A concerning report
The recent methotrexate inquest indicates a real need for universities to provide assertiveness training during pharmacy courses, writes Jeff Lerner AJP’s report, “A ‘needless and entirely preventable’ death: Coroner” is …
‘The victims were vulnerable’
A NSW man will remain in jail for robbing a pharmacy with a fake gun, after the criminal court dismissed his appeal A man who robbed a NSW pharmacy using …
‘Leave the commercial interests out to one side.’
Health stakeholders have criticised “bizarre” attempts by US officials to block a World Health Assembly resolution encouraging breastfeeding According to an article published in the New York Times, the United …
Sunshine belief broken
There’s a growing belief that vitamin D can help protect people from brain-related conditions – but does the evidence support it? New research from South Australian scientists has shown that …
Samoa pulls MMR vax program after infant deaths
The AMA has issued a reminder of MMR safety in Australia following the deaths of two infants in Samoa shortly after vaccination Samoan health officials have reportedly recalled the MMR …
High-risk meds and safety
Patient safety in regard to high-risk medicines is a new focus for two organisations who have joined together to help Australian clinical pharmacists have an unprecedented opportunity to improve patient …
Research Roundup
Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news Proton‐Pump Inhibitors and Long‐Term Risk of Community‐Acquired Pneumonia in Older Adults In a large cohort of older adults in primary care, …
Looking deeper
The ACCC is investigating whether the proposed merger of Arrow and Apotex – two of the largest suppliers of generics in Australia – will impact on competition In early May, …
How can Australia stop the opioid epidemic before it’s too late?
How can GPs and pharmacists work to address the issue of opioid prescribing in Australia? asks Michael Wong Australia is currently facing a significant opioid epidemic, with a staggering amount …
Wash your hands like somebody’s watching
Do you wash your hands if nobody’s looking? Many hospital staff don’t, a new study shows Medical researchers from the University of New South Wales examined hand hygiene rates among …
New picture of poisoning
Paracetamol is the second most common substance involved in calls to Australian Poisons Information Centres, new data show Research led by Alanna Huynh, a poisons information specialist and research associate …
Look out for the warning signs
TGA reminds health professionals to communicate the potential risks of medicines associated with neuropsychiatric adverse events The TGA has issued a reminder to health professionals on communicating the potential risks …