Optimization of Intermittent Vancomycin Dosage Regimens for Thai Critically Ill Population Infected by MRSA in the Era of the "MIC Creep" Phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: the shifting of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methicillin-resistant Staphylocuccus aureus (MRSA) strains to the higher value has emerged to worsen clinical outcome to the patients particularly critically ill population.  The aim of this study was to identify the most appropriate dosage regimen of vancomycin to treat infection caused by MRSA with higher MIC in critically ill Thai population. METHODS: 10,000 replications of intermittent vancomycin dosage regimens were performed using Monte Carlo simulation. Pharmacokinetic parameters were derived from a population pharmacokinetic study conducted specifically in Thai population. The probability of target attainment (PTA) and cumulative fraction of response (CFR) of each dosage regimen were calculated. Risk of nephrotoxicity was also calculated and used as a consideration in determining the most appropriate dosage regimen of vancomycin. RESULTS: in order to achieve desired PTA > 80% vancomycin at higher dosing regimens were needed including 3g/day and 4 g/day for MIC 1.5mg/L and 2.0 mg/L, respectively. Highest CFR of 94.40% and 93.57% were from vancomycin 1 g every 6 h and 2 g every 12h. Standard dose of vancomycin and total dose of vancomycin 3 g/day provided approximately 51% and 73% CFR. Risk of nephrotoxicity afforded by giving 1.5g every 12h and 2g every 12h of vancomycin were 26.59% and 31.20%, respectively. CONCLUSION: the result from this study recommended intermittent dosage regimen 1.5g every 12h and 2g every 12h should be implemented as definite antibiotic treatment when considered infection caused by MRSA with MIC 1.5 and 2.0 mg/L, respectively.

Traumatic thoracolumbar spondyloptosis of T12-L1 with stable hemodynamics: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: A fracture-dislocation of the vertebral bone is mostly caused by high-energy trauma. Spondyloptosis is the severest form of spondylolisthesis (>100 %) which affects the sagital or coronal plane from the contiguous vertebral bone. Anterior spondyloptosis is known as fracture-dislocation where the proximal part of the vertebra is located infront of the distal vertebrae. Most cases are associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) and unstable hemodynamics, in this case the vital sign of the patient's tend to be stable. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old man had multiple traumas after having a traffic injury, pain and numbness were positive during physical examination, especially in both lower limb. A radiography examination shows that the patient had total spinal cord transection and anterior spondyloptosis in T12 until L1 segment. Additional examinations found minimal renal and liver contusion including the ischemic bowel. The interbody fusion procedure was chosen as our therapeutic modalities. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: We performed open surgical methods by using interbody fusion modalities usually in patient's with stable vital signs. This intervention could be the priority in managing patients with a rare case of anterior spondyloptosis. A visual analog Scale (VAS) was used for monitoring the degree of pain, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire for evaluating the outcome for low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: Most traumatic spondyloptosis cases end with neurogenic shock, Due to the injury's rarity and collaborated with minimal soft tissue injury, early diagnosis and the use of an open surgical method may improve patient's outcome.

Pharmacists' clinical decision making when responding to a self-medication request for a cough in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have reported that community pharmacies in developing countries, including Indonesia, provided sub-optimal advice when handling patient's self-medication request for cough. The reasons behind such advice, therefore, need to be investigated. OBJECTIVES: To describe Indonesian pharmacists' clinical decision making when handling self-medication cases for a cough. METHODS: An open-ended questionnaire consisting of two cough clinical vignettes (case 1: cough due to asthma worsening and case 2: cough as a symptom of common cold) were developed. Pharmacists were interviewed to provide recommendations and reasons for their recommendations for these scenarios. Content analysis was used to analyse participants' statements for the two scenarios. The number of participants who provided appropriate recommendations and reasons were then counted. RESULTS: A total of 245 community pharmacists participated in the study. In the case of cough due to asthma worsening, recommending a product because the product was indicated to help with the symptoms was the most common recommendation and stated reason (40%). Appropriate recommendation (direct medical referral) with appropriate reasoning (indicating warning symptoms and/or making a symptom diagnosis) was provided by 25% participants. In the case of cough as a symptom of common cold, recommending products to help with the symptoms was also the most common recommendation and stated reason (53%). Appropriate recommendations (recommending product) with appropriate reasoning (providing product to treat the symptoms and/or indicating no warning symptoms and/or making a symptom diagnosis) was provided by 81% participants. CONCLUSION: The ability of Indonesian community pharmacists to provide appropriate recommendations for cough self-medication requests is dependent on whether triage is required. The inability of most community pharmacists to differentiate between major and minor conditions may lead to serious health implications for patients and therefore educational interventions should be undertaken to improve community pharmacists' differential diagnostic skills for triage.

One-year follow-up after partial sacrectomy without stabilization in sacral chordoma: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Chordoma is a rare sarcoma of the bone with a slow-growing nature but an aggressive nature locally. The subtle onset and minor symptoms cause a delayed diagnosis. Unfortunately, Chordoma is discovered when the prognosis is poor, which make the management procedure more difficult. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56 years old woman presented with back pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and numbness around the anus for the last six months. Sensory examination revealed hypoesthesia on the S2-S4 dermatomes and the rectal toucher revealed a mass. Pelvic x-ray revealed an osteolytic lesion on the sacrum and a MRI revealed a sacrum mass on S2. Confirmed by a CT Scan lumbosacral contrast that revealed a solid mass with osteolytic and osteosclerotic changes on the sacrum bone from S2 to the coccyx. We performed a partial en bloc sacrectomy by posterior approach with an inverted goblet incision without lumbopelvic stabilization. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: A few months after surgery, the patient still had some similar complaints and went to physiotherapy and radiotherapy on a regular basis. 1 year follow-up, there was no recurrence process proven by adjunct examination and the improvement was demonstrated by the relief of back pain, and ability to do daily activities. CONCLUSION: Chordoma can be improved by partial sacrectomy without lumbopelvic stabilization that revealed good results from function and complication. A multi-professional approach to the patient is essential.

Successful lumbal sympathetic block as an alternative therapy for improving Buerger's disease: A rare case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Buerger's disease is an inflammation of blood vessels that is strongly related to smoking habits. Lumbal sympathetic block is one kind of lumbal sympathectomy intervention that is used to manage chronic pain, including Buerger's disease. In this case report, we present the case of a Buerger's disease patient treated with a lumbal sympathetic block procedure. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old male was referred to our emergency room with chronic pain and ulcers on his left foot. He had already undergone two debridement procedures at his previous hospital without any improvement. After a comprehensive assessment, our cardio-thoracic specialist chose to refer the patient to undergo the lumbal sympathetic block with the orthopaedic specialist. After two procedures, we found a reduction in pain (VAS 6-7 to 2-3), the skin looked more colored, and the patient's walking distance improved from 10 to 100 m without any complaints. We also found good wound healing of the ulcers in his left foot; they became smaller and dryer. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Lumbal sympathetic block is thought to be able to reduce peripheral retention that causes the opening of an arteriovenous anastomose, thus increasing blood flow to skin tissue and leading to vasodilatation. It showed its capability to prevent Buerger's disease progression, reduce patient complaints, and heal the wound. CONCLUSION: Lumbal sympathetic block should be considered as an alternative therapy for Buerger's disease.

Good outcome after an 8-year radial head resection on a Monteggia fracture in a young patient: A case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Monteggia fractures are proximal ulna fractures that involve radial caput displacement. Radial caput excision or resection is only suggested in situations of Monteggia lesions with radial caput fractures. Radial head resection should be avoided because the radial head is the principal stabilizer of the elbow and forearm. In this case report, we present a case of radial head resection at a young age after Monteggia reconstruction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old female came to the orthopaedic clinic for removal implant control after eight years postoperatively, patient had motorcycle accident at 2015 and performed ORIF Monteggia fracture with radial head resection. The patient also showed good alignment of the antebrachi, and there were no limitations in performing supination, pronation, and flexion of elbow and wrist movements. There were also no complications related to the radial head resection from the x-ray examination. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: After eight years postoperatively of ORIF Monteggia reconstruction with radial head resection showed a good outcome and improved quality of life for this patient. There was improvement in DASH and MEPS scores. CONCLUSION: Patients with radial head resection at a young age after Monteggia reconstruction had good results and should be considered.

A Systematic Review on Antimicrobial Pharmacokinetic Differences between Asian and Non-Asian Adult Populations.

While the relevance of inter-ethnic differences to the pharmacokinetic variabilities of antimicrobials has been reported in studies recruiting healthy subjects, differences in antimicrobial pharmacokinetics between Asian and non-Asian patients with severe pathologic conditions require further investigation. For the purpose of describing the potential differences in antimicrobial pharmacokinetics between Asian and non-Asian populations, a systematic review was performed using six journal databases and six theses/dissertation databases (PROSPERO record CRD42018090054). The pharmacokinetic data of healthy volunteers and non-critically ill and critically ill patients were reviewed. Thirty studies on meropenem, imipenem, doripenem, linezolid, and vancomycin were included in the final descriptive summaries. In studies recruiting hospitalised patients, inconsistent differences in the volume of distribution (Vd) and drug clearance (CL) of the studied antimicrobials between Asian and non-Asian patients were observed. Additionally, factors other than ethnicity, such as demographic (e.g., age) or clinical (e.g., sepsis) factors, were suggested to better characterise these pharmacokinetic differences. Inconsistent differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between Asian and non-Asian subjects/patients may suggest that ethnicity is not an important predictor to characterise interindividual pharmacokinetic differences between meropenem, imipenem, doripenem, linezolid, and vancomycin. Therefore, the dosing regimens of these antimicrobials should be adjusted according to patients' demographic or clinical characteristics that can better describe pharmacokinetic differences.

Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosing Simulations of Ampicillin and Sulbactam in Hospitalised Adult Patients.

BACKGROUND: The pharmacokinetic variability of ampicillin-sulbactam in adults has not been extensively described, particularly in patients with a reduced renal function (i.e., < 60 mL/min). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the population pharmacokinetics of ampicillin and sulbactam in patients with a wide range of renal functions and sought to define dosing approaches that have a high likelihood for optimising drug exposure. METHODS: Serial blood samples were collected from 16 adult patients receiving intravenous ampicillin-sulbactam in general wards. Total ampicillin and sulbactam concentrations were measured by chromatographic assay and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using Pmetrics®. Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate the probability of target attainment (PTA) of free ampicillin and sulbactam concentrations exceeding the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 60% and 100% of the dosing interval. Fractional target attainment (FTA) was calculated against MIC distributions of common hospital pathogens. A threshold of ≥ 90% and ≥ 95% was used to define both optimal PTA and FTA, respectively. RESULTS: The median (range) age, weight, and serum creatinine of the study population was 68 (40-82) years, 62 (40-82) kg, and 1.4 (0.6-6.4) mg/dL, respectively. The pharmacokinetics of ampicillin and sulbactam were best described by a two-compartment model with serum creatinine most closely associated with clearance for both drugs. The estimated ampicillin and sulbactam clearances were 5.58 L/h and 4.79 L/h, respectively, while the volumes of distribution were 12.6 L and 15.36 L, respectively. Approved dosing regimens of ampicillin-sulbactam were sufficient against MICs ≤ 8 and ≤ 4 mg/L, respectively. A 4-h infusion enabled optimal PTA at higher MICs. For both dosing targets, optimal FTAs were obtained against Streptococcus pneumoniae. CONCLUSION: Optimal FTAs were obtained against the susceptible MIC distributions of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Applying a 4-h infusion will enhance PTA and FTA, particularly at higher MICs.

Locally injected Mesenchymal Stem Cells optimize angiogenesis by regulating VEGF and CD31 expression in duodenal perforation.

Background: Duodenal perforation is considered as one of gastrointestinal emergency with high morbidity and mortality rate. The MSCs have the ability to improve wound healing by releasing several growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines to promote the angiogenesis process. This study aimed to investigate the role of MSCs in duodenal perforation wound healing. Methods: MSCs were isolated from rat umbilical cord and injected into duodenal wound site at doses of 1.5x10 [(Putra et al., 2018) 66 cells for T1 group and 3x10 [(Putra et al., 2018) 66 cells for T2 group. The control group was treated by local injection of normal saline. The VEGF levels were measured by Western blot, while CD31 expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry staining. All examinations were assessed on days 3 and 7. Results: Results showed a significant increase in VEGF and CD31 expression on days 3 and 7 (p < 0,05). The VEGF level was significantly decreased on day 7 compared to day 3. Conclusion: The administration of MSCs improved the angiogenesis process in duodenal perforation by enhancing VEGF and CD31 expression.

Potential roles of community-based pharmacists in assisting home-quarantined patients with COVID-19 in a resource-challenged setting.

OBJECTIVES: To present the experiences of community-based drug information centre (DIC) pharmacists assisting home-quarantined patients with COVID-19 in Indonesia. METHODS: A prospective case study included home-quarantined patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 contacting pharmacists at a DIC in Indonesia in July 2021. Patient characteristics, pharmacist interventions and outcomes were reported. KEY FINDINGS: Fifteen home-quarantined patients were screened for COVID-19 and were provided with follow-up services (i.e. medication review and monitoring). Worsening symptoms and/or reduction in oxygen saturation were reported in seven patients where a referral to medical services was made for them. Most patients recovered at follow-up (4-14 days). CONCLUSIONS: Community-based DIC pharmacists potentially contributed to the frontline emergency response, as observed during the COVID-19 crisis in Indonesia.

Hospital-Based Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs Used in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review.

The burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considerable in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and it is important to describe the antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) activities found in these countries and report their impact. Importantly, as these programs target prescribing behavior, the factors influencing prescription of antimicrobials must also be taken into account. This scoping review aimed to (1) describe hospital-based ASP activities, (2) report methods used to measure the impact of ASPs, and (3) explore factors influencing antimicrobial prescribing behavior in LMICs. PubMed was searched from database inception until April 2021. Factors influencing antimicrobial prescribing behavior were canvassed using the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation and Behavior framework. Most of ASP studies in LMICs were predominantly conducted in tertiary care and university-based hospitals. Audit of antimicrobial prescriptions with feedback and restrictive-based strategies was the main reported activity. Total antimicrobial consumption was the main method used to measure the impact of ASPs. Positive outcomes were observed for both clinical and microbiological outcomes; however, these were measured from nonrandomized controlled trials. Dominant factors identified through the behavioral framework were a limited awareness of AMR as a local problem, a perception that overprescription of antimicrobials had limited consequences and was mainly driven by a motivation to help improve patient outcomes. In addition, antimicrobial prescribing practices were largely influenced by existing hierarchy among prescribers. Our scoping review suggests that LMICs need to evaluate antimicrobial appropriateness as an added measure to assess impact. Furthermore, improvements in the access of microbiology and diagnostic facilities and ensuring ASP champions are recruited from senior prescribers will positively influence antimicrobial prescribing behavior, helping improve stewardship of antimicrobials in these countries.

Strategies to implement community training to promote responsible self-medication in Indonesia: a qualitative study of trainers.

BACKGROUND: A community-based approach has been identified as one key strategy to improve the health of Indonesians. In 2015, the government initiated the 'Smart Use of Medications Movement' (GeMa CerMat) to promote responsible self-medication. This study aims to explore pharmacist/pharmacy staff trainers' views on strategies to implement GeMa CerMat community training. METHODS: Four focus group discussions were conducted with 38 pharmacist/pharmacy staff trainers in Ngawi, Indonesia and a thematic analysis was used to obtain the key strategies. RESULTS: The identified key strategies were building community readiness via well-designed training (considering participant characteristics, training methods, and materials and resources); policy, regulation and organizational support; access to training in a cultural context; communication media to promote training and the inclusion of active-learning tools. CONCLUSIONS: These identified multilevel strategies require collaboration among national bodies and the involvement of trusted community members ('change agents'). A new strategy using 'active learning tools' was necessary to build critical thinking and understanding of the use of medications in everyday life. Future research should focus on process, impact and outcome evaluation involving GeMa CerMat training implementation and sustainability in Indonesia.

Indonesian healthcare providers' perceptions and attitude on antimicrobial resistance, prescription and stewardship programs.

Background: A successful antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) is sustained through improving antimicrobial prescribing by changing prescribing behavior. This requires a better understanding of hospital stakeholders' views regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial use and participation in ASP activities. Objectives: Identify perceptions and attitudes among physicians and pharmacists in a public hospital toward AMR, prescription and ASP. Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 45 items was distributed to physicians and pharmacists in a 320-bed public hospital. All responses were formatted into the Likert scale. Results: A total of 78 respondents (73% response rate) completed the questionnaire. The majority of the respondents perceived AMR within hospital as less of a severe problem, and factors outside hospital were considered to be greater contributors to AMR. In addition, interprofessional conflict was identified as a serious concern in relation to implementing ASP. Conclusion: This finding indicates the need to address existing perceptions and attitudes toward ASP activities that may hamper its successful implementation in Indonesia.

Population pharmacokinetics and dose optimization of intravenous levofloxacin in hospitalized adult patients.

Although levofloxacin has been used for the last 25 years, there are limited pharmacokinetic data to guide levofloxacin dosing in adult patients. This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of levofloxacin for adult hospitalized patients and define dosing regimens that attain pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target associated with maximum effectiveness. Blood samples were drawn from 26 patients during one dosing interval. Population pharmacokinetic modelling and dosign simulations were performed using Pmetrics®. Pathogen minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) distribution data from the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing database was used to analyse fractional target attainment (FTA). A two-compartment model adequately described the data. The final model included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to describe clearance. The population estimate for clearance was 1.12 L/h, while the volume of distribution in the central compartment and peripheral compartments were 27.6 L and 28.2 L, respectively. Our simulation demonstrated that an area under free concentration-time curve to MIC ≥ 80 was hardly achieved for pathogens with MIC ≥ 1 mg/L. Low FTA against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pneumoniae were observed for patients with higher eGFR (≥ 80 mL/min/1.73m2). A daily levofloxacin dose of 1000 mg is suggested to maximise the likelihood of efficacy for adult patients.

Negative SARS-COV-2 pleural effusion in breast carcinoma coincide with COVID-19 infection: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: and Importance: COVID-19 infection presents various symptoms that may resemble signs and symptoms of other underlying diseases. Pleural effusion in a confirmed COVID-19 patient with a history of malignancy is found to be rare, and the exact pathogenesis is still unclear. Hence RT-PCR COVID-19 assay from pleural effusion fluid is essential. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department with a complaint of shortness of breath and headache. Previously, the patient was diagnosed with stage III breast carcinoma. The chest radiograph showed massive pleural effusion. The SARS-CoV-2 was found in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal sample, but the RT-PCR COVID-19 assay of pleural fluid was negative. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Pleural effusion can be an uncommon manifestation of COVID-19, but there are many other etiologies. Malignancy is a commonly encountered underlying cause of the pleural effusion. Since it presents similar respiratory signs and symptoms, awareness of possible etiologies is pivotal. A strict examination, assessment, and protocol should be done to prevent the intervention's potential hazard. CONCLUSION: Pleural effusion related to COVID-19 infection can resemble the clinical presentation in a patient with a malignancy history. SARS-CoV-2 can be found in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal sample but absent in pleural effusion fluid.

Evaluating knowledge and skill in surgery clerkship during covid 19 pandemics: A single-center experience in Indonesia.

BACKGROUNDS: Surgery clerkship for medical students has been changed in response to clinical exposure limitation due to this pandemic. This study aim to evaluate knowledge and skill of students in surgery clerkship in covid 19 pandemics. METHODS: Cross-Sectional design comparing surgery clerkship before and during COVID-19.A total of 270 fourth and fifth-year medical students have enrolled in surgery clerkship from June 2019-October 2020 were selected for this study. Each student had completed education and training in the hospital for nine weeks in the rotation. RESULTS: There is no significant difference in MCQs scores before and during the pandemic. However, a significant difference was found in OSCE scores. CONCLUSIONS: Combining virtual platforms and in-person clinical rotation is an effective surgery clerkship curriculum, particularly in pandemic covid 19. There are no different skill and knowledge results before and during the pandemic analyzed from MCQs and OSCE exam.

The competency of Indonesian pharmacy students in handling a self-medication request for a cough: a simulated patient study.

BACKGROUND: Cough is a common symptom for which people frequently present to community pharmacies. Previous articles from developing countries have shown that the provision of self-medication consultation for cough in community pharmacies were suboptimal, with knowledge deficiency being a contributing factor. However, little is known regarding the ability of pharmacy students in handling self-medication consultations in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: To measure the competency of Indonesian pharmacy students in providing self-medication consultations for patients with chronic cough and to identify factors associated with the provision of appropriate advice. METHOD: This study is a cross-sectional study. A simulated patient method using a product and a symptom-based request of chronic cough was used in students from a pharmacy school in Indonesia. The nature and amount of information gathered and advice provided by pharmacy students were noted and audio-recorded. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the provision of appropriate advice. RESULTS: The information gathered by participating students was not comprehensive. The most common types of information gathered were related to the nature and duration of the cough. Information relating to accompanying symptoms, medications, and allergies was gathered in less than 60% of the participating students for both product and symptom based scenarios. The appropriate advice of direct medical referral was provided in 54% and 56% of the 183 participating students for the product and symptom-based request scenarios respectively. Asking about symptom duration and prior medical conditions were positively associated with the provision of appropriate advice in the symptom and product based requests respectively. CONCLUSION: Student competency in self-medication consultation for chronic cough needs to be improved. Appropriate information-gathering is a predictor of appropriate advice. Further qualitative research identifying factors affecting students' competence in providing self-medication consultation is required, so that suitable interventions are developed and implemented.

Ultrasound with needle guiding exploration as a real-time modality for exploration of air rifle bullet close to cervical spine: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Surgical exploration of retained air rifle bullet at the neck region is challenging because it is difficult to find bullets during exploration and prevent damage to vital structures. A bedside real-time imaging technique is needed to determine the retained bullet's location to the surrounding structures and guiding exploration. CASE PRESENTATION: A 19-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with neck pain after being shot by an air rifle. The patient's vital signs were stable. A small entry wound to the right lateral side of the neck without exit wound was found without neurological symptoms. The cervical X-ray showed the bullet at the third cervical vertebrae level. Surgical exploration was performed with needle-guiding ultrasonography. The bullet is a one-centimeter anterior transverse process of the third cervical vertebra marked by a hyperechoic object. Exploration was done by tracing the needle. Postoperative neurological evaluation was conducted, and no abnormalities were found. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Preoperative imaging modalities are crucial before the surgical exploration of a retained air rifle bullet. X-ray and CT-scan are imaging modalities that are often used as an initial assessment of retained foreign bodies. However, ultrasonography provides advantages over X-ray and CT scan to provide real-time imaging that supports the surgeon while performing surgical exploration. Ultrasonography with needle guiding exploration increases the precise location of a retained air rifle bullet. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography was a simple and precise real-time imaging modality for identifying and guiding the exploration of a retained air rifle bullet in the neck area.

Information on antibiotics in an Indonesian hospital outpatient setting: What is provided by pharmacy staff and recalled by patients?

BACKGROUND: The provision of information by pharmacy staff is a key factor to ensure patients' understanding and quality use of medications, including antibiotics. However, little is known regarding the transmission of information between pharmacy staff and patients in Indonesia. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify information on antibiotics provided by pharmacy staff and recalled by patients in an Indonesian outpatient setting. METHODS: The study was conducted in a hospital outpatient clinic in Malang, Indonesia, in 2019. A checklist was used to obtain the data on information provided by pharmacy staff, while interviews were conducted to determine information recalled by patients (only presenting patients were included); a total of 15 information items - i.e. 14 essential and one secondary - were observed. Descriptive analysis was used to summarise data on the checklists ('given' versus 'not given') as well as responses from the interviews ('recalled' versus 'missed'). RESULTS: Eleven pharmacy staff (two pharmacists and nine pharmacy technicians) were involved in providing information for patients obtaining oral antibiotics during the study period. Of 14 essential information items, only about half was given by pharmacy staff, with pharmacists significantly providing on average more information items than pharmacy technicians (7.96 versus 7.67 respectively; p<0.001). The most frequently information items provided (>90%) included "antibiotic identification", "indication", administration directions (i.e. "dosage", "frequency", "hour of administration", "administration before/after meal", "route of administration"), and "duration of use". A total of 230 patients consented to the study, giving 79.9% response rate. The average number of information items recalled by patients was 7.09 (SD 1.45). Almost all patients could recall information on administration directions [i.e. "route of administration" (97.0%), "frequency" (95.2%), "dosage" (92.6%), "hour of administration" (85.7%), "administration before/after meal" (89.1%)] and "duration of use" (90.9%). Fewer patients were able to recall "antibiotic identification" (76.5%) and "indication" (77.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacy staff provided antibiotic information in a limited fashion, while patients showed adequate ability to recall the information given to them. Further study is needed to better understand the effective process of information transmission between pharmacy staff and patients, especially if more information was provided, to better optimise the use of antibiotics in outpatient settings in Indonesia.

A cross-sectional assessment of Indonesian female health cadres' knowledge and attitude towards antibiotics.

INTRODUCTION: Health cadres have a key role in building awareness related to irrational antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in Indonesia. Cadres help to bridge the gap between the shortage of health professionals and the need to reach the broader population. This study aimed to identify cadres' background, antibiotic knowledge and attitudes in an Indonesian setting. METHODOLOGY: A paper-based questionnaire survey was validated and conducted among purposefully selected cadres attending a seminar in Malang Indonesia. A 5-point Likert scale was used to identify attitudes, while true/false statements determined their knowledge. A total of 112 cadres responded, giving a 100% response rate. RESULTS: The majority had been cadres for >2 years with previous counseling experience. Their attitudes on antibiotic use, were shown by the lower levels of disagreement to the statements "when I get a sore throat, I prefer to use antibiotics" (37.5%); "I would take antibiotics if I have had a cough for more than one week" (41.1%); and, "when I get influenza, I would take antibiotics to help me recover sooner" (47.3%), within the "indications" domain. For knowledge, lower scores were reported for domains related to "indications" (mean 1.49 ± 0.82/3), "resistance" (mean 1.06 ± 0.94/3), and "storage and disposal" (mean 1.23 ± 0.78/3). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated a need to improve cadres' attitudes and knowledge prior their involvement as change agents for improving the rational use of antibiotics to minimise antibiotic resistance in Indonesia.