componentes de la gestión desde todos los niveles de la organización con el propósito de fomentar una cultura informacional(AU)

Introduction: Information and knowledge are strategic resources in organizations, since they guarantee effective decision making and greater adaptability to increasingly dynamic and changing contexts. Objective: To propose a diagnostic tool for assessing the understanding of information and knowledge management at the Centro Nacional de Información de Ciencias Médicas/Infomed. Methods: An analysis was carried out of the particularities of information and knowledge management in organizations. Centro Nacional de Información de Ciencias Médicas/Infomed was characterized, taking into account its social purpose, structure and informational activity. Results: A tool adjusted to the characteristics of this entity is proposed for diagnosing the understanding of information and knowledge management. This diagnostic tool outlines four structural divisions for collecting the information. Its conception and design assess, among other aspects of interest, the cognitive and behavioral elements of the workers in the face of the information and knowledge management processes. Conclusions: This tool makes it possible to diagnose the state of understanding of information and knowledge management at Centro Nacional de Información de Ciencias Médicas/Infomed, based on the importance of identifying and developing these processes in the organization. It also takes into account the need to articulate those management components from all organizational levels and with the purpose of fostering an informational culture(AU)

[Exposures to fruit plants in Germany from 2010-2019 : Analysis of the Erfurt joint poison information center database]. / Expositionen mit Fruchtpflanzen in Deutschland im Zeitraum 2010­2019 : Auswertung der Datenbank des Gemeinsamen Giftinformationszentrums Erfurt (GGIZ).

BACKGROUND: Inquiries about fruit plants are a frequent reason for consultation with poison information centers, although it should be emphasized that there are no large systematic studies on toxicity based on exposure data. The aim of this work is to determine the risk of poisoning by fruit plants in Germany. METHODS: Retrospective study of data from the Erfurt Joint Poison Information Center on poisoning inquiries regarding fruit plants (2010-2019) with a detailed presentation of interim results, a tabular handout, plant photos as identification aids, and trend analyses. RESULTS: From 16,088 plant exposures with 16,700 plants, 214 different fruit plant species were identified. Forty-five fruit plant species (21%) turned out to be relevant (≥ 30 inquiries) and of these, 6 (2.8%) turned out to be highly relevant (≥ 300 inquiries). All relevant plants were assigned a defined risk category (RC): RC 0 (2; 4.4%), RC 1 (26; 57.8%), RC 2 (12; 26.7%), and RC 3 (5; 11.1%). Regarding the inquiries, 6% (459/7607) were related to RC 0; 47.9% (3645/7607) to RC 1; 39.3% to RC 2 (2986/7607); and 6.8% (517/7607) to RC 3. Of the inquiries, 69.5% (5284/7607) were related to young children (1 to < 6 years). Exposure outcomes for all age groups were asymptomatic in 82%, mild in 14.7%, moderate in 3%, and severe in 0.3%, with severe poisoning caused by seven plant species. Interventions were initiated in 66.8% (5079) of the inquiries. Inquiries were most frequently related to Taxus baccata, Ligustrum vulgare, Physalis alkekengi, Prunus laurocerasus, Convallaria majalis, Mahonia spec., Sambucus spec., Lonicera spec., Sorbus aucuparia, Thuja spec., Hedera helix, and Cotoneaster spec. DISCUSSION: Poisoning by fruit plants in Germany is rare. However, there is a great need for information and education.

Preventing occupational chemical eye injuries: important lessons from poison information centres.

BACKGROUND: Occupational exposure to hazardous substances is a major public health problem. In the workplace, eye exposures are common and can be a major cause of morbidity and disability. This commentary discusses the role of poison information centres in providing valuable information on the circumstances and causes of these incidents. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SURVEILLANCE: As many eye exposures are easily preventable, there is a need to establish better safety practices in the workplace. Currently, both governments and labour organizations primarily employ injury statistics for the purpose of occupational health surveillance. Identifying risk factors associated with acute exposures in the workplace requires a comprehensive approach using a variety of information resources. Using information from poison information centres can provide invaluable insight into the specifics of the exposure, including the route(s) of exposure, the substances involved and the cause of the exposure. CIRCUMSTANCES OF OCCUPATIONAL EYE EXPOSURES: Exposure to hazardous substances can occur at various time points during work. A prospective study performed by the Dutch Poisons Information Centre showed that cleaning is a high-risk activity for occupational eye exposure. Patients were often exposed to chemical mixtures that frequently contained alkalis or acids. CHEMICAL EYE INJURIES: Symptoms following eye contact with chemicals can vary greatly depending on factors such as the type and concentration of the substance(s) involved, the duration of exposure and the time and duration of irrigation (first-aid measure). Eye contact will usually cause irritation, but in more severe cases, chemical burns will result. Recent studies demonstrate that occupational eye exposures often result in only relatively mild symptoms, such as pain, redness, lacrimation or temporary loss of vision. More severe symptoms, such as corneal abrasion, were reported rarely, which may be explained by prompt eye irrigation. ROOT CAUSES OF OCCUPATIONAL EYE EXPOSURES: To control risks to workers, a hierarchy of prevention and control measures has been established, which employers must take. If elimination or substitution of the dangerous substance is not possible, the exposure can be prevented or reduced by taking organizational (e.g., providing work instructions), technical (e.g., ventilation) and personal (e.g., wearing personal protective equipment) measures. The study performed by the Dutch Poisons Information Centre showed that organizational factors (such as lack of work instructions) and personal factors (such as time pressure and fatigue, and not (adequately) using personal protective equipment), were the main causes of occupational eye exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Poison information centres provide valuable information that can be used to develop prevention strategies to reduce the number of acute occupational exposures in the future. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to ensure that these preventive measures are actually applied in practice. Therefore, all organizations involved (including governments, labour organizations, medical professionals, occupational physicians, occupational hygienists, safety experts and poison information centres) must work closely together.

Common calls to a poisons information centre by general practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Poisoning in the community is common and can occasionally result in serious outcomes, such as organ damage and death. Many cases of poisoning can be successfully managed in the primary care setting. OBJECTIVE: This article describes common calls the Queensland Poisons Information Centre (Qld PIC) receives from general practices and provides information on the management of poisoning in the community. DISCUSSION: Common calls to the Qld PIC from general practice include calls about exposure to paracetamol and household cleaning products, with ocular exposure to toxins common. Most cases of poisoning can be managed supportively. Decontamination, observation or antidote therapy may be required in some cases. Ocular exposure to poisons requires irrigation, examination and, occasionally, referral for specialist ophthalmological assessment. The PIC can help general practitioners (GPs) with risk assessment and management advice to ensure the best outcomes for their patients. GPs can contact the PIC on 13 11 26.

COVID-19 and Innovation in Medical Library Services: A Scoping Review of Case Studies.

The services of medical libraries and information centers has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the innovative services of medical libraries and information centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this scoping review, PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, ProQuest, Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA) databases were searched to identify case studies and case series. After screening the identified studies, 18 studies were selected. The results showed that the main users of medical libraries and information centers during COVID-19 were health care providers and recipients, researchers, organizational staff, and ordinary library users. Innovative services during the COVID-19 were also provided in these libraries, including distance education services, virtual information services, virtual guidelines, providing information resources, and evidence-based response to treatment teams. To provide these new services, medical libraries used traditional, semi-traditional, and modern information and communication technologies such as telephone, email, online library platforms, e-learning, and social networks. Medical libraries and information centers changed the way they provide services in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. Analyzing the services provided during this period can provide a model for policymakers, and medical librarians and information professionals to improve their services. The information presented here can be used to inform library services during future, similarly critical situations.

Come aboard the Magnet Journey.

In 2007, Diane Ream Rourke published in this journal, the history and explanation for Baptist Hospital in Florida to include its library on its successful Magnet journey. This article draws heavily from American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Information pages. It begins with a quick review of the history of the Program, further suggestions for a librarian's contribution to obtain Magnet Recognition and a brief current literature review on the values Magnet Recognition brings to a hospital's economics, patient care, and nursing staff. The quick history review and suggestions on the librarian contribution to the Magnet journey are based on an invited CE course by this author. The literature review on the values Magnet Recognition brings to a hospital's economics, patient care, and nursing staff was part of a presentation this author prepared for the Chief of Nursing. This author was a Magnet Champion and Magnet exemplar when Virtua Health first earned its first Magnet designation.

Plant poisonings in Australia: a retrospective series of calls to the Queensland Poisons Information Centre.

INTRODUCTION: There is little research to characterise plant poisoning in Australia. The aim of this project is to investigate plant exposures reported to a state poisons information centre. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of plant exposures reported to the Queensland Poison Information Centre (QPIC) between January 2019 and December 2021. Main outcome measures included patient demographics, plant exposure details, symptomatology, and management advice. RESULTS: QPIC received calls regarding 2766 plant exposures over the study period. Children aged 1-4 years were the commonest group exposed, accounting for 1295 (46.8%) exposures. The caller was usually a family member/caregiver (2036 [73.6%]) calling from home (2257 [81.6%]). Exposures were unintentional in 2722 (98.4%) cases, with the oral route being most common, occurring in 2264 (81.9%) cases.Plant groups most responsible for exposures included gastrointestinal irritants (536 [19.4%]), oxalates (522 [18.9%]), and non-toxic plants (442 [16.0%]). The plant involved was known in 2366 (85.5%) exposures, most commonly Euphorbiaceae (257 [9.3%]). Patients were asymptomatic (1644 [59.4%]) or had mild toxicity (1033 [37.3%]) in most exposures. Only 18 (0.6%) cases had moderate/severe toxicity, and this was most often due to recreational exposures by adults (9[0.3%]). Referral for medical review was advised in 407 (14.7%) cases, most commonly following exposures to Euphorbiaceae (140/407 [34.4%]), gastrointestinal irritants (52/407 [12.7%]), and oxalates (38/407 [9.3%]). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of plant exposures reported to QPIC are unintentional paediatric exposures. Most are asymptomatic or have mild toxicity. More severe toxicity is seen in adults with recreational plant exposures.

Suspected rodenticide exposures in humans and domestic animals: Data from inquiries to the Norwegian Poison Information Centre, 2005-2020.

Rodent control is necessary to prevent damage and spread of disease, and the most common pesticides used for urban and rural rodent control are anticoagulant rodenticides. The aim of this present study was to present data on suspected exposure to rodenticides in humans and domestic animals in Norway based on inquiries to the Norwegian Poison Information Centre in the 16-year period from 2005 through 2020. A total of 4235 inquiries regarding suspected exposures to rodenticides were registered in the study period. Of these, 1486 inquiries involved humans and 2749 animals. Second generation anticoagulants were involved in 68% of human exposures and 79% of animal exposures. Dogs were the most frequent species involved in the animal exposures with 93% of the inquiries, while cats were second most frequent involved. Around 50% of the human inquiries concerned children at the age of 0-4 years. Only 2% of the cases were in the age group 10-19 years, while adults comprised 35% of the inquiries. Acute poisonings accounted for almost 100% of the inquiries among both humans and animals. The exposure was accidental in 99% of the animal exposures and in 85% of the human exposures. In humans, only 14 inquiries were regarding occupational related accidents. Misdeed or self-inflicted injury accounted for 15% of the human inquiries and were the cause of 79% of the severe poisonings. Severe poisoning was only assessed in 1% of the cases involving children under 5 years. In contrast, 17% of the inquiries concerning adults (≥20 years) were assessed as severe. Subsequently, to prevent human and animal rodenticide exposure, we urge the use of non-chemical methods such as sanitation, rodent proofing (a form of construction which will impede or prevent rodents access to or from a given space or building) and mechanical traps. Restricting the use of rodenticides to professional pest controllers (or other persons with authorisation), reinforcing high quality education of these persons, and securing compliance of the best codes of practice could be advocated to reduce accidental exposure to rodenticides in humans and animals.

Hand sanitizer-related calls at the National Poisons Information Centre, India during the lockdown period of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Background Hand sanitizer (HS) has been increasingly used during the Covid-19 pandemic. We compared the telephonic calls received by the National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC), New Delhi, India, related to its unsafe exposure and inappropriate use during the lockdown and prelockdown periods. Methods We analysed and compared telephonic call records of 3 months of pre-lockdown and 3 months of the lockdown and HS-related calls in different age groups and zones during these periods. Results The centre received 4000 calls; of these 1583 (40%) were related to household products of which only 63 (4%) were related to HS. There was an 8-fold increase in the number of calls received at the NPIC during the lockdown compared to the pre-lockdown period seeking medical attention following unsafe exposure or inappropriate use of HS. More calls were received from the south and north zones and, in the majority of these cases, HS was ingested accidentally. In some cases, HS was ingested intentionally for suicide during the lockdown. Conclusions Our study shows that unsafe exposure of HS is common under conditions of stress as seen during the lockdown period of the Covid-19 pandemic. It should be kept out of reach of small children. Further, providing psychological help and counselling to older age groups under conditions of stress are important issues of concern.

Ambulance referrals to an Australian Poisons Information Centre: a retrospective series.

INTRODUCTION: For poisoned patients, ambulance services may be the first point of contact for medical attention. With limited training in toxicology, ambulance services are encouraged to contact the Poisons Information Centre (PIC) for advice. This study aims to characterise referrals to a PIC from a state ambulance service with the purpose of improving information delivery and efficient use of these services. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational series of referrals to an Australian state PIC from ambulance staff from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020. Referrals were identified through the PIC Pharmhos database where the call originated from either a paramedic or emergency dispatch officer. Call reports were reviewed to extract data on patient demographics, exposure details and advice provided by the PIC. RESULTS: There were 1537 calls regarding 1420 poisoning exposures over the 12-month period, with 117 (7.6%) follow-up calls, representing 4.1% (1537/37835) of total calls to the PIC. Initial calls originated from paramedics in 999/1420 (70.4%) referrals, with dispatch officers referring 421/1420 (29.6%). Paediatric patients aged <15 years were involved in 492/1420 (34.6%) exposures with the commonest age range being 1-4 years. Most referrals involved pharmaceuticals exposures (756/1420 [53.2%]) followed by chemicals (557/1420 [39.2%]) and drugs of abuse (69/1420 [4.9%]). The commonest agents involved were paracetamol followed by quetiapine and sertraline. The PIC advised no treatment following benign exposures in 617/1420 (43.5%) calls, first aid measures in 333/1420 (23.5%) calls, supportive measures in 339/1420 (23.9%) calls and specific treatment in 32/1420 (2.3%) calls. Referral to the hospital was advised in 761/1420 (53.6%) calls, the majority of these were following deliberate self-poisonings (428/1420 [30.1%]). CONCLUSIONS: Ambulance staff commonly contact the PIC following benign exposures where no treatment is required. Ambulance referral to a PIC following suspected poisonings may have a role in preventing unnecessary transfer to hospital in poisoned patients.

Clinical-pharmacological drug information center of Hannover Medical School: experiences and analysis from a tertiary care university hospital.

Drug information centers (DICs) are institutions dedicated to provide objective, independent, and up-to-date information on drugs and their rational use. To overcome the lack of recent DIC reports from central Europe, we analyzed all queries (n = 594) submitted to the DIC run by the Institute for Clinical Pharmacology of Hannover Medical School between October 2018 and April 2022. Approximately one in three queries (31.1%; 185/594) was submitted by internists. 82.8% (492/594) of the queries were patient-specific, while the remaining 17.2% (102/594) were general queries. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs), indications/contraindications, and pharmacodynamic interactions (PDIs) represented the three most frequently addressed query categories, being involved in 44.8% (266/594), 43.3% (257/594), and 34.3% (204/594) of all queries, respectively (assignment of more than one category per query was possible). As compared to general queries, patient-specific queries were statistically significantly more often related to ADRs, PDIs, and pharmacokinetic interactions (PKIs) (ADRs: 35.3% vs. 46.7%, P = 0.034; PDIs: 14.7% vs. 38.4%, P < 0.001; PKIs: 20.6% vs. 31.5%, P = 0.028). To demonstrate the complexity of queries submitted to the clinical-pharmacological DIC, we present and comment on an illustrative selection of queries.

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).

The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) is a database dedicated to aiding anyone who may be seeking assistance and knowledge regarding rare diseases. This public health resource was put into motion by the Rare Diseases Act of 2002, and uses Translational Science to enhance research procedures. People can use this resource to find support, disease facts, ongoing research information, and available treatments. The GARD database is an excellent guide for anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of rare diseases and how to help those who have a rare disorder.

Poisoning in older adults: characterization of exposures reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center.

Introduction: The annual number of patients > 65 years old about whom the Dutch Poisons Information Center (DPIC) was consulted has more than doubled in the last decade. We aimed to gain insight in the type and circumstances of exposures reported to the DPIC involving older patients, in order to help prevent future poisonings. Methods: Enquiries to the DPIC involving patients > 65 years old were prospectively included from January 2019 to June 2019. Data were collected on patient characteristics (e.g., age, gender, and living situation) and exposure characteristics (e.g., type and exposure scenario). Results: In the first half of 2019, the DPIC was consulted about 1051 patients > 65 years old. The median age of the patients was 77 years old (range: 66-104 years) and women were over-represented (61%). A total of 1650 different substances were reported, 1213 pharmaceutical exposures (74%) and 437 non-pharmaceutical exposures (26%), mostly household products (n = 162). Most pharmaceutical exposures involved cardiovascular agents (n = 367, 30%), central and peripheral nervous system agents (n = 354, 29%), and analgesics (n = 152, 13%). In 71% of the patients exposed to pharmaceuticals, the drugs were taken unintentionally (n = 471), frequently caused by medication errors made by the patients themselves (n = 357, 76%). Most common scenarios included inadvertently taken/given a double (n = 140, 30%) or more than double (n = 94, 20%) dose or the wrong medication (n = 124, 26%). The most common scenario for unintentional exposure to non-pharmaceuticals was "mistook product for food/drink" (n = 122, 37%). Conclusions: The majority of intoxications in older adults are accidental and often involve medication errors. Unintentional poisoning is often preventable. If patients are cognitively impaired, potentially harmful substances should be kept out of their reach and medication should only be administered under direct supervision. Clear labelling, simplified drug regimens and the use of automatic medication dispensers could reduce the risk of medication errors in older patients.

Adherence of caregivers of children to advice provided by a National Poison Information Center.

INTRODUCTION: Most calls to poison information centers are from the public, pertaining to young children, and due to minor or nontoxic exposures. Rational poison center consultations can prevent unnecessary visits to emergency departments (EDs), callers' adherence to such advice is required. OBJECTIVES: Estimate adherence of callers from the public to the poison center concerning exposures of young children to the advice provided by the clinical toxicologist, estimate the number of unnecessary ED visits of these children prevented by poison center consultations. METHODS: Prospective, phone-survey cohort study. Calls from the public concerning children under 6 years old were recorded and collected, telephone follow-up was performed within two weeks. Data collected included: demographics, exposure, severity, triage advised, adherence to the advice, reasons for nonadherence, and what the caller would have done had the poison center been unavailable. The study was conducted over 3 months representing different seasons and holidays times during a 1-year period. RESULTS: 1762 callers completed the telephone follow-up; 1443 (81.9%) cases were asymptomatic at the time of call; 1452 (82.3%) were advised to remain at home, 175 (9.9%) and 137 (7.8%) were referred to community clinics and EDs, respectively; 1648 (93.5%) of callers adhered to the advice provided; highest adherence rate was among callers advised to stay home (98.3%, 1427), and 78.9% (108) and 62.1% (109) among callers referred to EDs and community clinics, respectively. Among callers advised to stay home, 491 stated that they would have referred themselves to the ED had the poison center been unavailable, an annual estimate of 4309 cases. The main parameter predicting nonadherence was calls made during night shift. CONCLUSIONS: The high adherence of callers to the poison center consultation suggests it plays an important role in preventing unnecessary ED visits of young children due to poison exposures, and may substantially reduce ED load and costs.

Luisa Francisca Acosta Ortega. Liderazgo con nombre de mujer / Luisa Francisca Acosta Ortega. Lidership with a woman´s name

En este artículo se resaltan las cualidades humanas y otros aspectos de la vida de quien fuera Vicedecana Académica de la Facultad de Estomatología y posteriormente Directora del Centro Provincial de Información de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba, en el período de abril del 2014 hasta abril del 2022. Se destacan los logros alcanzados a lo largo de su quehacer, desde que inició en la Universidad Médica hasta nuestros días, así como su valioso aporte a la docencia y a la formación de diversos grupos de educandos, además, se realzan los avances alcanzados en la revista MEDISAN en su etapa de Directora del Centro de Información hasta el día de su feliz jubilación.

The human qualities and some other aspects of the life of the Academic Vice-dean of the Estomatological Faculty and then the Head of the Provincial Information Center of Medical Sciences from Santiago de Cuba are highlighted in this work, in the period from April, 2014 to the same month in 2022.The achievements reached during her working life, since she began in the Medical University up to the present, as well as her valuable dedication to the teaching and training of different groups of students are presented, besides compiling achievements in journal MEDISAN during her leadership as Director of the Provincial Information Center up to the day of her happy retirement.

[The Role of Pharmacists as Seen from the Japan Teratology Information Center].

The Japan Drug Information Institute in Pregnancy (JDIIP) was established in 2005 as a project of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare with the aims of providing information on drug safety to women who are worried about drug use during pregnancy and creating evidence through epidemiological studies based on counseling cases. Since being established, JDIIP has made many contributions to the wellness of mothers and children by promoting the proper use of drugs during pregnancy. However, some studies have shown that this alone is not enough to meet potential needs. From now on, it is hoped that the hub hospitals in the 47 prefectures will take the lead in promoting regional pharmaceutical cooperation and striving for equalization in this field. Pharmacists will play an important role in this effort. In particular, many women consult pharmacists during lactation because they are out of touch with their obstetricians. If the wording of the section on lactating women in the package insert is faithfully explained, breastfeeding and drug therapy become incompatible. However, in most cases, it is possible to achieve both if the benefits of breastfeeding and the amount of drug transfer into milk are taken into consideration. Counseling on drug treatment during lactation is a field where pharmacists who are skilled in reading package inserts and pharmacokinetics should play an active role. The newly established the Japan Drug Information in Pregnancy Society aims to provide a place for pharmacists who do not have many opportunities to learn about this field.