A collaborative pharmacist-led intervention to prevent hospital readmissions among elderly patients discharged from the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study.

Unplanned hospital readmission is a safety and quality healthcare measure, conferring significant costs to the healthcare system. Elderly individuals, particularly, are at high risk of readmissions, often due to issues related to medication management. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in addressing medication-related concerns, which can potentially reduce readmissions. This retrospective single-centre cohort study, conducted from November 2022 to February 2023 in an emergency department, aimed to determine if integrating emergency medicine pharmacists into Emergency Department care models reduces unplanned hospital readmissions within 28 days and to identify the interventions they employ. The inclusion criteria included patients aged ≥ 65, taking ≥ 3 medications, and presenting with falls, cognition changes, or reduced mobility and were planned for discharge to home from the emergency department. Collaborating with the Emergency Department Aged Care Service Emergency Team, a pharmacist provided comprehensive medication management consultations, discharge liaison services, and other pharmacy related interventions to eligible participants whenever the pharmacist was available. Patients who met the eligibility criteria but did not receive pharmacist interventions due to the pharmacist's unavailability served as the control group. This method was chosen to ensure that the control group consisted of comparable patients who only differed in terms of receiving the pharmacist intervention. The study included 210 participants, with 120 receiving pharmacist interventions and 90 acting as controls. The results revealed a significant reduction in unplanned hospital readmissions among participants who received pharmacist interventions (10.0%, n = 12) compared to controls (22.2%, n = 20), with a notable difference of 12.2% (95% confidence interval 2.4-23.4%, p = 0.01). A total of 107 interventions were documented, emphasising medication selection recommendations (28.0%) and identification of adverse drug reactions/drug-drug interactions (21.5%) as primary areas of focus. These findings suggest that integrating skilled pharmacists into Emergency Department Aged Care Service Emergency Team (ASET) lowered the rate of unplanned hospital readmission within 28 days resulting in improved hospital performance metric outcomes. This highlights the potential role of pharmacists in addressing medication-related issues and enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare delivery, particularly for elderly patients transitioning from the ED to home care settings.

A survey on the implementation of clinical medication reviews in community pharmacies within a multidisciplinary setting.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is common in chronic medication users, which increases the risk of drug related problems. A suitable intervention is the clinical medication review (CMR) that was introduced in the Netherlands in 2012, but the effectiveness might be hindered by limited implementation in community pharmacies. Therefore our aim was to describe the current implementation of CMRs in Dutch community pharmacies and to identify barriers to the implementation. METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and consisted of 58 questions with open ended, multiple choice or Likert-scale answering options. It was sent out to all Dutch community pharmacies (n = 1,953) in January 2021. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: A total of 289 (14.8%) community pharmacies filled out the questionnaire. Most of the pharmacists agreed that a CMR has a positive effect on the quality of pharmacotherapy (91.3%) and on medication adherence (64.3%). Pharmacists structured CMRs according to available selection criteria or guidelines (92%). Pharmacists (90%) believed that jointly conducting a CMR with a general practitioner (GP) improved their mutual relationship, whereas 21% believed it improved the relationship with a medical specialist. Lack of time was reported by 43% of pharmacists and 80% (fully) agreed conducting CMRs with a medical specialist was complicated. Most pharmacists indicated that pharmacy technicians can assist in performing CMRs, but they rarely do in practice. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of time and suboptimal collaboration with medical specialists are the most important barriers to the implementation of CMRs.

Pharmacist-led medication management services: a qualitative exploration of transition-of-care cardiovascular disease patient experiences.

OBJECTIVE: Hospitalisation due to medication-related problems is a major health concern, particularly for those with pre-existing, or those at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Postdischarge medication reviews (PDMRs) may form a core component of reducing hospital readmissions due to medication-related problems. This study aimed to explore postdischarge CVD patients' perspectives of, and experiences with, pharmacist-led medication management services. A secondary aim explored attitudes towards the availability of PDMRs. DESIGN: An interpretative qualitative study involving 16 semistructured interviews. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. SETTING: Patients with CVD discharged to a community setting from the John Hunter Hospital, an 820-bed tertiary referral hospital based in New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with pre-existing or newly diagnosed CVD who were recently discharged from the hospital. RESULTS: A total of 16 interviews were conducted to reach thematic saturation. Nine participants (56%) were male. The mean age of participants was 57.5 (±13.2) years. Three emergent themes were identified: (1) poor medication understanding impacts transition from the hospital to home; (2) factors influencing medication concordance following discharge and (3) perceived benefits of routine PDMRs. CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear need to further improve the quality use of medicines and health literacy of transition-of-care patients with CVD. Our findings indicate that the engagement of transition-of-care patients with CVD with pharmacist-led medication management services is minimal. Pharmacists are suitable to provide essential and tailored medication review services to patients with CVD as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team. The implementation of routine, pharmacist-led PDMRs may be a feasible means of providing patients with access to health education following their transition from hospital back to community, improving their health literacy and reducing rehospitalisations due to medication-related issues.

Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms: Implementing Medication Management in Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar.

PURPOSE: To implement the Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) 4Ms framework, focusing on Medication and its impact on Mobility, Mentation, and What Matters, within Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar. METHOD: A quality improvement approach was used to implement, extend, and sustain the AFHS 4Ms framework at Hamad Medical Corporation. The Medication "M" was described as the use case to illustrate the impact of high-risk medications on Mobility, Mentation, and What Matters, using an evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach. RESULTS: Implementation of the AFHS 4Ms framework revealed success in aligning multidisciplinary teams to prioritize patient-centered care and caregiver engagement. Through this collaboration, a process map, modified medication screening tool, documentation templates, and educational efforts were developed. CONCLUSION: Applying the AFHS 4Ms framework into health care settings is crucial to improve the care of older adults. Medication management is a cornerstone, involving interdisciplinary team input during screening and act phases to ensure proper medication prescribing and use in older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(6), 6-9.].

Simplifying medication regimens for residents of aged care facilities: Pharmacist and physician use of a structured five-step medication simplification tool.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacist-led medication regimen simplification using a structured approach can reduce unnecessary medication regimen complexity in residential aged care facilities (RACFs), but no studies have investigated simplification by different health professionals, nor the extent to which simplification is recommended during comprehensive medication reviews. OBJECTIVES: To compare medication regimen simplification opportunities identified by pharmacists, general medical practitioners (GPs), and geriatricians and to determine if pharmacists identified simplification opportunities during routinely conducted comprehensive medication reviews in RACFs for these same residents. METHODS: Three pharmacists, three GPs and three geriatricians independently applied the Medication Regimen Simplification Guide for Residential Aged CarE (MRS GRACE) to medication data for 83 residents taking medications at least twice daily. Interrater agreement was calculated using Fleiss's kappa. Pharmacist medication review reports for the same 83 residents were then examined to identify if the pharmacists conducting these reviews had recommended any of the simplification strategies. RESULTS: Overall, 77 residents (92.8 %) taking medications at least twice daily could have their medication regimen simplified by at least one health professional. Pharmacists independently simplified 53.0-77.1 % of medication regimens (Κ = 0.60, 95%CI 0.46-0.75, indicating substantial agreement), while GPs simplified 74.7-89.2 % (Κ = 0.44, 95%CI 0.24-0.64, moderate agreement) and geriatricians simplified 41.0-66.3 % (Κ = 0.30, 95%CI 0.16-0.44, fair agreement). No simplification recommendations were included in the reports previously prepared by pharmacists as part of the comprehensive medication reviews undertaken for these residents. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists, GPs, and geriatricians can all identify medication regimen simplification opportunities, although these opportunities differ within and between professional groups. Although opportunities to simplify medication regimens during comprehensive medication reviews exist, simplification is not currently routinely recommended by pharmacists performing these reviews in Australian RACFs.

Implementation of a Pilot PharmD Medication Optimization Telehealth Clinic Within a Veterans Affairs System.

Background Patients older than 65 years of age with an anticipated life-expectancy of 12 months or less may have complex medication regimens and an increased risk of adverse drug reactions, and drug-drug interactions. Within the Department of Veterans Affairs, a commonly used medication optimization model is known as the VIONE methodology. Objective This project aimed to pilot implementation of board-certified clinical pharmacist practitioners utilizing the VIONE model within a patient-aligned care team targeting patients 65 years of age and older. Methods The population was identified through the VIONE dashboards. Veteran inclusion criteria included five or more medications, a VIONE risk score of 5 or greater, and CAN scores of greater than 90. The project team reached out via telephone to the patients for a medication regimen review and a 14-day follow-up call. Primary outcomes were quantity of medications discontinued per patient, classes of medications that were discontinued, number and encounter time spent, and cost avoidance over 1 year. Secondary outcomes were VIONE classification of medications, VIONE discontinuation reason, number of recommendations given and accepted by primary provider, and safety analysis. Results There were 53 patients who were successfully contacted via telephone. The top four most discontinued medication classes included 1) vitamins/supplements, 2) ophthalmology medications, 3) gastrointestinal medications, and 4) non-controlled analgesic medications. During the project period the potential cost avoidance over 1 year was $17,716. CONCLUSION: This project demonstrated that usage of VIONE methodology ensures medication optimization with minimal harm and provides significant cost savings in the ambulatory care setting.

Impact of automated dispensing solutions in long-term care facilities and closed-door pharmacies: A mixed methods study of medication management.

BACKGROUND: Financial, operational, and clinical workflow impacts of deploying an automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) in long-term care (LTC) facilities based on actual observations have not been documented in peer-reviewed literature. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of a closed-door pharmacy (CDP) implementing an ADC with unique secure, removable, and transportable locked pockets in an unstudied setting (LTC facilities) for management of first and emergency dose medications. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: This study was conducted in 1 CDP and 2 LTC facilities. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Enhancing emergency medication management and inventory tracking in an unstudied setting through implementation of an ADC system featuring unique electronically encoded medication storage pockets that can be prepared in the CDP, locked and securely transported to the LTC, and when inserted into ADC it informs staff of its presence, position, and contents. EVALUATION METHODS: Mixed methods, pre- and poststudy to assess the impact of replacing manual emergency medication kits with an ADC. Outcomes were evaluated using rapid ethnography with workflow modeling; inventory and delivery reports; a nursing perception survey; and transactional data from the ADC during postimplementation phase. RESULTS: Pharmacy technician preparation time and pharmacist checking time decreased by 59% and 80%, respectively, and standing inventory was reduced by more than $10,000 combined for the CDP and 2 LTCs by replacing emergency medication kits with the ADC. In the LTCs, this change led to a 71% reduction in emergency medication retrieval time, an increase in emergency medication utilization, and a 96% reduction in the cost of unscheduled deliveries. Over 70% of the nurses surveyed favored replacement of the emergency medication kits with the ADC system. CONCLUSION: Replacing manual emergency medication kit with the described ADC system improved workflow efficiency in the CDP and LTC. It also significantly reduced unscheduled (STAT) deliveries and standing inventory and increased the availability of medications commonly used.

Exploring the implementation of a novel community pharmacist-led support service for people living with severe and persistent mental illness.

BACKGROUND: Community pharmacists are well-placed to promote and provide mental health medication management services. However, literature evaluating the impact of pharmacy services in supporting people living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) is currently limited. An individualised, goal-oriented pharmacist-led support service that focused on improving the physical and mental health of consumers living with SPMI, namely the PharMIbridge intervention, was provided to consumer participants as part of the PharMIbridge Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT). OBJECTIVE(S): To explore the experiences of the participants who delivered and supported the implementation of the PharMIbridge intervention and propose ideas and supports needed for broader implementation and sustainability of pharmacist-led support services for people living with SPMI. METHODS: Interviews and focus group discussions were undertaken with PharMIbridge pharmacists and mentors, respectively. Audio-recordings were de-identified and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was conducted using an iterative, inductive approach. The key themes identified were furthered divided into subthemes. Subthemes were then mapped to the EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment) framework. RESULTS: Data were collected from one focus group involving six RCT mentors and 16 semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists. Five overarching themes emerged: "Training needs", "Pharmacist integration within the healthcare system", "Environmental factors", "Attitudes and behaviour" and "Pharmacy operations". Twelve subthemes were mapped to EPIS phases "Preparation", "Implementation" and "Sustainment" and EPIS constructs "Outer" context, "Inner" context and "Bridging" factors. CONCLUSION: Adequate remuneration and supports to encourage healthcare professional collaboration are necessary to establish and sustain functioning, integrated pharmacy mental health services. A shift in pharmacy business and workflow models is necessary to support community pharmacies to implement mental health services. In addition, there is a need to promote psychological support services to ensure that pharmacists are well supported while delivering pharmacy mental health services.

Metodología Lean: diseño y evaluación de un modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de medicación / LEAN methodology: design and assessment of a standardized medication storage model

OBJETIVO: El objetivo del estudio es evaluar los resultados de la aplica-ción de la metodología Lean en el diseño de un modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de medicación en las unidades de hospitalización. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo desarrollado entre septiembre de 2017 y enero de 2019 en un hospital de tercer nivel. Se creó un equipo multidisciplinar liderado por el Servicio de Farmacia. Se empleó la metodología Lean para establecer los elementos y criterios de organización e identificación que conformaron el modelo estandarizado de almacenaje de medicación. Se revisaron y cuantificaron los stocks de cada unidad de hospitalización, se consensuó la medicación con la supervisora de cada unidad y se estimó el impacto económico de la implantación del modelo estandarizado. Se diseñó y envió una encuesta para evaluar la satisfacción de enfermería con el nuevo modelo. RESULTADOS: El modelo estandarizado de almacenaje se aplicó en 20 unidades de enfermería y supuso una reducción global del 56,72% en el número de presentaciones de principios activos disponibles (5.688 versus2.462). Se disminuyó el número de presentaciones de principios activos de medicamentos de alto riesgo en un 40,73% (631 versus 374). La eliminación de este despilfarro supuso un ahorro económico de 25.357,98 (Euro). Se recibieron 58 respuestas a la encuesta de satisfacción del personal de enfermería (20,70% del total de encuestas enviadas), de las que un 22,40% correspondieron al turno fijo y 77,60% al turno rotativo. La media de la satisfacción global (valorada entre 1 y 10) fue de 5,79 ± 3,61. CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación de la metodología Lean es útil para la gestión de stocks de medicación de las unidades de hospitalización. La implantación del modelo estandarizado de almacenaje conlleva un ahorro económico y una reducción del número de presentaciones de principios activos y de medicamentos de alto riesgo. El personal de enfermería está conforme con la implantación del modelo, lo que nos plantea seguir en esta línea de mejora

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the results of applying Lean Methodology in the design of a standardized medication storage model in hospitalization departments. METHOD: Descriptive and retrospective study conducted between September 2017 and January 2019 in a tertiary level hospital. The Pharmacy Service led the creation of a multidisciplinary team. Lean Methodology was used to establish the components and organization and identification criteria that made up the standardized medication storage model. The stocks of each hospitalization department were reviewed and quantified, the final amount of stock needed was agreed with the supervisor of each department, and the economic impact of the implementation of the standardized medication model was assessed. A questionnaire was designed and sent to nursing staff to determine their level of satisfaction with the new model. RESULTS: The standardized medication storage model was scaled up to 20 nursing departments, leading to an overall reduction of 56.72% in the number of pharmaceutical dosage forms available (5,688 vs 2,462). The number of high-risk drugs was reduced by 40.73% (631 vs 374). This elimination of wastage achieved a saving of (Euro)25,357.98. A total of 58 nurses returned the questionnaires (20.70% of the total): 22.40% worked a fixed shift and 77.60% worked a rotating shift. The mean score on overall satisfaction was 5.79 ± 3.61 (scores ranged from 1 to 10). CONCLUSIONS: The application of Lean Methodology is very useful for the management of medication stocks in hospitalization departments. The implementation of a standardized medication storage model leads to economic savings and a marked reduction in the number of active ingredients and high-risk medications. The nursing staff were satisfied with the implementation of the model, suggesting that we should continue to pursue this effective line of action

Benzocarta: intervención mínima para la desprescripción de benzodiacepinas en pacientes con insomnio / Benzoletter: minimal intervention for deprescribing benzodiazepines in patients with insomnia

OBJETIVO: Averiguar si una intervención mediante carta dirigida a usuarios de benzodiacepinas consigue disminuir su consumo. MÉTODO: Estudio antes-después sin grupo control realizado en atención primaria en mayo de 2016. A 1.582 pacientes que tomaban una única dosis diaria de una benzodiacepina como hipnótico durante más de 3 meses se les envió una carta personalizada de su médico de familia con información sobre los efectos desfavorables de dicho consumo y la recomendación para retirarlo, con una pauta de descenso escalonada (Benzocarta). Se evaluó el porcentaje de pacientes que cesaron el consumo de benzodiacepinas, el porcentaje que las disminuyeron y la diferencia en la dosis total dispensada (miligramos equivalentes de diazepam dispensados en 3 meses) entre el periodo preintervención y postintervención (a los 6 y 12 meses). RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron datos de dispensaciones de 1.561 pacientes (media de edad: 69,3 años; 74% mujeres). Al año de la intervención, el 22,0% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]:19,9-24,0) habían abandonado el consumo de benzodiacepinas y el 18,8% (IC95%:16,9-20,8) lo habían disminuido. Se observó una reducción estadísticamente significativa de la dosis total dispensada (media de la diferencia: 89mg; IC95%: 72,2-105,7). CONCLUSIÓN: La Benzocarta se asocia a una disminución relevante en el consumo de hipnóticos. Es una intervención sencilla y factible que puede aplicarse en poblaciones amplias, e incluso de forma repetida en el tiempo. Se requieren estudios controlados para confirmar su eficacia

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a letter-based intervention to patients taking benzodiazepines reduces their consumption. METHOD: A before-after study without control group performed in primary care in May 2016. 1582 patients who took a single daily dose of benzodiazepines as hypnotic for more than 3 months were sent a personalized letter from their family doctor. The letter contained information about the risks of long-term benzodiazepine consumption and the recommendation to discontinue them with a gradual drop protocol (Benzoletter). The percentage of patients who stopped or decreased the use of benzodiazepines, and the difference in the total dose dispensed (mg equivalents of diazepam dispensed in three months) between the pre- and post-intervention period (at 6 and 12 months) were evaluated. RESULTS: Dispensing data from 1561 patients were collected (average age: 69.3 years; 74% women). Twelve months after the intervention, 22.0% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 19.9-24.0) discontinued benzodiazepine consumption and 18.8% (95%CI: 16.9-20.8) reduced their consumption. A statistically significant reduction was observed in the total dose dispensed (mean difference: 89mg; 95%CI: 72.2-105.7). CONCLUSION: The Benzoletter is associated with a significant decrease in the consumption of hypnotics. It is a simple and feasible intervention that allows acting on large populations, and it could even be periodically repeated. Controlled studies are required to confirm its effectiveness

Aspectos prácticos de la medición de los niveles de fármacos biológicos y de anticuerpos antifármaco en artritis reumatoide y espondiloartritis / Practical aspects of biological throught levels and antidrug antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis

OBJETIVOS: Emitir recomendaciones sobre aspectos prácticos de la monitorización de los niveles de fármacos biológicos que puedan ser de utilidad para reumatólogos. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura de estudios en los que se determinaron niveles de fármaco y de anticuerpos antifármaco en pacientes con artritis reumatoide o espondiloartritis para estudiar si podían predecir diferentes desenlaces. Con los resultados de la revisión un grupo de expertos discutió bajo qué circunstancias podría ser útil la solicitud de niveles de fármacos biológicos y sus anticuerpos, lo que se concretó en una serie de preguntas clínicas que fueron respondidas con la evidencia científica disponible y creándose algoritmos para facilitar la toma de decisiones. RESULTADOS: Se establece que la determinación de los niveles de fármaco puede ser especialmente útil en 2 situaciones clínicas, cuando hay fallo al tratamiento (primario o secundario) y en remisión mantenida. Se revisa también qué técnica de laboratorio y momento para tomar la muestra son los más adecuados para la medición, y se establecen recomendaciones sobre la interpretación de los niveles de fármaco y sobre factores a tener en cuenta (por ejemplo, índice de masa corporal y fármacos modificadores de la enfermedad). CONCLUSIONES: Se han elaborado algoritmos y establecido posibles pautas y directrices para solicitar niveles de fármaco y de anticuerpos antifármaco en pacientes con artritis reumatoide y espondiloartritis, basados en la evidencia, que pueden ayudar a la toma de decisiones clínicas

OBJECTIVES: Issue recommendations on practical aspects of the monitoring of levels of biological drugs that may be useful for rheumatologists. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of studies in which drug and anti-drug antibody levels were determined in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) to study whether they could predict different outcomes. In light of the results of the review, a group of experts discussed under what circumstances testing biological drug levels and their antibodies could be useful. The discussion resulted in a series of clinical questions that were answered with the scientific evidence collected, and in algorithms that facilitate decision making. RESULTS: It was established that the determination of drug levels can be especially useful in two clinical situations, on treatment failure (primary or secondary) and on sustained remission. It is also reviewed which laboratory technique and timing for sample drawing are the most suitable for the measurement. Recommendations are issued on the interpretation of drug levels and on factors to be taken into account (for example, body mass index and disease modifying drugs). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based algorithms and guidelines have been established to test drug levels and anti-drug antibodies in patients with RA and SpA, which can help clinical decision making

Grado de conocimiento de insulinización por los médicos de atención primaria y su repercusión en el control de la diabetes / Level of knowledge about insulinization by Primary Care physicians and its impact on diabetes control

OBJETIVO: Analizar el grado de conocimiento y manejo actual de la insulinización por los médicos de atención primaria (AP), así como su impacto sobre el grado de control metabólico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio secuencial exploratorio, principalmente cualitativo con un enfoque fenomenológico y posterior fase cuantitativa. Participaron 37 médicos de AP del Servicio Andaluz de Salud. Se realizó análisis univariado y bivariado de variables sociodemográficas y clínico-asistenciales. RESULTADOS: Existió una gran variabilidad entre los médicos de AP acerca del conocimiento sobre el tratamiento con insulinas (conocimiento bajo: 13,5%; medio: 59,5%; alto: 27,0%). Hubo una relación directa entre el conocimiento sobre insulinización y el grado de consecución de objetivos de HbA1c: a mayor grado de conocimiento, mejor control metabólico. Las insulinas basales más prescritas fueron la insulina glargina100 (56,8%), seguida de la insulina glargina300 (29,7%) y después la insulina NPH (8,1%). Hubo tendencia a presentar un diferente perfil de prescripción respecto a las insulinas basales, de tal forma que la prescripción de insulina NPH y de insulinas mixtas coincidía con el nivel más bajo de conocimiento. El 35,1% de los médicos de AP desconocían patrones de insulinización más complejos. CONCLUSIONES: Solo el 27% de los médicos de AP tienen un conocimiento elevado sobre el tratamiento con insulinas. Existe una relación directa entre el nivel de conocimiento sobre las insulinas y el grado de control glucémico. Es necesario mejorar el conocimiento sobre el tratamiento con insulinas para optimizar el control metabólico y disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of knowledge and current management of starting insulin treatment by Primary Care physicians, and its impact on metabolic control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mainly qualitative exploratory sequential study, with a phenomenological approach, followed by a quantitative phase. The study included 37 primary care physicians from the Andalusian Health Service. Socio-demographic and clinical care variables were analysed. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: There was a wide variability between Primary Care physicians in the level of knowledge of treatment with insulins (low knowledge: 13.5%; medium knowledge: 59.5%; high knowledge: 27.0%). There was a direct relationship between the level of knowledge and the attainment of HbA1c goals (as the level of knowledge increased, the metabolic control improved). The most common basal insulins prescribed were insulin glargine U-100 (56.8%), followed by insulin glargine U-300 (29.7%), and neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH) insulin (8.1%). There was a trend to show a different prescription pattern with basal insulins (as the level of knowledge decreased, the prescription of mixed and NPH insulins increased). More than one-third (35.1%) of primary care physicians did not know more complex patterns of treatment with insulins. CONCLUSIONS: Only 27% of Primary Care physicians had a high knowledge about treatment with insulins. There was a direct relationship between the level of knowledge about insulins and glycaemic control. It is necessary to improve the knowledge about insulin therapy in order to optimise metabolic control and reduce the risk of complications

Episodio de hipotonía-hiporrespuesta tras administracion de la vacuna antimeningococo B 4CMenB / Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode after antimeningococcal B vaccine, 4CMenB

El episodio hipotonía-hiporrespuesta (EHH) es un tipo muy inusual de efecto adverso después de la vacunación. Se ha observado con mayor frecuencia tras las vacunas de células enteras contra la tosferina. El EHH se caracteriza por el inicio repentino de hipotonía, hiporrespuesta y el cambio de color de la piel (palidez o cianosis) en las primeras 48 horas después de la administración de una vacuna en niños. Se ha descrito que los episodios pueden durar entre 6 y 30 minutos. Se desconoce la patogénesis. Aunque se ha clasificado dentro de las reacciones adversas graves, no se han demostrado efectos a largo plazo y no se contraindica la administración de una nueva dosis de la vacuna, si así está indicado para completar el calendario de vacunación del niño. Presentamos el caso de una lactante de 5 meses de edad que presentó un EHH tres horas después de la administración de una segunda dosis de la vacuna antimeningocócica B 4CMenB (Bexsero)

Hypotonic-hyporesponsive episode (HHE) is a very unusual type of adverse effect following immunization. HHE has been observed more frequently following whole-cell pertussis vaccines. HHE is characterized by sudden onset of reduced muscle tone, hyporesponsiveness and change of skin colour (paleness or cyanosis) in the first 48 hours after the administration of a vaccine in children. It has been shown that episodes can last between 6 and 30 minutes. The pathogenesis is unknown. Although it has been classified within the severe adverse reactions, long-term effects have not been shown and it does not contraindicate the administration of a new dose of the vaccine, as well as for the vaccination schedule of the child. Introducing the case of a 5-month-old breastfeeding infant who presented a HHE 3 hours after the administration of a second dose of the antimeningococcal B vaccine, 4CMenB (Bexsero)

Una nueva definición y reenfoque de la atención farmacéutica: el Documento de Barbate / A new definition and refocus of pharmaceutical care: the Barbate Document

OBJETIVO: Proponer una definición actualizada de atención farmacéutica, basada en el modelo capacidad-motivación-oportunidad (CMO), así como los elementos clave y las actividades óptimas para su desarrollo que garanticen los más altos niveles de calidad y excelencia en esta actividad profesional. MÉTODO: Se constituyó un grupo de trabajo compuesto por miembros de la Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria y farmacéuticos de diferentes ámbitos asistenciales. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en PubMed sobre la evidencia científica disponible acerca de modelos de atención farmacéutica y actividades con mayor impacto y facilidad de implantación. Se elaboró una propuesta de definición y se extrajeron las iniciativas elegidas como elementos clave, distribuyéndolas en cada pilar del modelo propuesto. Tras unificar un primer listado de actividades y términos, el grupo de trabajo revisó y realizó correcciones o propuso nuevas actividades. Se consensuaron, adicionalmente, las definiciones de los tres elementos clave del modelo CMO: capacidad-motivación-oportunidad. El borrador final fue enviado a las diferentes sociedades científicas, farmacéuticas y médicas, así como a las asociaciones de pacientes con las que la Sociedad Española de Farmacia Hospitalaria tiene convenio de colaboración, a fin de incorporar nuevas sugerencias y aportaciones antes del consenso final. RESULTADOS: La definición de atención farmacéutica consensuada fue "La actividad profesional por la cual el farmacéutico se vincula con el paciente (y/o cuidador) y el resto de profesionales sanitarios, para aten-der a este en función de sus necesidades, planteando las estrategias para alinear y alcanzar los objetivos a corto y medio/largo plazo en relación a la farmacoterapia e incorporando las nuevas tecnologías y medios disponibles para llevar a cabo una interacción continuada con el mismo, con el fin de mejorar los resultados en salud". Se han identificado 27 elementos clave, distribuidos entre los tres pilares del modelo, para desarrollar esta actividad. CONCLUSIONES: Se ha consensuado una nueva definición de atención farmacéutica que permitirá reenfocar esta actividad profesional y avanzar desde el trabajo multidisciplinar hacia el enfoque longitudinal y multidimensional del paciente

OBJECTIVE: To propose an updated definition of Pharmaceutical Care based on the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity (CMO) model and on the key elements and optimal activities for its development that guarantee the highest levels of quality and excellence in this professional activity. METHOD: The consensus was developed by a working group composed of members of the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy and other pharmacists from different healthcare fields. A literature review of PubMed was conducted of the available scientific evidence on pharmaceutical healthcare models and activities with the greatest impact and ease of implementation. A working definition was developed and the initiatives chosen as key elements were collected and included in each pillar of the proposed model. After creating an initial list of activities and terms, the working group reviewed it and made corrections or proposed new activities. In addition, the definitions of the three key elements of the CMO model were agreed upon: Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity. In order to incorporate all appropriate suggestions and contributions before finalizing the consensus, the final draft was sent to the different scientific, pharmaceutical, and medical societies as well as patient associations with which the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacy has a collaboration agreement. RESULTS: The definition of consensual Pharmaceutical Care was "Any professional activity by which the pharmacist is linked to the patient (and/or caregiver) and other healthcare professionals, to attend to the patient ac-cording to their needs, setting out strategies to align and achieve the short- and medium-/long-term objectives of pharmacotherapy and incorporating new technologies and the means available to continuously interact with the patients in order to improve their health outcomes". In addition, agreement was reached on the definitions of the three key elements of the CMO model. Finally, 27 key elements for the development of pharmaceutical activity were identified and included in the three pillars of the model. CONCLUSIONS: A new definition of Pharmaceutical Care has been agreed upon that refocuses this professional activity, allowing us to advance within the multidisciplinary working approach toward a longitudinal and multidimensional approach to the patient

Recomendaciones clínicas para el manejo de pacientes con indicación de quimioterapia y/o radioterapia en el marco de la pandemia por COVID-19 / Clinical recommendations for the management of patients with indication for chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

GENERALIDADES: Objetivo y población: Objetivos del lineamiento clínico: Establecer criterios técnicos y procedimientos para el manejo de pacientes con indicación de quimioterapia y/o radioterapia, durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Brindar recomendaciones clínicas para el manejo de pacientes con indicación de quimioterapia y/o radioterapia en el marco de la pandemia por COVID-19. Población: Pacientes con cáncer con indicación de quimioterapia y/o radioterapia durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Usuarios y ámbito: Usuarios: Estas recomendaciones están dirigidas al personal de salud que participa en la atención de pacientes con cáncer que necesitan quimioterapia y/o radioterapia. Ámbito: El presente documento es de aplicación en todas las IPRESS de EsSalud, del ámbito nacional. MÉTODOS: Búsqueda y selección de protocolos, guías de práctica clínica y documentos técnicos prévios. El 28 de abril de 2020 se buscaron protocolos de manejo, guías de práctica clínica, y documentos técnicos que aborden recomendaciones clínicas para el manejo de pacientes con indicación de quimioterapia y/o radioterapia durante la pandemia por COVID-19, cuya versión a texto completo se encuentre en español o inglés. Los detalles de la búsqueda y selección de los documentos. Luego de eliminar los duplicados, se identificaron 13 documentos que abordaron recomendaciones clínicas para el manejo de pacientes con indicación de quimioterapia y/o radioterapia durante la pandemia por COVID-19. FORMULACIÓN DE LAS RECOMENDACIONES CLÍNICAS: Recomendaciones para la prevención de COVID-19. Recomendaciones para la detección de casos sospechosos de COVID-19. Recomendaciones para la priorización y decisión de tratamento. Recomendaciones para el manejo de pacientes con indicación de quimioterapia y/o radioterapia. Recomendaciones para el seguimiento oncológico de pacientes en tratamiento con quimioterapia y/o radioterapia.

Simplicidad del régimen de medicación y supervivencia en pacientes pluripatológicos / Simplified medication regimen and survival in polypathological patients

OBJETIVO: Determinar si un régimen medicamentoso más simple en pacientes pluripatológicos se asocia con la supervivencia. MÉTODOS: En un estudio de cohortes multicéntrico se incluyeron pacientes pluripatológicos hospitalizados en servicios de medicina interna entre el 1 de marzo y el 30 de junio de 2011. Se excluyeron los reingresos y los fallecidos. Se recogieron datos de edad, sexo, residencia, enfermedad, índices de Charlson, Barthel y Lawton-Brody, Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire, escala de Gijón, número de ingresos en el año previo, delirio, necesidad de cuidador e índice PROFUND. Se calculó la complejidad terapéutica con el Medication Regimen Complexity Index. Se hizo un seguimiento de 4 años. Para determinar los factores asociados con la mortalidad por todas las causas se construyó un modelo de regresión de Cox. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 233 pacientes pluripatológicos con una edad media de 79,8 (8,6) años. La puntuación media en el Medication Regimen Complexity Index fue 32 (15,2). A los 4 años fallecieron 161 (72,2%) pacientes, 36 con régimen de medicación más simple. La edad (HR 1,060; IC95% 1,032-1,089; p < 0,001), las neoplasias (HR 2,477; IC95% 1,564-3,923; p < 0,001) y el número de ingresos en el año previo (HR 1,251; IC95% 1,100-1,423; p = 0,001) se asociaron de forma independiente con la mortalidad, y la puntuación del índice de Barthel (HR 0,991; IC95% 0,983-0,998; p < 0,001) y la simplicidad del régimen de medicación (HR 0,634; IC95% 0,414-0,970; p = 0,036) con menor mortalidad. CONCLUSIONES: En los pacientes pluripatológicos los regímenes de medicación más simples se asocian con una menor mortalidad

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a more simplified medication regimen is associated with survival in polypathological patients. METHODS: Multicentre cohort study. We included polypathological patients admitted to internal medicine wards between March 1st and June 30rd, 2011. Patients that died during admission and readmissions were excluded. Data were collected about age, gender, home, comorbidity, Charlson, Barthel and Lawton-Brody indexes, Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire, socio-familial Gijón scale, admissions in the previous year, delirium, need of a caregiver and PROFUND index. The therapy complexity was measured with the Medication Regimen Complexity Index. The follow-up lasted 4-years. To determine the factors associated with mortality we performed a Cox proportional regression model. RESULTS: Overall 223 polypathological patients were included, with a mean age of 79.8 (8.6) years. Mean score in Medication Regimen Complexity Index was 32.0 (15.2). After 4 years, 161 (72.2%) patients died, 36 with a more simplified medication regimen. Age (HR 1.060, 95%CI 1.032-1.089; P<.001), neoplasms (HR 2.477, 95%CI 1.564-3.923; P<.001), and the number of admissions in the previous year (HR 1.251, 95%CI 1.100-1.423; P=.001) were independently associated with 4-year mortality, and Barthel index score (HR .991, 95%CI .983-0.998; P<.001) and a more simplified medication regimen (HR 0.634 95%CI 0.414-.970; p=.036) with lower mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In polypathological patients, the more simplified medication regimens are associated with a lower mortality

Community pharmacy advanced adherence services for children and young people with long-term conditions: a cross-sectional survey study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the provision of community pharmacy services to children and young people with a focus on advanced services such as medicines use review. Perceptions and experiences of community pharmacists, pharmacy staff, young people and their parents or carers on the provision of such services were also explored. METHODS: Four different cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaires were distributed in parallel to pharmacists, pharmacy staff members, children and young people and parents in the United Kingdom. RESULTS: An outline of pharmacist's current involvement with children and young people was provided by 92 pharmacists. A different group of 38 community pharmacists and 40 non-pharmacist members of pharmacy staff from a total of 46 pharmacies provided information and views on the conduct of Medicines use review with children and young people. Experiences of advanced pharmacy service provision were collected from 51 children and young people and 18 parents. Most pharmacists offered public health advice to children and young people (73/92; 79.3%) and even more (83/92; 90.2%) reported that they often interacted with children and young people with long-term condition. Despite their high levels of interaction, and a majority opinion that medicines use reviews could benefit children (35/38; 92.1%), the number of pharmacies reporting to have conducted medicines use reviews with children was low (5/41). Pharmacists perceived the main barriers to recruitment as consent (17/29; 58.6%), guideline ambiguity (14/29; 48.3%) and training (13/29; 44.8%). A considerable proportion pharmacists (12/29; 41.4%) and other personnel (14/33; 42.4%) working in community pharmacies were unaware that children were potentially eligible for medicines use reviews. Only 29.4% of the 51 children and young people participants had received advice about their long-term condition from a pharmacist and the majority (46/51; 90.2%) had not taken part in an advanced service focused on adherence. CONCLUSIONS: While general engagement with children and young people appears high from the pharmacist's perspective, advice specific to children and young people with long-term conditions and the provision of advanced services in this group remains a challenge

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Revisión de actualización de pautas de tratamiento de H. pylori / No disponible

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Seguridad en la administración de medicamentos: investigación sobre la práctica de enfermería y circunstancias de errores / Safety in drug administration: research on nursing practice and circumstances of errors / Segurança na administração de medicamentos: investigação sobre a prática de enfermagem e circunstâncias de erros

Introducción: Prestar un cuidado seguro, efectivo, oportuno e individualizado es un gran desafío en la asistencia a la salud. Actualmente, los principales errores en la asistencia a la salud están relacionados con errores de medicación. Estos errores pueden ocasionar daños, especialmente en pediatría, debido a la inmadurez de los órganos y la variación de peso y superficie corpórea. De esta forma, se percibe la importancia de la enfermería en ese escenario para la garantía de una asistencia segura. Objetivo Investigar la práctica de los profesionales de enfermería sobre el proceso de administración de medicamentos, así como las circunstancias que conducen a los errores. Método: Estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo, realizado con 147 profesionales de enfermería en Unidades Intensivas neonatales y pediátricas. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó un cuestionario elaborado y basado en las recomendaciones de la Guideline for Prevention of Intravascular cateter-related infections relacionadas con la práctica de la administración de medicamentos y posteriormente se realizó análisis descriptivo de los datos. Resultados: Los profesionales señalaron fragilidades de la práctica como chequeo doble de las medicaciones, administración de medicamentos preparados por el compañero, retrasos y falta de verificación de las prescripciones. Los errores más comunes derivaron de dosis erróneas y los factores ambientales fueron presentados como punto crítico. Conclusión: Los hallazgos encontrados interfieren en la consolidación de prácticas de seguridad en la administración de medicación en pediatría y neonatología, sugiriendo la necesidad de la calificación del equipo y monitoreo continuo del proceso de trabajo

Introduction: To provide safe, effective, timely and individualized care is a major challenge in health care. Currently, the main errors in health care are related to medication errors. These errors can cause damages, especially in pediatrics, because of organs' immaturity and variation in the weight and body surface. In this way, the importance of nursing in this scenario is perceived to guarantee a safe care. Objective: To investigate the practice of nursing professionals about drug administration process, as well as the circumstances that lead to errors. Method: Descriptive, quantitative study with 147 nursing professionals in Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Units. To collect data, a questionnaire was used elaborated and based on the recommendations of the Guideline for Prevention of Intravascular catheter-related infections with questions related to the practice of drug administration and afterwards a descriptive data analysis was used. Results: The professionals pointed out weaknesses in the practice, such as double checking of medications, administration of medication prepared by the colleague, delays and lack in checking the prescriptions. The most common errors were derived from the wrong dose and the environmental factors were presented as a critical point. Conclusion: The findings interfere in the consolidation of safety practices in drug administration in pediatrics and neonatology, suggesting the need for team qualification and continuous monitoring of the work process

Introdução: Prestar um cuidado seguro, efetivo, oportuno e individualizado é um grande desafio na assistência à saúde. Atualmente, os principais erros na assistência à saúde estão relacionados à erros de medicação. Esses erros podem ocasionar danos, especialmente na pediatria, em decorrência da imaturidade dos órgãos e a variação de peso e superfície corpórea. Dessa forma, percebe-se a importância da enfermagem nesse cenário para a garantia de uma assistência segura. Objetivo: Investigar a prática dos profissionais de enfermagem sobre processo de administração de medicamento, bem como as circunstâncias que levam aos erros. Método: estudo descritivo, quantitativo, realizado com 147 profissionais de enfermagem em Unidades Intensivas neonatais e pediátricas. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário elaborado e alicerçado nas recomendações doGuideline for Prevention of Intravascular cateter-related infections com perguntas relativas a prática de administração de medicamentos e posteriormente realizado analise descritiva dos dados. Resultados: Os profissionais apontaram fragilidades da prática como checagem dupla das medicações, administração de medicações preparada pelo colega, atrasos e falta de checagem das prescrições. Os erros mais comuns derivaram de dose errada e os fatores ambientais foram apresentados como ponto crítico. Conclusão: os achados encontrados interferem na consolidação de práticas de segurança na administração de medicação na pediatria e neonatologia, sugerindo necessidade da qualificação da equipe e monitoramento continuo do processo de trabalho