Cost-effectiveness analysis of epidural morphine/ropivacaine treatment in patients with cancer pain.

BACKGROUND: Cancer pain is one of the main causes of human suffering, which can generate disabilities and compromise quality of life, giving rise to several psychosocial and economic consequences. AIMS: This quantitative study sought to perform a cost-effectiveness pharmacoeconomic analysis to assess the impact of implanting epidural morphine associated with ropivacaine treatment in gastrointestinal cancer patients with pain that is difficult clinical control, compared with conventional oral treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 24 patients with gastrointestinal neoplasia who underwent treatment for cancer pain that was difficult to clinically control. 12 patients each were recruited into the control and intervention groups, respectively. While patients in the control group were administered drug treatment orally, patients in the intervention group underwent a surgical procedure for subcutaneous implantation of a catheter that allowed epidural administration of morphine and ropivacaine. For pain assessment, the Visual Analogue Scale was applied. Data analysis had a descriptive character of costs, taking into account the costs for the year 2021. The study perspective was the Brazilian public healthcare provider, referred to as the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de-SUS in Portuguese). Costs were computed over the time horizon corresponding to the duration of treatment, from the first medical consultation (when the treatment was defined) to the end (end of treatment, disease progression, or death). Treatment duration was divided into three phases (first 60 days, support with palliative care, and end-of-life care). To assess the robustness of the economic analysis, sensitivity analyses were performed, considering the effectiveness of pain reduction on the Visual Analogue Scale, and a comparison of results using the median prices of pharmaceutical components used in the study. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 59.3 years. The results from the cost-effectiveness analysis showed the epidural morphine/ropivacaine treatment to be more effective with regard to pain reduction on the pain scale, particularly for end-of-life care, when compared to the conventional oral treatment, however, at a significantly higher cost. DISCUSSION: From the accomplishment of this research, it was observed that the application of the pain assessment scale is a way to better interpret and understand the patient's pain, facilitating care planning and decision-making by health professionals, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of the proposed new treatment. CONCLUSION: To present a better cost-effectiveness ratio, a reduction in the cost of the new epidural technology or an increase in the value of the existing oral intervention would be required. However, the latter is not feasible and unlikely to occur. A value judgement to decide whether the incremental benefit associated with the use of the new intervention is worth the extra cost will have to be made by the healthcare provider. Interventions that can relieve cancer pain symptoms should be investigated continuously, in search of evidence to support clinical practice and promote better quality of life for patients.

[Development of an electronic device to organize medications and promote treatment adherence]. / Desenvolvimento de um dispositivo eletrônico para organizar medicamentos e promover a adesão medicamentosa.

This article describes the development of an electronic prototype to organize medications - the Electronic System for Personal and Controlled Use of Medications (Sistema Eletrônico de Uso Personalizado e Controlado de Medicamentos, SUPERMED). The prototype includes a drawer containing 1 month's supply of medicines, sound and visual medication timers, and a memory card for recording the times when the box was opened/closed (scheduled and unscheduled). This information is later transferred to a computer. Evolutionary prototyping was used to develop SUPERMED with the Arduino platform and C programming. To read alarm and box opening/closing data, software was developed in Java. Once the alarms are programmed (ideally by a health care professional), no additional adjustments are required by the patient. The prototype was tested during 31 days by the developers, with satisfactory functioning. The system seems adequate to organize medications and facilitate adherence to treatment. New studies will be carried out to validate and improve the prototype.

Medication Literacy Test for Older Adults: psychometric analysis and standardization of the new instrument.

BACKGROUND: Low medication literacy is prevalent among older adults and is associated with adverse drug events. The Medication Literacy Test for Older Adults (TELUMI) was developed and content validated in a previously published study. AIM: To evaluate the psychometric properties and provide norms for TELUMI scores. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional methodological study with older adults selected from the community and from two outpatient services. Descriptive item-analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), item response theory (IRT), reliability, and validity analysis with schooling and health literacy were performed to test the psychometric properties of the TELUMI. The classification of the TELUMI scores was performed using percentile norms. RESULTS: A total of 344 participants, with a mean age of 68.7 years (standard deviation = 6.7), were included; most were female (66.6%), black/brown (61.8%), had low schooling level (60.2%) and low income (55.2%). The EFA pointed to the one-dimensional structure of TELUMI. A three-parameter logistic model was adopted for IRT. All items had an adequate difficulty index. One item had discrimination < 0.65, and three items had an unacceptable guessing index (< 0.35) and were excluded. The 29-item version of TELUMI had excellent internal consistency (KR20 = 0.89). There was a positive and strong association between TELUMI scores and health literacy and education level. The scores were classified as inadequate medication literacy (≤ 10.0 points), medium medication literacy (11-20 points), and adequate medication literacy (≥ 21 points). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the 29-item version of TELUMI is psychometrically adequate for measuring medication literacy in older adults.

Development and content validation of the medication literacy test for older adults (TELUMI).

OBJECTIVES: Medication literacy comprises the skills needed to access, understand, and act on medication information. Low medication literacy is frequent among older adults, making them more susceptible to negative health outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the content validity of an instrument to measure medication literacy in this population. METHOD: Multistage methodological study. Items were generated according to a conceptual model and a literature review. The instrument was submitted to a panel of experts to assess item's relevance, clarity, and theoretical classification. Subsequently, the instrument was applied to the target population to assess its comprehensibility. RESULTS: Content Validity Index results indicated excellent agreement among experts on the instrument's relevance (0.98) and clarity (0.91). Overall agreement between experts regarding the theoretical subdimensions was moderate [Fleiss' kappa=0.57 (p = 0.00)]. Items were reported to be fully understood by most representatives of the target population. The final version of the instrument had 33 items divided into eight scenarios of medication use. CONCLUSION: The instrument seems to have adequate content validity and good suitability for the target population. Therefore, it can help health professionals to identify older adults with low medication literacy, aiming to improve their medication use skills.

Medication literacy: A conceptual model.

BACKGROUND: Medication literacy reflects the specific literacy skills necessary to act on medication-related information. A comprehensive and clear conceptual model that reflects medication literacy is lacking. Conceptual models describe the components that represent a construct, allowing for its understanding and providing a rationale for its measurement. OBJECTIVES: To propose a conceptual model to support the development of an instrument to measure medication literacy. METHODS: This is a three-phase methodological study. A literature review was conducted to identify the components that should be part of the preliminary conceptual model. Subsequently, the importance of its components was judged on a Likert-5 scale. Then, the model was refined, and the dimensions and subdimensions of medication literacy were defined. RESULTS: Forty-five experts were included, with a mean age of 39.9 (SD = 10.5) years, most of them females (86.7%) and pharmacists (80%). All components of the preliminary conceptual model were considered important to extremely important by most experts. "Dosing information", "medication name", and "processing the information received about their medication and acting upon medication instructions" were the components considered most important. In the refinement phase, we identified that the construct has four dimensions - functional literacy, communicative literacy, critical literacy, and numeracy, which include the subdimensions to access, understand, evaluate, calculate, and communicate medication-related information. CONCLUSIONS: The conceptual model allowed identifying the components that represent medication literacy, which will support the development of an instrument for measuring the construct in Brazil.

The use of an electronic medication organizer device with alarm to improve medication adherence of older adults with hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the use of a monthly electronic medication organizer device equipped with an alarm clock, called Electronic System for Personal and Controlled Use of Medications (Supermed), improves medication adherence of older adults with hypertension. METHODS: This is a quali-quantitative, prospective, before-and-after study performed with 32 older adult patients with diagnosis of hypertension, who were recruited at a Primary Care Unit in Brazil. RESULTS: The main outcome measures were improvement of medication adherence and blood pressure control after intervention with Supermed. Regarding medication adherence, 81.2% of patients were "less adherent" in the pre-intervention period, and 96.9% were "more adherent" in the post-intervention period. This means that 78.1% of patients changed from "less adherent" to "more adherent" after the intervention with Supermed (p<0.001). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure differences between intervention day and post-intervention were 18.5mmHg (p<0.0001) and 4.3mmHg (p<0.007), respectively, and the differences between mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure between pre-intervention and post-intervention were 21.6mmHg (p<0.001) and 4.7mmHg (p<0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of Supermed significantly improved self-reported medication adherence and blood pressure control in a hypertensive older adult population.

Suitability of new drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013 for pediatric age groups.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze suitability of new drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013 for pediatric age groups. METHODS: A descriptive study of drugs with pediatric indication included in a retrospective cohort of new drugs registered in Brazil. The evaluation of drug suitability for the pediatric age group was performed using the following criteria: suitability of dosage form and capacity to deliver the recommended dose. The drugs were considered adequate for the pediatric age groups when they met both criteria. The statistical analysis included calculation of frequencies and proportions. RESULTS: Suitability due to the drug capacity to deliver the recommended dose was greater than 80% across all age groups. Regarding suitability of the dosage form, we identified that the older the age group, the greater suitability for pediatric use. Concerning the drugs presented in solid dosage form, we showed that half were classified as inadequate for one or more pediatric age groups to whom they were indicated. The adequacy of drugs to the pediatric age group was 64.3% for preschool children, 66.7% for full-term newborns, 66.7% for premature newborns, and over 70% for other age groups. CONCLUSION: Drugs for children aged under 6 years were less often adequate, considering the dosage form and capacity to provide the recommended dose. The availability and proportional suitability of medicines for pediatric use are greater for older age groups, according to age groups the drug is registered for.

Critical Factors Associated with Morbimortality in COVID-19 Patients Attended at a Brazilian Public Hospital: a Cross-Sectional Study / Fatores Críticos Associados à Morbimortalidade em Pacientes com COVID-19 Atendidos em um Hospital Público Brasileiro: um Estudo Transversal

The association between death from Covid-19 and case management, especially in small and medium-sized municipalities, is still uncertain. To analyze sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological factors associated with death in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), from a Brazilian referral public hospital. This is a cross-sectional study, with data from the hospital records of patients (≥ 18 years old) diagnosed with COVID-19, from March 2020 to March 2021. The sample was classified according to the clinical outcome into two groups (death and discharge), among which statistical associations were performed with the variables of interest, with a 5% significance level. Factors such as need for intensive care, use of mechanical ventilation, and total length of hospital stay was related to higher hospital mortality, as well as the permanence of changes in clinical laboratory testing, including lactic acid, D-dimer, markers of hepatic and renal function, C-Reactive protein, anemia, leukocytosis, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, pH, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) (P < 0.05). Medications used most frequently in the studied hospital for the treatment of COVID-19, such as enoxaparin, dexamethasone, ivermectin, acetylcysteine, chloroquine, and clarithromycin were correlated with morbimortality (P < 0.05). Clinical outcome was influenced by patient-related factors, such as age and comorbidities, however, therapeutic interventions and the choice of medication also impacted morbimortality. These results reinforce the need for preventive actions and adequate clinical protocols in the treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.(AU)

A associação entre o óbito pela Covid-19 e o manejo dos casos, principalmente em municípios de pequeno e médio porte, ainda é incerta. Analisar os fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e farmacológicos associados à morte em pacientes com a doença do Coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) em um hospital público brasileiro de referência. Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com dados dos prontuários de pacientes (≥ 18 anos) diagnosticados com COVID-19 no período de março de 2020 a março de 2021. A amostra foi classificada de acordo com o desfecho clínico em dois grupos (óbito e alta) e foram realizados testes de associação estatística com as variáveis de interesse com nível de significância de 5%. Fatores como necessidade de terapia intensiva, uso de ventilação mecânica e tempo total de internação estiveram relacionados com maior mortalidade hospitalar, assim como a permanência de alterações nos exames laboratoriais clínicos, incluindo ácido lático, D-dímero, marcadores de função hepática e renal, proteína C reativa, anemia, leucocitose, linfopenia, trombocitopenia, pH e saturação de oxigênio no sangue (SpO2) (P < 0,05). Os medicamentos utilizados com maior frequência no hospital para o tratamento de COVID-19, como enoxaparina, dexametasona, ivermectina, acetilcisteína, cloroquina e claritromicina, foram correlacionados com morbimortalidade (P < 0,05). O desfecho clínico foi influenciado por fatores relacionados ao paciente, como idade e comorbidades, porém as intervenções terapêuticas e a escolha dos medicamentos também impactaram na morbimortalidade. Esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de ações preventivas e protocolos clínicos adequados no tratamento de pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19.(AU)

Postmarketing Safety Events Relating to New Drugs Approved in Brazil Between 2003 and 2013: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This study investigated postmarketing safety events (PMSEs) for new drugs approved in Brazil and evaluated whether a range of drug characteristics influenced the time between approval and the first PMSE. This retrospective study included new drugs registered between 2003 and 2013 by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), which is responsible for medicines approval in Brazil. PMSEs were defined as any drug safety alert or drug withdrawal from the market. The existence of risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Brazil were recorded. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve of the period between the date of ANVISA registration and the PMSE was calculated. We found a statistically significant difference between the time to PMSE for drugs with an FDA REMS compared with those without a REMS, with a log rank value (Mantel Cox) of 0.002. There was no association between the time to PMSE and the other drug characteristics investigated. This study demonstrated that the frequency of PMSEs for new drugs approved by ANVISA was statistically associated with the existence of an FDA REMS. The time between approval and first PMSE was shorter for drugs with an FDA REMS, and this finding may contribute to improved awareness of the risk/benefit balance required to ensure continued safe and effective use of new drugs.

Farmacêutico na farmácia básica: garantia de qualidade na assistência farmacêutica? / Pharmacist in Primary Health Care: quality assurance in Pharmaceutical Services?

A Assistência Farmacêutica se volta à promoção, proteção e recuperação da saúde por meio de atividades técnico-gerenciais e clínico-assistenciais. A atuação do farmacêutico nas unidades básicas de saúde parece favorecer esse processo, embora alguns municípios optem por não o incluir no quadro de recursos humanos das farmácias na atenção primária à saúde. Nesse contexto, ao realizar uma pesquisa para avaliar o acesso e o uso dos medicamentos em municípios de Minas Gerais, nosso grupo de pesquisa verificou que a presença do farmacêutico nas farmácias básicas tem influenciado sobre a qualidade dos produtos e serviços oferecidos nesses estabelecimentos. Um instrumento padronizado foi utilizado na coleta de dados e indicadores foram selecionados para avaliar qualidade no âmbito técnico-gerencial e clínico-assistencial. Como resultado, observou-se que a presença do farmacêutico nesses estabelecimentos não influenciou sobre a qualidade da Assistência Farmacêutica. Lacunas na formação desses profissionais podem estar comprometendo a atuação do farmacêutico em consonância com as necessidades do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Pharmaceutical Assistance is focused on health promotion, health protection and recovery through technical-managerial, and clinical-care activities. The role of pharmacists in basic health units seems to favor this process, although some municipalities choose not to include them in the human resources framework of pharmacies in primary health care. When conducting a survey to assess the access and use of medicines in municipalities of Minas Gerais, our research group verified that the presence of pharmacists in basic pharmacies has influenced the quality of products and services offered in these establishments. A standardized instrument was used for data collection and indicators were selected to assess quality in the technical-managerial and clinical-care areas. As a result, it was observed that the presence of the pharmacist in these establishments did not influence the quality of Pharmaceutical Services. Gaps in the training of these professionals may be compromising the pharmacist's performance in line with the needs of the Unified Health System.

New drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013: analysis from the perspective of child health

This study aims to analyze the new drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013 from the perspective of childcare needs, drug safety and considering the disease burden of the country. This is a retrospective cohort study including new drugs registered in Brazil between 2003 and 2013. Drug indications were related to the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) of the 2015 Global Burden of Disease Study. Association between the number of new drugs and DALY was determined by Spearman's coefficient. Post-marketing safety alerts specific to the pediatric population have been identified in the WHO Drug Information Bulletin and on websites of drug regulatory agencies. A total of 134 new drugs were included in the cohort and 46 (34.3%) had a pediatric indication. There was no evidence of an association between the disease burden in children in Brazil and the number of pediatric drugs. The safety alert data associated with the pediatric population published after registration of the new drugs were scarce. The number of new drugs launched in Brazil with a pediatric indication was small, reflecting the international challenges of developing effective and safe medicines for children. No association was found between the number of new drugs and the disease burden.

The use of an electronic medication organizer device with alarm to improve medication adherence of older adults with hypertension / Uso de um dispositivo eletrônico organizador de medicamentos com alarme para melhorar a adesão medicamentosa de idosos com hipertensão

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine whether the use of a monthly electronic medication organizer device equipped with an alarm clock, called Electronic System for Personal and Controlled Use of Medications (Supermed), improves medication adherence of older adults with hypertension. Methods: This is a quali-quantitative, prospective, before-and-after study performed with 32 older adult patients with diagnosis of hypertension, who were recruited at a Primary Care Unit in Brazil. Results: The main outcome measures were improvement of medication adherence and blood pressure control after intervention with Supermed. Regarding medication adherence, 81.2% of patients were "less adherent" in the pre-intervention period, and 96.9% were "more adherent" in the post-intervention period. This means that 78.1% of patients changed from "less adherent" to "more adherent" after the intervention with Supermed (p<0.001). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure differences between intervention day and post-intervention were 18.5mmHg (p<0.0001) and 4.3mmHg (p<0.007), respectively, and the differences between mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure between pre-intervention and post-intervention were 21.6mmHg (p<0.001) and 4.7mmHg (p<0.001) respectively. Conclusion: The use of Supermed significantly improved self-reported medication adherence and blood pressure control in a hypertensive older adult population.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se o uso de um dispositivo organizador de medicamentos eletrônico, mensal, equipado com um despertador, chamado Sistema Eletrônico para Uso Personalizado e Controlado de Medicamentos (Supermed), melhora a adesão à medicação de idosos com hipertensão. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo qualiquantitativo, prospectivo, antes e depois, realizado com 32 pacientes idosos, com diagnóstico de hipertensão, recrutados em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do Brasil. Resultados: Os principais desfechos foram a melhor adesão à medicação e o controle da pressão arterial após a intervenção com Supermed. Quanto à adesão medicamentosa, 81,2% dos pacientes eram "menos aderentes" no período pré-intervenção, e 96,9% eram "mais aderentes" no período pós-intervenção. Isso significa que 78,1% dos pacientes mudaram de "menos aderentes" para "mais aderentes" após a intervenção com Supermed (p<0,001). As diferenças da pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica média entre o dia da intervenção e pós-intervenção foram 18,5mmHg (p<0,0001) e 4,3mmHg (p<0,007), respectivamente, e as diferenças entre as médias da pressões arteriais sistólica e diastólica entre os períodos pré-intervenção e pós-intervenção foram de 21,6mmHg (p<0,001) e 4,7mmHg (p<0,001), respectivamente. Conclusão: O uso de Supermed melhorou de forma significativa a adesão medicamentosa e o controle da pressão arterial em uma população idosa hipertensa.

Educação em saúde para idosos de um grupo de terceira idade em Governador Valadares: enfoque no uso racional de medicamentos / Health education for a group of elderly in Governador Valadares: focus on the rational use of medicines

Os idosos frequentemente apresentam doenças que requerem a administração de vários medicamentos. A ampla utilização da farmacoterapia contribui para o aparecimento de problemas relacionados ao uso de medicamentos na população idosa. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar as atividades de educação em saúde, com enfoque no uso racional de medicamentos, desenvolvidas com o grupo de idosos do Serviço Social do Comércio (SESC) de Governador Valadares. As intervenções foram conduzidas por docentes e discentes do Núcleo de Estudos da Pessoa Idosa (NEPI) da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora campus Governador Valadares. Foram realizados jogos de tabuleiro, feiras, oficinas e rodas de conversa. Acredita-se que a experiência promoveu impacto positivo no conhecimento dos idosos contribuindo para melhorar a qualidade de vida desta crescente parcela da população, influenciando ainda na formação dos estudantes, tornando-os mais conscientes sobre as questões relacionadas ao envelhecimento.

Elderly people often have diseases that require the administration of various medicines. The widespread use of pharmacotherapy contributes to the emergence of drug-related problems in the elderly population. The aim of this study is to report on health education activities, focused on the rational use of medicines, developed with the group of elderly people from Social Service of Commerce (SESC) of Governador Valadares. The interventions were conducted by lecturers and students from the Center for the Study of the Elderly Person (NEPI) of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares campus. Board games, fairs, workshops and conversation circles were held. It is believed that the experience had a positive impact on the knowledge of the elderly, contributing to improve the quality of life of this growing part of the population, also influencing the training of students, making them more aware of issues related to aging.

Suitability of new drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013 for pediatric age groups / Adequação às faixas etárias pediátricas de medicamentos novos registrados no Brasil de 2003 a 2013

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze suitability of new drugs registered in Brazil from 2003 to 2013 for pediatric age groups. Methods A descriptive study of drugs with pediatric indication included in a retrospective cohort of new drugs registered in Brazil. The evaluation of drug suitability for the pediatric age group was performed using the following criteria: suitability of dosage form and capacity to deliver the recommended dose. The drugs were considered adequate for the pediatric age groups when they met both criteria. The statistical analysis included calculation of frequencies and proportions. Results Suitability due to the drug capacity to deliver the recommended dose was greater than 80% across all age groups. Regarding suitability of the dosage form, we identified that the older the age group, the greater suitability for pediatric use. Concerning the drugs presented in solid dosage form, we showed that half were classified as inadequate for one or more pediatric age groups to whom they were indicated. The adequacy of drugs to the pediatric age group was 64.3% for preschool children, 66.7% for full-term newborns, 66.7% for premature newborns, and over 70% for other age groups. Conclusion Drugs for children aged under 6 years were less often adequate, considering the dosage form and capacity to provide the recommended dose. The availability and proportional suitability of medicines for pediatric use are greater for older age groups, according to age groups the drug is registered for.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a adequação às faixas etárias pediátricas dos medicamentos novos registrados no Brasil no período de 2003 a 2013. Métodos Estudo descritivo dos medicamentos com indicação pediátrica incluídos em uma coorte retrospectiva de medicamentos novos registrados no Brasil. A avaliação da adequação do medicamento à faixa etária pediátrica foi realizada empregando os seguintes critérios: adequação da forma farmacêutica e capacidade de fornecer a dose recomendada. Os medicamentos foram considerados adequados às faixas etárias pediátricas quando preencheram os dois critérios. A análise estatística compreendeu cálculo de frequências e proporções. Resultados A adequação devido à capacidade do medicamento fornecer a dose recomendada foi superior a 80% em todas as faixas etárias. Em relação à adequação da forma farmacêutica, identificou-se que quanto maior a faixa etária, maior a proporção de adequação para uso pediátrico. Em relação aos medicamentos que se apresentavam em formas farmacêuticas sólidas, evidenciou-se que metade foi classificada como inadequada para uma ou mais faixas etárias pediátricas para as quais estavam indicados. A adequação dos medicamentos à faixa etária pediátrica foi 64,3% para pré-escolares, 66,7% para recém-nascidos a termo, 66,7% para recém-nascidos prematuros e superior a 70% para as demais faixas etárias. Conclusão Os medicamentos destinados às crianças menores de 6 anos apresentaram menor frequência de adequação, considerando a forma farmacêutica e a capacidade de fornecer a dose recomendada. A disponibilidade e a proporção de adequação dos medicamentos para uso pediátrico aumentam com a elevação da faixa etária para a qual o medicamento é registrado.

Adherence to medication before and after the use of a Drug-Dispensing System with usage control / Adesão à medicação antes e após o uso de um sistema de dispensação de drogas com controle de uso

The aim of the present work was to assess the adherence to medication from polymedicated patients before and after the use of a Drug-dispensing System with Usage Control (DDSUC) and compare the levels of the clinical parameters - blood pressure, postprandial glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides and cholesterol. DDSUC consisted of a monthly drug-dispensing package, in the shape of a blister with a calendar. This quasi-experimental study was performed in a Basic Health Unit. Twenty four patients were selected to use DDSUC for 4 months. Medication adherence was assessed through Morisky-Green test. Among the participants of the study, 62.5% were women and the average age was 67 years old. Before the use of DDSUC, 83.3% of the patients were considered as "less adherent". After the use of the system, 100% were considered as "more adherent" (p < 0.01), the means of the systolic blood pressure decreased 23.7 mmHg (p=0.000), the diastolic blood pressure decreased 12.1 mmHg (p=0.004) and glycemia diminished 79.3 mg/dl (p=0.000). The use of DDSUC improved the adherence to medication and decreased the values of the clinical parameters, making patients safer when it comes to respecting the correct use of their medication...

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso de pacientes polimedicados antes e após o uso de um Sistema de Dispensação de Medicamentos e Controle de Uso (SDMCU) e comparar os níveis dos parâmetros clínicos - pressão arterial, glicemia pós-prandial, hemoglobina glicada, triglicérides e colesterol. O SDMCU foi constituído por uma embalagem mensal de dispensação de medicamentos, em forma de blister com calendário. Este estudo, do tipo quase-experimental, foi realizado em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Selecionaram-se 24 pacientes para utilizar o SDMCU por 4 meses. A adesão medicamentosa foi avaliada através do Teste de Morisky e Green. Entre os participantes do estudo, 62,5% eram mulheres e a idade média foi de 67 anos. Antes do uso do SDMCU, 83,3% dos pacientes foram considerados "menos aderentes". Após o uso do sistema, 100% foram considerados "mais aderentes" (p<0,01), a média da pressão arterial sistólica diminuiu 23,7 mmHg (p=0,000), a diastólica diminuiu 12,1 mmHg (p=0,004) e a glicemia diminuiu 79,3 mg/dL (p=0,000). O uso do SDMCU melhorou a adesão medicamentosa e diminuiu os valores dos parâmetros clínicos, proporcionando aos pacientes uma segurança no que diz respeito à utilização correta de seus medicamentos...

Interações medicamentosas em prescrições de idosos hipertensos: prevalência e significância clínica / Drug interactions in prescriptions for elderly hypertensive patients: prevalence and clinical significance / Interacciones medicamentosas en prescripciones de ancianos hipertensos: prevalencia y significado clínico

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prevalência e significância clínica de interações medicamentosas identificadas nas prescrições de pacientes idosos hipertensos. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, realizado na Unidade Básica de Saúde Dom Mielle da cidade de Ribeirão Preto, Estado de São Paulo, de julho a dezembro de 2011. As interações foram identificadas empregando o software Drug-Reax® da Micromedex e classificadas quanto à gravidade, documentação e tempo de início. Utilizou-se o software SAS®9.0 para análise estatística descritiva. Dos 40 pacientes do estudo, 65% eram mulheres e a mediana de idade foi 71 anos (DP=5,9). A média de medicamentos prescritos por paciente foi de 7,5 (DP=2,8). Todos apresentaram, no mínimo, uma interação medicamentosa. Do total de 169 interações identificadas, 17,1% eram graves. A ocorrência de interações medicamentosas foi elevada nos pacientes investigados. A equipe de saúde deve identificar as interações de significância clínica e implementar medidas para a sua prevenção e monitorização.

This study examined the prevalence and clinical significance of drug interactions identified in prescriptions of elderly hypertensive patients. This descriptive study was conducted at the Dom Mielle Primary Health Care Unit in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, from July to December 2011. Interactions were identified using Drug-Reax® Micromedex software and classified by severity, time of onset and documentation. SAS®9.0 software was used for descriptive statistics. Of the 40 patients studied, 65.0% were women and the median age was 71.0 (SD = 5.9) years. The average number of drugs prescribed per patient was 7.5 (SD = 2.8); all patients had at least one drug interaction. Of the 169 interactions identified, 17.1% were severe. The occurrence of drug interactions was high in the patients studied. Healthcare teams must identify drug interactions of clinical significance and implement measures to prevent and monitor them.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la prevalencia y relevancia clínica de interacciones de drogas identificada sen las prescripciones de pacientes ancianos con hipertensión. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, realizado en la Unidad Básica de Salud Dom Mielle en la ciudad de Ribeirão Preto, Estado de São Paulo –Brasil, de julio a diciembre de 2011. Las interacciones se identificaron usando el software Drug-Reax® Micromedex y clasificados por la gravedad, el tiempo de inicio y la documentación. Se utilizó el software SAS®9.0 para estadístico descriptivo. De los 40 pacientes estudiados, 65% eran mujeres y la edad mediana fue de 71,0 (SD=5,9) años. El número promedio de medicamentos prescritos por paciente fue de 7,5 (SD=2,8). Todos tenían, al menos, una interacción medicamentosa. Del total de 169 interacciones, 17,1% fueron graves. La aparición de las interacciones de drogas fue alta en los pacientes investigados. El equipo de salud debe identificar las interacciones farmacológicas de importancia clínica y aplicar medidas para su prevención y control.

Interações medicamentosas potenciais em pacientes de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva / Potential drug interactions in Intensive Care Unit patients

O objetivo do estudo é determinar a frequência de interações fármaco-fármaco em prescrições de pacientes internados em unidades de terapia intensiva e analisar os fatores associados relativos à farmacoterapia e ao paciente. O estudo descritivo transversal foi realizado em dois hospitais de ensino da região centro oeste do Brasil. As interações medicamentosas potenciais foram identificadas nas prescrições do primeiro dia (24 horas) e do quinto dia (120 horas) de internação empregando o software Drug Reax. Dos 117 pacientes do estudo, 63,2% apresentaram interações medicamentosas potenciais nas primeiras 24 horas de internação e 68,4% pacientes em 120 horas. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre o número de medicamentos prescritos e a ocorrência de interações medicamentosas nos dois momentos de internação. O estudo demonstrou que a prevalência de interações fármaco-fármaco foi elevada nos hospitais investigados e que a chance de interação aumentou com o número de medicamentos prescritos, número de diagnósticos e idade maior que 60 anos. O conhecimento do mecanismo farmacológico e dos fatores de risco para interações medicamentosas potenciais contribuem para aumentar a segurança e efetividade do tratamento. Para ampliar a segurança da farmacoterapia, é essencial implementar estratégias que auxiliem a equipe de saúde a identificar as interações e implementar medidas de prevenção e monitorização de pacientes em riscos de desenvolver interações medicamentosas. A atuação do farmacêutico clínico na unidade de terapia intensiva é uma ferramenta importante para a prevenção, identificação e monitorização das interações medicamentosas.

The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of drug-drug interactions in the prescriptions of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of two university hospitals and to analyze the associated factors related to the pharmacotherapy and the patient. This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in two university hospitals in the Midwest region of Brazil. Potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) were identified in prescriptions issued on the first day (24 hours) and on the fifth day (120 hours) of hospitalization, with the aid of the program Drug Reax. Out of 117 patients in the study, 63.2% had potential DDIs in the first 24 hours of hospitalization and 68.4% in 120 hours. There was a statistically significant association between the number of drugs prescribed and the occurrence of drug interactions in the two periods assessed. The study showed that the prevalence of drug interactions was high in the hospitals investigated and that the chance of interaction increased with the number of drugs prescribed, number of diagnoses and age over 60 years. Knowledge of the pharmacological mechanisms and risk factors for potential drug interactions contributes to the safety and effectiveness of treatment. To increase the safety of pharmacotherapy, it is essential to implement strategies that help the health team to identify the interactions and take preventive measures, and to monitor patients at risk of DDIs. A clinical pharmacist present in the ICU plays an important part in the prevention, identification and monitoring of drug interactions.

Avaliação da adesão medicamentosa de pacientes idosos hipertensos em uso de polifarmácia / Evaluation of adherence to medication among elderly hypertensive patients treated through polypharmacy

Fundamentos: A polifarmácia e a não adesão medicamentosa podem gerar complicações para a saúde do idoso. Compreender os padrões de utilização de medicamentos é fundamental para garantir a segurança do paciente. Objetivos: Verificar o perfil de utilização de medicamentos em grupo de pacientes idosos, hipertensos, atendidos em Unidade Básica de Saúde e avaliar a adesão medicamentosa e o conhecimento desses idosos com relação ao tratamento medicamentoso prescrito. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo, com 32 pacientes idosos hipertensos em uso de polifarmácia. Os medicamentos utilizados foram classificados de acordo com o sistema Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical. A adesão foi avaliada pelo teste de Morisky e Greene realizou-se o controle da pressão arterial.Resultados: A média de idade dos idosos foi71,4±5,6 anos. Foram utilizados 8,0±2,3 tipos diferentes de medicamentos por dia e a classe mais utilizada foi a cardiovascular (50,2 %). Em relação à adesão, 81,2 % foram considerados “menos aderentes”. O teste do conhecimento em relação ao tratamento prescrito apresentou pontuação média de 39,9±17,7 %. A média da pressão arterial sistólica foi 151,9±15,4 mmHg e da diastólica foi 78,9±10,1 mmHg. Conclusões: O número de medicamentos utilizados pelos idosos foi alto, enquanto a adesão medicamentosa e o conhecimento com relação ao tratamento medicamentoso prescrito foram baixos. Considera-se importante o desenvolvimento de estudos de intervenções que possam auxiliar o uso correto dos medicamentos, minimizando os riscos da polifarmácia e melhorando a adesão.

Background: Polypharmacy and non-adherence to medication may cause health complications among the elderly. Understanding medication use patterns is vital for ensuring patient safety. Objectives: To assess medication use profiles in agroup of elderly hypertensive patients under treatment at a Basic Health Unit in Brazil, evaluating their adherence to medication and knowledge of prescribed drug treatments. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of 32 elderly hypertensive patients taking multiple drugs. These medications were classified by the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical system, while adherence was assessed by the Morisky and Greentest, with arterial blood pressure control. Results: Their average age was 71.4±5.6 years, takingan average of 8.0±2.3 different types of drugs, mainlycardiovascular (50.2%). In terms of adherence, 81.2%were rated as ‘less adherent’, with average scores of39.9±17.7% in the prescribed treatment knowledge test. The average blood pressure was 151.9±15.4 mmHg(systolic) and 78.9±10.1 mmHg (diastolic). Conclusions: The number of medications taken by these elderly patients was high, with poor adherenceto drug treatment and little knowledge of their prescribed medications. It is important to conductint ervention studies that would help ensure correct drug use, lessening polypharmacy risks while enhancing adherence.