Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news
This paper proposes key steps for community pharmacist integration into a patient care pathway for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. A literature search highlights the evidence for primary prevention (smoking cessation), early detection/case finding, management and ongoing support (education, inhaler technique, treatment expectations, adherence, self-management) and review and follow-up (device technique, adherence).
Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017;83:192–201.
Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older hospital in-patients
Analysis of medication lists of all patients ≥65 years old, admitted to a tertiary teaching hospital in January 2013 shows PIMs were common, and contributed to admission and injury. Amongst 534 patients, over 50% were on 1 or more PIM at admission, 26.8% on multiple; 60.8% were discharged on a PIM. Six percent of all admissions were potentially attributable to a PIM; falls associated with risk therapies were commonest (23/30), and often (65.2%) associated with serious injury. The authors suggest hospitalisation provides an opportunity for medication rationalisation, and documentation of rationale for any PIM use.
Australasian Journal on Ageing 2016;35(4):262–265.
Economic value of pharmacy-led medicines reconciliation at admission to hospital
A UK study has shown pharmacy-led medication reconciliation on admission to hospital has significant economic, as well as clinical benefits. The study was conducted in a 1000-bed teaching hospital in London, UK and averted 118 preventable adverse drug events over a 6-day period. The net benefit of one medication reconciliation was AU$58-135.
Eur J Hosp Pharm doi:10.1136/ejhpharm-2016-001071.
Twenty-four guidelines have been developed by the Australasian Hepatology Association and key stakeholders, including a pharmacist, to support optimal adherence to DAAs in the treatment of hepatitis C. Interventions should focus on identifying patients’ memory triggers and hooks; use of non-confrontational and non-judgmental language by health professionals; and objectively monitoring adherence. Every effort should be made to support patients to be 100% adherent to DAAs.
Patient Preference and Adherence 2016:10 2479–2489.
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