Simplification of antiretroviral therapy: a good choice for our patients and the sustainability of our health care system.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the efficacy, safety, compliance and cost savings of lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy. METHOD: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study evaluating monotherapy. Adherence was calculated using an objective method. We estimated the direct costs of dispensing non-triple therapy. RESULTS: We identified 17 patients. Interval adherence was > 95% in 9 patients, 90-95% in 2 patients, 90-85% in 2 patients, and less than 85% in 4 patients. Viral load was undetectable during weeks 12, 24, 36 and 48, except in 2 patients. The CD4 count in most analytical tests remained at > 350 cells/ml, only 1 patient had a lower figure. The average savings was 4819 Euros/patient/year (range 1116 to 8700). CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, monotherapy can be a cost-effective treatment option.

[Preparation of a safety plan in a Clinical Medication Management Unit]. / Elaboración de un plan de seguridad en una unidad de gestión clínica del medicamento.

INTRODUCTION: Patient safety is seen as a priority in health care, and is becoming an increasingly complex activity, which involves potential risks. There is still no system that guarantees the absence of adverse events. The aim of this study was to prepare a Safety Plan for a Clinical Drugs Management Unit. METHOD: A risk assessment was made of the Clinical Drugs Management Unit over a 2 month period. To do this, a case form was distributed in which members of the Department reflected on the lack of safety in their working environment. The prioritising of the items selected from a risk matrix was analysed using the adapted Hanlon method. RESULTS: A total of 55 specific risks were identified in 8 sections of pharmacy: 11 chemotherapy unit, 11 single dose, 9 nursing sick bay kits, 8 pharmacotechnical, 5 traditional dispensing, 4 intravenous mixtures unit, 4 pharmacy care unit, and 3 pharmacy stores. After prioritisation, the Clinical Drugs Management Unit Safety Plan was prepared. It looked at 11 items: Pharmacotechnical area 7, single dose 1, nursing sick bay kits 1, traditional dispensing 1 and personnel management 1. CONCLUSIONS: Preparing a Safety Plan has enabled us to identify and prioritise our safety activities and in general to make health staff more aware of the importance of patient safety.