The concept of computerized expert systems is explained, the potential utility of these systems in pharmacy is explored, and strategies and imperatives for implementing them are described. Computerized expert systems att...The concept of computerized expert systems is explained, the potential utility of these systems in pharmacy is explored, and strategies and imperatives for implementing them are described. Computerized expert systems attempt a higher level of analysis than traditional computer programs. They can be defined as systems that attempt to make or assist in a decision that is not yet completely and reliably definable in objective terms. Because of the information-intensive nature of pharmacy practice, this field is particularly suited to use of expert systems. Current applications include screening for drug interactions and therapeutic drug monitoring. Expert systems must offer a substantial advantage over human expertise (for example, by quickly analyzing enormous quantities of data); those that perform functions that humans could perform have failed to gain widespread use. An ideal hospital expert system would have access to any data available about a patient's care and would detect critical situations as they occur. Such a system would require pharmacists to shift from a prescription-based orientation to a case-management orientation. Factors to consider in implementing an expert system include linkage among multiple departments, usage options, development strategies, and maintenance requirements. Computerized expert systems hold great potential for application to pharmacy and may influence the pharmacist's role in patient care.
The rationale for and effectiveness of extended dosage intervals for aminoglycosides are discussed. Aminoglycosides can be given once daily despite an elimination half-life of two to three hours because of the postantibi...The rationale for and effectiveness of extended dosage intervals for aminoglycosides are discussed. Aminoglycosides can be given once daily despite an elimination half-life of two to three hours because of the postantibiotic effect (PAE) of these agents. Aminoglycosides have a prolonged PAE against a variety of common gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. Higher serum aminoglycoside concentrations are associated with longer PAEs and increased bactericidal activity. Once-daily administration may reduce the potential for adaptive postexposure resistance by allowing less contact time between organism and drug. A major concern with aminoglycosides is the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. The uptake of specific aminoglycosides by renal cortical cells is saturable; a longer dosage interval may decrease the risk of nephrotoxicity because higher transient serum aminoglycoside levels appear to be less nephrotoxic than lower but more persistent serum concentrations. Once-daily administration may reduce the risk of ototoxicity through a similar mechanism. An increasing number of clinical trials suggest tht once-daily administration of aminoglycosides and regimens involving shorter dosage intervals are equally effective in patients with normal renal function and gram-negative infections and that once-daily administration may reduce the frequency of toxicity or delay it. Patients with renal dysfunction or neutropenia may also benefit from once-daily administration. Most trials have been small, and in some of them other antimicrobials were given concurrently. Although more study is needed, the evidence to date suggests that once-daily administration of aminoglycosides is as effective as traditional regimens entailing shorter dosage intervals and may reduce the potential for toxicity.
The evolution of pharmacy as a caring profession is discussed. Pharmacy has always been a caring profession. However, the focus of that caring has shifted over time. During the compounding and manufacturing era of the 19...The evolution of pharmacy as a caring profession is discussed. Pharmacy has always been a caring profession. However, the focus of that caring has shifted over time. During the compounding and manufacturing era of the 1950s, pharmacists expressed their caring by preparing drug products in accordance with stringent quality-control procedures. The unit dose era saw pharmacists caring by seeking to eliminate unnecessary nursing manipulations, ensuring that patients received their drugs, and decreasing the medication error rate. The clinical pharmacy era had pharmacists providing drug information and monitoring pharmacokinetics. Until recently, activities centered on the drug and were geared primarily to the physician or to economics. Today, dissemination of the philosophy of pharmaceutical care is causing pharmacists to take full responsibility for actions devoted to ensuring the best possible outcomes of drug therapy for the least cost. Pharmaceutical care has become pharmacy's mandate. But pharmaceutical care cannot be embraced with rhetoric and changed departmental names alone; it must be practiced. Under pharmaceutical care, pharmacists are gaining more prescribing authority. Pharmaceutical care also offers the opportunity for greater continuity of care and broader professional unity among pharmacists. Pharmacy has always progressed most during times of adversity like these. Pharmacy must strive to uphold the profile of the department, and pharmacy directors must maintain their leadership, along with their ability to practice on the front lines. Pharmacists should continue to demonstrate their value to physicians and administrators. Residency programs must not neglect the mentor-resident relationship, as this nourishes the development of future leaders.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Peters BG, Wilson AL, Lunik MC
… +1 more, Cataldo BK
Am J Hosp Pharm
· 1994 Aug · PMID 7942925
A formal training program for technicians who prepare cytotoxic agents and pharmacists who check the doses is described. To handle an overwhelming workload in an oncology satellite pharmacy and to enable the pharmacists...A formal training program for technicians who prepare cytotoxic agents and pharmacists who check the doses is described. To handle an overwhelming workload in an oncology satellite pharmacy and to enable the pharmacists there to increase their clinical involvement, a program was developed to train technicians to prepare antineoplastic doses and pharmacists to check the technicians' work. The program consists of two days of classroom instruction, three weeks of hands-on training, and a written examination. In addition to handling and preparation of antineoplastic drugs, other topics related to oncology are covered to give the participants a better understanding of cancer and its treatment. The technicians must complete a refresher program annually. From 1991 to 1993, 15 pharmacists and 14 technicians and pharmacy students completed the program. The technicians have taken on additional responsibilities in the satellite pharmacy, including managing the inventory of oncology drugs. Implementation of a comprehensive cancer chemotherapy training class for technicians and pharmacists has benefited the pharmacy in terms of labor and inventory control.
Clostridium difficile is a nosocomial pathogen able to survive unfavorable environments by sporulation; when conditions advantageous for rapid growth appear, the vegetative form is regenerated. Lack of conscientious hand...Clostridium difficile is a nosocomial pathogen able to survive unfavorable environments by sporulation; when conditions advantageous for rapid growth appear, the vegetative form is regenerated. Lack of conscientious hand washing and failure of health care providers to use disposable gloves facilitate transmission within institutions. Exposure to certain antimicrobials expedites C. difficile overgrowth within the colon by altering the composition of the normal gut microflora. Antineoplastic agents may also precipitate CDIC. The characteristics of the colonizing strain, the properties of the inciting drug, and individual host factors collectively seem to govern the expression of the disorder. Clinical presentations range from self-limiting diarrhea to severe diarrhea accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis to potentially life-threatening PMC. A preponderance of data supports the interpretation that oral metronidazole and oral vancomycin are therapeutically equivalent for the treatment of all but the most severe cases of CDIC. Whether the two drugs are equivalent in severe CDIC is controversial and will probably remain so in the absence of a well-designed trial to expand on the findings of the study by Teasley et al. Because of the cost difference and therapeutic equivalence, oral metronidazole should be the preferred routine treatment for CDIC; oral vancomycin should be reserved for severe cases and cases that fail to respond to at least six days of oral metronidazole therapy. Another important argument, albeit a hypothetical one, for limiting institutional use of oral vancomycin is to minimize selective environmental pressure for the emergence and dissemination of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. An epidemic outbreak of CDIC caused by clindamycin-resistant C. difficile in an institution where clindamycin use was extremely high illustrates the possible consequences of such selective pressure. Oral metronidazole 250 mg four times daily will usually provide a satisfactory response, but clinicians may wish to consider increasing the total daily dose for some patients who have symptoms like fever and leukocytosis. For oral vancomycin, 125 mg four times daily is sufficient in virtually all circumstances. Ten days of therapy is usually adequate for either drug. CDIC in a patient unable to take medications orally presents a bit of a therapeutic dilemma. Two approaches that appear effective are rectal administration of vancomycin and intravenous administration of metronidazole, although intravenous metronidazole can fail to work, possibly because the colonic concentrations achieved are inadequate. Clinicians may wish to consider a total daily dose of intravenous metronidazole that is at the upper end of the adult dosage range, if this is feasible.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Automated devices for managing medication distribution are described. Shrinking operating budgets are causing many departments of pharmacy to consider automation to maximize the cost-effective use of professional personn...Automated devices for managing medication distribution are described. Shrinking operating budgets are causing many departments of pharmacy to consider automation to maximize the cost-effective use of professional personnel. Many devices and systems that are currently available or under development can help with (1) distribution of medication to and from the patient care area, (2) distribution of medication directly to the patient, (3) inventory control, (4) management of controlled substances, or (5) documentation of medication administration. Medication-management devices based in the patient care unit (Lionville CDModule, Access, Meditrol, Argus, MedStation, Sure-Med, and SelecTrac-Rx) are designed to replace manual filling of unit dose carts or to increase control over floor-stock medications and controlled substances. They provide immediate access to medications but can take extra time to fill. Centrally located medication-management systems (Automated Pharmacy Station, ATC-212, and Medispense) are designed to replace or improve a manual system for filling unit dose carts. They may have financial and practical advantages over systems based in the patient care unit because they avoid redundant inventories. However, a manual system is still needed for some medications, particularly those that need refrigeration. Several point-of-care information systems also have medication-management components (MedTake, CliniCare, Automated Medication Administration Tracking, and MedLynk). They provide rapid access to patient information and facilitate documentation. Many incorporate bar-code technology and radio-frequency transmission of data. An automated management system can combine increased efficiency with decreased risk of error. Descriptions of available systems may help pharmacists choose a system that meets their needs.