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Rullier C, Tarazona V, De Bandt D. Incidence of remote consultation on general practitioners' antibiotic prescriptions in 2021: a French observational study. BJGP Open 2024:BJGPO.2023.0196. [PMID: 38199798 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with infectious diseases, remote consultation (RC) may be questionable compared with face-to-face office consultation (OC), not only because of the lack of physical examination but also because of the risk of overprescribing antibiotics (ATBs). AIM To analyse ATB prescription in OC versus RC in a sample of French GPs. DESIGN & SETTING This is a retrospective observational cohort study in general practice in 2021. Anonymised data were collected from voluntary GPs. METHOD The influence of the mode of consultation on ATB prescription was analysed using a χ² test. A secondary multivariate analysis investigated the factors influencing the use of OC or RC in patients who received at least one ATB. RESULTS In total, 35 503 consultations with an identifiable rating were included, corresponding to seven doctors' activities, practising with five locums and three residents. ATBs were prescribed in 10.41% of RCs and 6.77% of OCs (P<0.01). RC was associated with more frequent prescription of ATBs for respiratory and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) viral infections and urinary tract infections. For patients aged 20-40 years, ATB prescription was more associated with RC. CONCLUSION RC is associated with a more frequent ATB prescription than OC, mostly for patients aged 20-40 years, who are most likely to use new technologies; and for urinary tract infections or respiratory and ENT viral infections. Further studies on RC outcomes should be conducted to better analyse the impact of RC on the prescribing of ATBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Rullier
- Family medicine department, University of Paris Saclay, Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Tarazona
- Family medicine department, University of Paris Saclay, Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris, France
| | - David De Bandt
- Family medicine department, University of Paris Saclay, Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris, France
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2
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MacVicar S. Nurse independent prescribing: exploring the opportunities and challenges. Nurs Stand 2024:e12304. [PMID: 38736365 DOI: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
The Nursing and Midwifery Council states that nurses should be able to demonstrate competence in prescribing practice at the point of registration to be 'prescribing ready'. The aim is to increase the number of nurse independent prescribers and improve access to pharmacological treatments for patients. However, while this policy presents opportunities for nurses to develop their prescribing knowledge and skills, there are also challenges involved in integrating prescribing theory into nurse education and ensuring there are enough suitable mentors available in practice. This article details how the policy of prescribing readiness is being addressed in preregistration nurse education and explores the supervision of nurse prescribing in clinical practice. The author also discusses how best to support the professional development of nurse independent prescribers beyond their initial training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya MacVicar
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Madey J, Tri S, Haines A, Zimmer S, Halpape K, Dumont Z. Antipsychotic Prescribing in Older Adults after In-Hospital Initiation. Can J Hosp Pharm 2024; 77:e3543. [PMID: 38720917 PMCID: PMC11060792 DOI: 10.4212/cjhp.3543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Background In older adults, the use of antipsychotics to treat delirium or the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia is potentially inappropriate and may be associated with adverse effects. Antipsychotics newly initiated in hospital may be inadvertently continued after discharge. In the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) - Regina area, the frequency and duration of antipsychotic continuation for older adults after initiation during a hospital stay is unknown. Objectives To describe potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use in older adults after discharge from hospital, specifically rates of postdischarge antipsychotic therapy after initiation in hospital and continuation up to 180 days after discharge; prescribing regimens used; risk factors associated with continuation; pharmacist involvement; and plans for antipsychotic discontinuation, tapering, and/or follow-up. Methods This retrospective chart review included inpatients 65 years of age or older who were discharged from medicine units at SHA - Regina area hospitals between September 30, 2021, and June 28, 2022. Outpatient dispensing histories were also gathered. Results Of the 189 patients included in the analysis, 60 (31.7%) had continuation of antipsychotic therapy at discharge. Of these, 48 (80.0%), 33 (55.0%), and 24 (40.0%) had continuation of antipsychotic therapy at 30, 90, and 180 days after discharge, respectively. Of the patients with continuing antipsychotic therapy, 53 (88.3%) were 75 years of age or older, and 9 (15.0%) had documentation of an outpatient antipsychotic follow-up plan. Conclusions Postdischarge continuation of antipsychotics was similar to that reported in the literature. Patients continued on antipsychotics after discharge were at a greater than 50% risk of continuation at 90 days and were unlikely to have a follow-up plan. Future quality improvement efforts should include standardized prioritization of medication reviews, documentation of indications, and regular reassessment of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Madey
- PharmD, ACPR, is with Pharmacy Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority - Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan
| | - Samantha Tri
- BSP, ACPR, is with Pharmacy Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority - Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan
| | - Aleina Haines
- BSP, ACPR, is with Pharmacy Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority - Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan
| | - Stephanie Zimmer
- BSP, ACPR, is with Pharmacy Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority - Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan
| | - Katelyn Halpape
- BSP, ACPR, PharmD, BCPP, is with the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
| | - Zack Dumont
- BSP, ACPR, MS(Pharm), is with Pharmacy Services, Saskatchewan Health Authority - Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan
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Fitts A, Teare AJ, Nelson SD. Price transparency at the point of prescribing with real-time prescription benefits. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2024:zxae108. [PMID: 38713809 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxae108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Real-time prescription benefits (RTPB) shows prescribers patient-, medication-, and pharmacy-specific information on medication pricing, prior authorization requirements, and lower-cost alternatives. RTPB is intended to improve patient satisfaction and prescription fill rates by decreasing out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions. Therefore, we evaluated how RTPB affects prescribing patterns by examining acceptance and subsequent fill rates for RTPB alternative suggestions. METHODS RTPB was implemented in February 2022 using external vendor interfaces. Prescribing data from March 2022 to March 2023 were analyzed. RTPB displayed alerts for medications requiring prior authorization or when alternative medications would result in cost savings. Patients were included if their prescription received an RTPB response and they had a subsequent encounter with pharmacy fill data. Primary outcomes were alert acceptance rates and prescription fill rates across RTPB alert groups, with a secondary outcome of monthly copay savings for accepted alerts. RESULTS RTPB requests received a response for 88% of prescriptions, with price estimates provided for 77.9% of them. Lower-cost alternatives accounted for 67.2% of alerts, while prior authorization requirements represented 15% of alerts. Prescribers selected a lower-cost alternative 32% of the time. For those with an RTPB alert, patients filled prescriptions 68% of the time when an alternative was chosen, compared to 59% of the time when the original prescription was retained (odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-1.6; P < 0.001). Patients saved an average of $27.77 per month on copay costs when alternatives were selected. CONCLUSION Implementation of RTPB was found to result in significant improvements in prescription fill rates and decrease patient copay costs, despite low alert acceptance rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Fitts
- HealthIT, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrew J Teare
- HealthIT, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Scott D Nelson
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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5
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Lauffenburger JC, DiFrancesco MF, Bhatkhande G, Crum KL, Kim E, Robertson T, Oran R, Hanken KE, Haff N, Coll MD, Avorn J, Choudhry NK. Pragmatic trial evaluating the impact of simulation training on high-risk prescribing to older adults by junior physicians. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1420-1430. [PMID: 38456561 PMCID: PMC11090740 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-risk medications like benzodiazepines, sedative hypnotics, and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for hospitalized older adults, despite guidelines recommending avoidance. Prior interventions have not fully addressed how physicians make such prescribing decisions, particularly when experiencing stress or cognitive overload. Simulation training may help improve prescribing decision-making but has not been evaluated for overprescribing. METHODS In this two-arm pragmatic trial, we randomized 40 first-year medical resident physicians (i.e., interns) on inpatient general medicine services at an academic medical center to either intervention (a 40-minute immersive simulation training) or control (online educational training) groups. The primary outcome was the number of new benzodiazepine, sedative hypnotic, or antipsychotic orders for treatment-naïve older adults during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the same outcome by all providers, being discharged on one of the medications, and orders for related or control medications. Outcomes were measured using electronic health record data over each intern's service period (~2 weeks). Outcomes were evaluated using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for clustering. RESULTS In total, 522 treatment-naïve older adult patients were included in analyses. Over follow-up, interns prescribed ≥1 high-risk medication for 13 (4.9%) intervention patients and 13 (5.0%) control patients. The intervention led to no difference in the number of new prescriptions (Rate Ratio [RR]: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.31-2.35) versus control and no difference in secondary outcomes. In secondary analyses, intervention interns wrote significantly fewer "as-needed" ("PRN") order types for the high-risk medications (RR: 0.29, 95%CI: 0.08-0.99), and instead tended to write more "one-time" orders than control interns, though this difference was not statistically significant (RR: 2.20, 95%CI: 0.60-7.99). CONCLUSIONS Although this simulation intervention did not impact total high-risk prescribing for hospitalized older adults, it did influence how the interns prescribed, resulting in fewer PRN orders, suggesting possibly greater ownership of care. Future interventions should consider this insight and implementation lessons raised. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov(NCT04668248).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C. Lauffenburger
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew F. DiFrancesco
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gauri Bhatkhande
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine L. Crum
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin Kim
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Kaitlin E. Hanken
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy Haff
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maxwell D. Coll
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jerry Avorn
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Niteesh K. Choudhry
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Gudka R, Becker K, Ward J, Smith JR, Mughal F, Melendez-Torres GJ, Newlove-Delgado T, Price A. Primary care provision for young people with ADHD: a multi-perspective qualitative study. Br J Gen Pract 2024:BJGP.2023.0626. [PMID: 38316468 PMCID: PMC11080641 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2023.0626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. UK guidance states that primary care has a vital role in effective ADHD management, including referral, medication prescribing and monitoring, and providing broader mental health and wellbeing support. However, many GPs feel unsupported to provide health care for young people with ADHD. Inadequate health care is associated with rising costs for patients and society. AIM To investigate the experiences of young people with ADHD accessing primary care in England, from the perspectives of people with lived experience of ADHD and healthcare professionals (HCPs). DESIGN AND SETTING A qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with HCPs (GPs, practice managers, and a wellbeing worker) and people with lived experience of ADHD (young people aged 16-25 years and their supporters) located in integrated care systems across England. METHOD Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants at five purposively selected general practices (varying by deprivation, ethnicity, and setting). Questions focused on experiences of accessing/providing health care for ADHD. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken within a critical realist framework to understand how provision works in practice and to explore potential improvements. RESULTS In total, 20 interviews were completed with 11 HCPs and nine people with lived experience. Three themes were generated: a system under stress, incompatibility between ADHD and the healthcare system, and strategies for change in ADHD primary care provision. CONCLUSION Standardisation of ADHD management in primary care, providing better information and support for HCPs, and advising on reasonable adjustments for people with lived experience could help improve access to effective treatments for young people living with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Gudka
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter
| | - Kieran Becker
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter
| | - John Ward
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - Jane R Smith
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter
| | | | | | | | - Anna Price
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter
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Davies K. Medicines management in children and young people: pharmacokinetics, drug calculations and off-label drug use. Nurs Child Young People 2024:e1506. [PMID: 38646839 DOI: 10.7748/ncyp.2024.e1506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Medicines management in children and young people presents specific challenges because children differ from adults in their response to medicines. The way in which medicines work inside the human body, or pharmacokinetics, varies according to age and stage of development. Accurate drug calculations for a child rely on the careful consideration of a series of factors, such as weight and height, pharmacokinetics and drug characteristics. This article focuses on three fundamental aspects: pharmacokinetics, drug calculations, and unlicensed and off-label drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Davies
- London South Bank University, and honorary research fellow in paediatric endocrinology, Queen Mary University of London, London, England
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8
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Sharma R, Hasan SS, Gilkar IA, Hussain WF, Conway BR, Ghori MU. Pharmacist-led interventions in optimising the use of oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation in general practice in England: a retrospective observational study. BJGP Open 2024:BJGPO.2023.0113. [PMID: 38097269 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is the mainstay of treatment for the prevention of strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) account for increasing OAC in patients with AF. However, prescribing DOACs for patients with established AF poses various challenges and general practice pharmacists may have an important role in supporting their management. AIM To investigate the effectiveness of pharmacist-led interventions in general practice in optimising the use of OAC therapies in AF. DESIGN & SETTING A retrospective observational study in general practices in Bradford. METHOD The data were collected retrospectively from 1 November 2018-31 December 2019 using electronic health record data. The data were analysed: 1) to identify patients with AF not on OAC; 2) to describe inappropriate DOAC prescriptions; and 3) to calculate HAS-BLED scores. RESULTS Overall, 76.3% (n = 470) of patients with AF received OAC therapy, and of these, 63.4% received DOACs. Pharmacist-led interventions increased DOAC prescribing by 6.0% (P = 0.03). Inappropriate DOAC use was identified in 24.5% of patients with AF, with underdosed and overdosed identified in 9.7% and 14.8%, respectively. Post-intervention, inappropriate prescribing was reduced to 1.7%. The mean HAS-BLED score decreased from 3.00 to 2.22 (P<0.01). Successful transition from vitamin K antagonist (VKA) therapy to DOACs was achieved in 25.7% of patients. CONCLUSION Pharmacist-led interventions have successfully improved the use of OAC therapies in patients with AF, and effectively managed the bleeding risks and transition from VKA to DOAC therapy, in line with guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Syed Shahzad Hasan
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | | | | | - Barbara R Conway
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Muhammad Usman Ghori
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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Dobson O, Barber M, Graham M, Carter A, Savic M. 'The wild west of medicine': A qualitative investigation of the factors influencing Australian health-care practitioners' delivery of medicinal cannabis. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024. [PMID: 38630896 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Strong patient interest in the use of medicinal cannabis to treat various clinical indications has sparked global legislative changes. Practitioners are vital in implementing regulatory changes and facilitating patient access to medicinal cannabis, however, little is currently known about the factors influencing practitioners' uptake. Recent rapid increases in practitioner applications to prescribe medicinal cannabis in Australia provides a unique backdrop to examine the current factors influencing prescribing behaviours. This qualitative study examined Australian practitioners' perspectives on prescribing medicinal cannabis to provide a comprehensive exploration of the potential factors influencing uptake in clinical practice. METHODS Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian health-care practitioners. Transcripts were analysed using the Framework approach to thematic analysis and cross-mapped to appropriate domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS We identified four themes related to the barriers and facilitators to prescribing medicinal cannabis: (i) clinical capabilities needed to prescribe; (ii) prescribing an unapproved therapeutic good; (iii) negative attitudes towards prescribers in the medical community; and (iv) divergent beliefs about clinical utility. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Practitioners face multiple pervasive barriers to prescribing medicinal cannabis. Beliefs about clinical utility appear to be highly influential in shaping prescribing behaviours. Moreover, our findings suggest that a medicinal cannabis 'specialisation' has emerged within the Australian medical community. Findings demonstrate that a range of complex and multifaceted factors influence practitioners' medicinal cannabis prescribing behaviours. We highlight several considerations for policy and practice to support safe and appropriate patient access to medicinal cannabis in this emerging area of clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Dobson
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michaela Barber
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Myfanwy Graham
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University and Turning Point, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adrian Carter
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Bioethics Centre, School of Philosophy, History and International Studies, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Savic
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University and Turning Point, Melbourne, Australia
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Ajabnoor AM, Parisi R, Zghebi SS, Ashcroft DM, Faivre-Finn C, Morris C, Mamas MA, Kontopantelis E. Oral anticoagulant prescribing among patients with cancer and atrial fibrillation in England, 2009-2019. Cancer 2024; 130:1316-1329. [PMID: 38115738 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticoagulation of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and cancer is challenging because of their high risk for stroke and bleeding. Little is known of the variations of oral anticoagulant (OAC) prescribing in patients with AF with and without cancer. METHODS Patients with first-time AF during 2009-2019 from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink were included. Cancer diagnosis was defined as a history of breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, or hematological cancer. Competing-risk analysis was used to assess the risk of OAC prescribing in patients with AF and cancer adjusted for clinical and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS Of 177,065 patients with AF, 11.7% had cancer. Compared to patients without cancer, patients with cancer were less likely to receive OAC: prostate cancer (subhazard ratio [SHR], 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99), breast cancer (SHR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.98), colorectal cancer (SHR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99), hematological cancer (SHR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.65-0.75), and lung cancer (SHR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.38-0.50). The cumulative incidence function (CIF) of OAC prescribing was lowest for patients with lung cancer and hematological cancer compared with patients without cancer. The difference between the CIF of OAC prescribing in patients with and without cancer becomes narrower in the most deprived areas. Elderly patients (aged ≥85 years) overall had the lowest CIF of OAC prescribing regardless of cancer status. CONCLUSIONS In patients with AF, underprescribing of OAC is independently associated with certain cancer types. Patients with hematological and lung cancer are the least likely to receive anticoagulation therapy compared with patients without cancer. Underprescribing of OAC in cancer is linked to old age. Further studies of patients with AF and cancer are warranted to assess the net clinical benefit of anticoagulation in certain cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyaa M Ajabnoor
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rosa Parisi
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Salwa S Zghebi
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre (PSTRC), University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Corinne Faivre-Finn
- Christie National Health Service Foundation Trust and University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte Morris
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Mamas A Mamas
- Keele Cardiovascular Research Group, Centre for Prognosis Research, Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Evangelos Kontopantelis
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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McDermott JH, Sharma V, Newman WG, Wilson P, Payne K, Wright S. Public preferences for pharmacogenetic testing in the NHS: Embedding a discrete choice experiment within service design to better meet user needs. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38616172 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.16058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Genetic testing can be used to improve the safety and effectiveness of commonly prescribed medicines-a concept known as pharmacogenetics. This study aimed to quantify members of the UK public's preferences for a pharmacogenetic service to be delivered in primary care in the National Health Service. METHODS Members of the UK population were surveyed via an online panel company. Respondents completed 1 of 2 survey versions, asking respondents to select their preferred pharmacogenetic testing service in the context of a presentation of low mood or pain. A conditional logit model was estimated, before the best functional form for the dataset was identified. Preference heterogeneity was identified via latent class analysis. Coefficients from the final selected models were used to estimate uptake in the context of different hypothetical pharmacogenetic services. RESULTS Responses from 1993 individuals were included in the analysis. There were no differences observed in preference between the 2 clinical scenarios. Conditional logit analysis, using maximum likelihood estimation, indicated that respondents preferred to have noninvasive tests and wanted their data to be shared between different healthcare organizations to guide future prescribing. There was a preference for regional over national data sharing initiatives, and respondents preferred to have access to their data. Predicted uptake varied considerably, ranging from 51% to >99%, depending on design of the service. CONCLUSION This study identifies public preferences for a pharmacogenetic testing service and demonstrates how predicted uptake can be impacted by relatively minor adaptations. This highlights areas for prioritization during development of future pharmacogenetic services.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H McDermott
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Videha Sharma
- Division of Informatics, Centre for Health Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - William G Newman
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Wilson
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine Payne
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stuart Wright
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Reidt S, Hsieh M, Roufael J, Kim S, Panwalkar G, Sow M. "Evaluating trends in pharmacist e- prescribing: 2019-2022. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2024:102092. [PMID: 38608755 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2024.102092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacists have some prescriptive authority in all fifty states through dependent and independent prescribing. Data describing the volume and characteristics of pharmacist prescribing are not widely available, and these insights are critical to gauge the impact of regulations supporting pharmacist prescriptive authority. OBJECTIVE To identify trends in pharmacist prescribing and compare them to primary care provider (PCP) prescribing trends by analyzing e-prescriptions initiated from electronic health records systems (EHRs) from 2019 through 2022. METHODS This cross-sectional study used e-prescriptions from a national health information network to identify e-prescriptions ordered by pharmacists and PCPs from January 7, 2019, to January 1, 2023. E-prescriptions ordered by pharmacists and PCPs were analyzed to identify annual volume by prescriber type and most prescribed therapeutic classes. States with the highest volume of e-prescriptions ordered by pharmacists were identified. RESULTS The number of e-prescriptions prescribed by a pharmacist increased 47% from 2019 (n=814,726) to 2022 (n=1,199,601). The number of pharmacists prescribing in 2019 was 1650, and this increased by 122% to 3664 in 2022. The number of e-prescriptions prescribed by PCPs increased by 4% from 2019 (n=927,890,123) to 2022 (n=965,803,376) while the number of PCPs prescribing increased by 8% from 2019 (n=364,995) to 2022 (n=394,753). CONCLUSION Pharmacist e-prescribing increased across the four years studied while PCP e-prescribing modestly increased. Factors like access to technology, such as electronic health records, state regulations, and reimbursement impact a pharmacist's ability to prescribe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Reidt
- Director, Medication Research & Analytics, Surescripts, LLC, Minneapolis, MN.
| | - Mark Hsieh
- Principal Data Engineer, Surescripts, LLC, Arlington, VA
| | - Joud Roufael
- Senior Research Analyst, Surescripts, LLC, Arlington, VA
| | - Sharon Kim
- Principal Research Analyst, Surescripts, LLC, Arlington, VA
| | - Geeta Panwalkar
- Principal Business Intelligence Analyst, Surescripts, LLC, Arlington, VA
| | - Max Sow
- VP, Business Intelligence, Surescripts, LLC, Arlington, VA
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Kardas P, Kwiatek A, Włodarczyk P, Urbański F, Ciabiada-Bryła B. Statins use amidst the pandemic: prescribing, dispensing, adherence, persistence, and correlation with COVID-19 statistics in nationwide real-world data from Poland. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1350717. [PMID: 38655185 PMCID: PMC11035734 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1350717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Adherence to medications presents a significant challenge in healthcare. Statins, used in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, are of particular importance for public health. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in additional healthcare system-related barriers impeding the execution of therapies. This study aimed to assess the use of as well as adherence and persistence to statins in a national cohort of 38 million of Polish citizens during pandemic. Methods A retrospective analysis of prescription and dispensation data for all statins users from the national payer organization covering the years 2020-2022 was conducted. Medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Possession Ratio, for persistence the 30-day cut-off was accepted. National data on COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 related deaths were obtained from ECDC. Results The analysis identified 7,189,716 Polish citizens (approximately 19% of Polish population) who were dispensed at least 1 pack of statins within the study period. Over that time, there was a continuous significant increasing trend in prescribing and dispensing of statins. Despite a total increase of 18.9% in the number of prescribed tablets, the percentage of tablets dispensed remained similar, averaging 86%. Overall percentage of adherent patients was 48.2%. For a random sample of 100,000 patients, the mean period of continuous therapy in 2022 was 6.2+/- 5.3 months. During the lockdown period, the mean number of prescribed and dispensed tablets was lower by 6.8% and 5.9%, respectively (p < 0.05). However, fluctuations in the number of COVID-19 cases or COVID-19-related deaths per week had no major impact on the prescribing and dispensing of statins. Conclusion Over the time of pandemic, there was a continuous increase in the number of statin tablets prescribed and dispensed in Poland. This suggests that, despite the potential limitations posed by COVID-19, access to statins remained easy, which may be attributed to the mass-scale implementation of the national e-prescription system. However, it is crucial to realise that approximately 1/7 of prescribed statin doses were never dispensed, and the overall levels of adherence and persistence were low. This underscores the necessity for concerted efforts to change this scenario in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Kardas
- Medication Adherence Research Centre, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Beata Ciabiada-Bryła
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
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De Brochowski V, Rubin GJ, Webster RK. The effect of nocebo explanation and empathy on side-effect expectations of medication use following a fictional GP consultation. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2024; 29:809-821. [PMID: 37491019 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2240072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The simple act of informing patients about side-effects increases the likelihood they will experience them (i.e. the nocebo effect). Explaining this psychological phenomenon could help to reduce side-effect experience, however, it is yet to be explored if this can be applied to clinical settings where new medication is prescribed. In addition, the degree to which a health-care provider empathetically communicates this to patients may have an impact. To investigate this, we carried out 2 × 2 factorial trial to assess the effect of nocebo explanation and empathy (plus their interaction) on side-effect expectations following a fictional GP consultation prescribing a new medication. Overall, 208 participants were randomised to watch one of the four fictive GP consultations and play the role of the patient. In all videos, participants received information about the reason for the consultation, the recommendation of a new fictive medicine, how to take it, benefits and side-effects. The videos differed in whether the GP provided an explanation of the nocebo effect (yes/no) and whether they communicated in an empathetic style (yes/no). After watching the video, participants were asked about their side-effect expectations and rated the quality of the GP's communication. Two-way ANOVAs revealed no main effect of nocebo explanation on expectation of side-effects warned or not warned about in the consultation. However, there was a main effect of empathy, with participants watching the empathetic consultations having significantly lower expectations of non-warned-about side-effects. There was no significant interaction. Findings suggest that explaining the nocebo effect and GP empathy did little to allay expectations of side-effects that were specifically mentioned in the consultation. However, GP empathy had an effect by helping to reduce additional side-effect expectations participants still had. Future work should extend these findings to real GP consultations where the full dimensions of empathy can be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine De Brochowski
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - G James Rubin
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response at, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Eronen ST, Kurko T, Kivelä SL, Paunio T, Airaksinen M, Rantamäki T. Sleep medicines are often prescribed for older adults (≥75 years) without appropriate dosing instructions: A nationwide retrospective register study in Finland. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2024; 149:350-360. [PMID: 38268137 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep medicines should be prescribed cautiously, accompanied by instructions that ensure appropriate use and reduce risks. This is especially important for older adults, for whom many of these medicines are classified as potentially inappropriate medicines. METHODS We investigated the use and appropriateness of dosing instructions for sleep medicines (described in the Finnish National Current Care Guideline for Insomnia) prescribed for older adults (≥75 years) and dispensed with instruction label in pharmacies. The retrospective reimbursement register data for year 2020 by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland was used as the data source (1,080,843 purchases by 143,886 individuals of which 565,228 purchases were pharmacy dispenses). The appropriateness of the pharmacy dosing instructions containing keyword(s) referring to insomnia treatment was examined according to the prescribed dose, time of intake, frequency of use, and warnings/remarks. A random sample of 1000 instructions was used to manually analyze the phrasing and appropriateness. OUTCOMES We focused our analysis on 58.1% (328,285 purchases by 87,396 individuals) of the pharmacy dispenses, which contained dosing instructions referring insomnia treatment. Of these, zopiclone and mirtazapine were the most prescribed drugs (134,631 and 112,463 purchases, respectively). Dose and time of intake were specified in most of the instructions (98.4% and 83.4%, respectively), whereas frequency of use was specified in 57.3%. A small percentage of the instructions included warnings/remarks (2.8%). Overall, only 2.1% of the instructions contained information about a single dose, time of intake, temporary use, and warnings/remarks and were thus defined as sufficient. Notably, 47.7% (n = 515,615) of all the purchases in our dataset were dispensed via automated multi-dose dispensing systems, which is aimed for long-term treatment. INTERPRETATION It is common to prescribe sleep medicines for older adults without appropriate dosing instructions, particularly excluding warnings against long-term, regular use. Actions to change the current prescribing practices are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sini-Tuulia Eronen
- Laboratory of Neurotherapeutics, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Terhi Kurko
- Research at Kela, Social Insurance Institution, Kela, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sirkka-Liisa Kivelä
- Unit of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Tiina Paunio
- SleepWell Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marja Airaksinen
- Clinical Pharmacy Group, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tomi Rantamäki
- Laboratory of Neurotherapeutics, Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- SleepWell Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Singh S, Degeling C, Drury P, Montgomery A, Caputi P, Deane FP. Nurses' Anxiety Mediates the Relationship between Clinical Tolerance to Uncertainty and Antibiotic Initiation Decisions in Residential Aged-Care Facilities. Med Decis Making 2024:272989X241239871. [PMID: 38532728 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x241239871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
HIGHLIGHTS The impact of non-clinical factors (e.g., resident and family preferences) on prescribing is well-established. There is a gap in the literature regarding the mechanisms through which these preferences are experienced as pressure by prescribers within the unique context of residential aged-care facilities (RACFs).A significant relationship was found between nurses' anxiety, clinical tolerance of uncertainty, and the perceived need for antibiotics and assessment.As such, there is a need to expand stewardship beyond education alone to include interventions that help nurses manage uncertainty and anxiety and include other stakeholders (e.g., family members) when making clinical decisions in the RACF setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saniya Singh
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
| | - Chris Degeling
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
| | - Peta Drury
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
| | - Amy Montgomery
- School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Caputi
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Frank P Deane
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Wood C, Speed V, Fisher L, Curtis HJ, Schaffer AL, Walker AJ, Croker R, Brown AD, Cunningham C, Hulme WJ, Andrews CD, Butler-Cole BFC, Evans D, Inglesby P, Dillingham I, Bacon SCJ, Davy S, Ward T, Hickman G, Bridges L, O'Dwyer T, Maude S, Smith RM, Mehrkar A, Bates C, Cockburn J, Parry J, Hester F, Harper S, Goldacre B, MacKenna B. The impact of COVID-19 on medication reviews in English primary care. An OpenSAFELY-TPP analysis of 20 million adult electronic health records. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38531661 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.16030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to routine activity in primary care. Medication reviews are an important primary care activity ensuring safety and appropriateness of prescribing. A disruption could have significant negative implications for patient care. Using routinely collected data, our aim was first to describe codes used to record medication review activity and then to report the impact of COVID-19 on the rates of medication reviews. METHODS With the approval of NHS England, we conducted a cohort study of 20 million adult patient records in general practice, in-situ using the OpenSAFELY platform. For each month, between April 2019 and March 2022, we report the percentage of patients with a medication review coded monthly and in the previous 12 months with breakdowns by regional, clinical and demographic subgroups and those prescribed high-risk medications. RESULTS In April 2019, 32.3% of patients had a medication review coded in the previous 12 months. During the first COVID-19 lockdown, monthly activity decreased (-21.1% April 2020), but the 12-month rate was not substantially impacted (-10.5% March 2021). The rate of structured medication review in the last 12 months reached 2.9% by March 2022, with higher percentages in high-risk groups (care home residents 34.1%, age 90+ years 13.1%, high-risk medications 10.2%). The most used medication review code was Medication review done 314530002 (59.5%). CONCLUSIONS There was a substantial reduction in the monthly rate of medication reviews during the pandemic but rates recovered by the end of the study period. Structured medication reviews were prioritized for high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Wood
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Victoria Speed
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Louis Fisher
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helen J Curtis
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea L Schaffer
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alex J Walker
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Croker
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew D Brown
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christine Cunningham
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William J Hulme
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Colm D Andrews
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ben F C Butler-Cole
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Evans
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Inglesby
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Iain Dillingham
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sebastian C J Bacon
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Davy
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tom Ward
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - George Hickman
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lucy Bridges
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas O'Dwyer
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steven Maude
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca M Smith
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amir Mehrkar
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ben Goldacre
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Brian MacKenna
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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El Abdouni S, Kalfsvel LS, Rietdijk WJR, Van der Kuy H, van Rosse F. Differences in prescribing errors between electronic prescribing and traditional prescribing among medical students: A randomized pilot study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38520277 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.16053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS This randomized controlled pilot study aimed to assess the differences in the frequency, type and severity of prescribing errors made by medical students when assessed in an electronic (e-)prescribing system compared to a traditional prescribing method (e.g., typing out a prescription). METHODS Fourth year medical students in the period of 1 November to 31 July 2023, were asked to participate in this single-centre prospective, randomized, controlled intervention study. Participants performed a prescribing assessment in either an e-prescribing system (intervention group) or in a more traditional prescribing platform (control group). The prescriptions were checked for errors, graded and categorized. Differences in prescribing errors, error categories and severity were analysed. RESULTS Out of 334 students, 84 participated in the study. Nearly all participants (98.8%) made 1 or more prescribing errors, primarily involving inadequate information errors. In the intervention group, more participants made prescribing errors involving the prescribed amount (71.4 vs. 19.0%; P < .01), but fewer involving administrative errors (2.4 vs. 19.0%; P = .03). Prescribing-method-specific errors were identified in 4.8 and 40.5% of the intervention and control group, respectively, with significant differences in overlapping errors as well. CONCLUSION This pilot study shows the importance of training e-prescribing competencies in medical curricula, in addition to traditional prescribing methods. It identifies prescribing-method-specific prescribing errors and emphasizes the need for further research to define e-prescribing competencies. Additionally, the need for an accessible real-life-like e-prescribing environment tailored to educators and students is essential for effective learning and incorporation of e-prescribing into medical curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir El Abdouni
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura S Kalfsvel
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J R Rietdijk
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo Van der Kuy
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Floor van Rosse
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Koren A, Koren L, Marcec R, Marcinko D, Likic R. Evolving Trends and Economic Burden of Benzodiazepine Use: Insights From a 10-Year Predictive Model. Value Health Reg Issues 2024; 40:70-73. [PMID: 37984023 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are widely prescribed in Croatia to treat anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, and epileptic seizures. Long-term BZD use is associated with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, dependence, addiction, falls in elderly populations, and increased traffic accident risk. METHODS Drug consumption data were obtained from the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices of Croatia website. Autoregressive integrated moving average models, constructed using R programming language, forecasted diazepam, alprazolam, and overall BZD utilization and financial costs at a national level over 10 years. RESULTS BZD consumption increased by up to 18.6% between 2012 and 2020. During the same period, diazepam utilization rose by 29.1%, and alprazolam consumption increased by 19.4%. Our model predicts that, by 2032, BZD, diazepam, and alprazolam utilization will increase substantially. The total projected financial expenditure for BZDs in 2032 is estimated at 14.22 million euros, with diazepam and alprazolam expenditures at 7.39 and 4.12 million euros, respectively. These increases will result in significant growth in healthcare spending and a rise in adverse effects related to long-term use. CONCLUSIONS National healthcare decision makers should consider implementing regulatory and legislative measures to quantify, specify, and limit monthly BZD use for each patient. This would help control the negative side effects of prolonged BZD use while continuing to provide treatment for patients who genuinely need it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andro Koren
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luciana Koren
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Marcec
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Darko Marcinko
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Department for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Likic
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Division for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department for Internal Medicine, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Dankers M, Hek K, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK, van Dijk L, Nelissen-Vrancken MHJMG. Adoption of new medicines in primary care: A comparison between the uptake of new oral anticoagulants and diabetes medicines. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 90:819-827. [PMID: 37945350 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To gain insight in the uptake and practice variation in the prescription of 2 new medicine groups for common conditions in primary care (direct-acting oral anticoagulants [DOACs] and incretin-based therapies) from introduction, around 2007, to 2019 and the correlation between the adoption of those medicines in primary care. METHODS Prescription data from general practices in the Dutch Nivel Primary Care Database from 2007 to 2019 were used. The percentage of patients with prescriptions for DOACs of all patients with prescriptions for DOACs and vitamin K antagonists was calculated per practice per year, as was the percentage of patients prescribed incretin-based therapies as a proportion of all patients with diabetes medication. Multilevel models were used to estimate practice variation for DOACs and incretin-based therapies, expressed as intraclass correlation coefficients. Linear regression analysis was used to study the association between the prescription of DOACs and incretin-based therapies. RESULTS Per year, 46-424 general practices and 179 933-1 654 376 patients were included. In 2019, the mean percentage of patients per practice using DOACs or incretin-based therapies was 54.9 and 9.7%, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient decreased from 0.75 to 0.024 for DOACs and from 0.33 to 0.074 for incretin-based medicines during the study period. No clear correlation was found between the prescription of DOACs and incretin-based therapies. CONCLUSION DOACs and incretin-based therapies have different adoption profiles and practice variation is large, especially in the years before these medicines were introduced in guidelines. Early adopters of both medicine classes differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes Dankers
- Dutch Institute for Rational Use of Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics (PTEE), Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Hek
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aukje K Mantel-Teeuwisse
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Liset van Dijk
- Department of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics (PTEE), Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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21
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Si X, Zhang H, Ding Q, Liu G, Huang L, Sun X. Retrospective analysis of real-world prescribing data for managing cisplatin-based chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in China. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7121. [PMID: 38515309 PMCID: PMC10958123 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current utilization of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists (NK1RAs) and the impact of updated guidelines on prescription patterns of antiemetic drugs among Chinese patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) remain undetermined. This study aims to analyze the present situation of Chinese cancer patients using antiemetic drugs and assess the appropriateness of antiemetic regimens. METHODS Prescription data were collected between January 2015 and December 2020 from cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy at 76 hospitals in six major cities in China. Trends in the use of antiemetic drugs, prescribing patterns and adherence to antiemetic guidelines were assessed. RESULTS Among the 108,611 patients included in this study, 6 classes and 17 antiemetic drugs were identified as monotherapy or combination therapy in 93,872 patients (86.4%), whereas 14,739 patients (13.6%) were administered no antiemetic treatment. 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor antagonists (5-HT3RAs) and glucocorticoids were the two most frequently used classes of antiemetics, followed by metoclopramide. NK1RAs were underused across the six cities, only 9332 (8.6%) and 1655 (1.5%) cisplatin-based treatments were prescribed aprepitant and fosaprepitant, respectively. Prescriptions of olanzapine and lorazepam were very low throughout the study period. In prescribing patterns of antiemetic drugs, dual combination regimens were the most common (40.0%), followed by triple combination therapy and monotherapy (25.8% and 15.1%, respectively). Overall, the adherence to antiemetic guidelines for patients undergoing cisplatin-based regimens was only 8.1% due to inadequate prescription of antiemetic drugs. Finally, our study also revealed that 5-HT3RAs and glucocorticoids were overprescribed in 8.8% and 1.6% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The current study reveals suboptimal utilization of recommended antiemetic drugs for managing cisplatin-based HEC-induced nausea and vomiting in China. Improving the management of CINV is crucial, and these findings provide valuable insights into optimizing antiemetic drug practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Si
- Department of PharmacyPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Orthopedic OncologyPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Qingming Ding
- Department of PharmacyPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of PharmacyPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of PharmacyPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xin Sun
- Orthopedic OncologyPeking University People's HospitalBeijingChina
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Aguilar AG, Canals PC, Tian M, Miller KA, Piper BJ. Decreases and Pronounced Geographic Variability in Antibiotic Prescribing in Medicaid. Pharmacy (Basel) 2024; 12:46. [PMID: 38525726 PMCID: PMC10961814 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a persistent and growing concern. Our objective was to analyze antibiotic prescribing in the United States (US) in the Medical Expenditure Panel System (MEPS) and to Medicaid patients. We obtained MEPS prescriptions for eight antibiotics from 2013 to 2020. We extracted prescribing rates per 1000 Medicaid enrollees for two years, 2018 and 2019, for four broad-spectrum (azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin) and four narrow-spectrum (amoxicillin, cephalexin, doxycycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) antibiotics. Antibiotic prescriptions in MEPS decreased from 2013 to 2020 by 38.7%, with a larger decline for the broad (-53.7%) than narrow (-23.5%) spectrum antibiotics. Antibiotic prescriptions in Medicaid decreased by 6.7%. Amoxicillin was the predominant antibiotic, followed by azithromycin, cephalexin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin. Substantial geographic variation in prescribing existed, with a 2.8-fold difference between the highest (Kentucky = 855/1000) and lowest (Oregon = 299) states. The South prescribed 52.2% more antibiotics (580/1000) than the West (381/1000). There were significant correlations across states (r = 0.81 for azithromycin and amoxicillin). This study identified sizable disparities by geography in the prescribing rates of eight antibiotics with over three-fold state-level differences. Areas with high prescribing rates, particularly for outpatients, may benefit from stewardship programs to reduce potentially unnecessary prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia G. Aguilar
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 17822, USA; (A.G.A.); (P.C.C.); (M.T.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Priscilla C. Canals
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 17822, USA; (A.G.A.); (P.C.C.); (M.T.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Maria Tian
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 17822, USA; (A.G.A.); (P.C.C.); (M.T.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Kimberly A. Miller
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 17822, USA; (A.G.A.); (P.C.C.); (M.T.); (K.A.M.)
| | - Brian J. Piper
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA 17822, USA; (A.G.A.); (P.C.C.); (M.T.); (K.A.M.)
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation and Outcomes, Danville, PA 17822, USA
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23
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Kyrios M, Levido J, Talbot D, Harris A. Off-label prescribing of psychotropics in a psychiatric patient population in Australia. Australas Psychiatry 2024:10398562241237659. [PMID: 38427939 DOI: 10.1177/10398562241237659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the practice of off-label prescribing in both in- and outpatient psychiatry practice. METHODS One-hundred inpatient and 100 outpatient medical records from adult patients of an Australian psychiatry service from 2020 to 2021 were examined to determine the prevalence of off-label prescribing as defined by Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) indications, adherence to Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) treatment guidelines, frequency of off-label prescription, and the quality of documentation and informed consent process. RESULTS Most prescribing events in both in- and outpatient settings were either on-label or off-label but consistent with RANZCP guidelines. Patients with a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis or displaying aggression were most likely to receive off-label prescriptions. There was no significant difference between in- and outpatient groups in the quality of documentation or consent process. CONCLUSIONS In general, off-label prescribing across groups was common, but many decisions were then in line with RANZCP recommendations. That there is a discrepancy between clinical and regulatory bodies has implications for how off-label status is decided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mietta Kyrios
- Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, NSW, Australia
| | - Jesse Levido
- Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Talbot
- Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony Harris
- Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, NSW, Australia; Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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24
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Barrington G, Davis K, Aandahl Z, Hose BA, Arthur M, Tran V. Influences of Software Changes on Oxycodone Prescribing at an Australian Tertiary Emergency Department: A Retrospective Review. Pharmacy (Basel) 2024; 12:44. [PMID: 38525724 PMCID: PMC10961781 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12020044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Opioid prescribing and dispensing from emergency departments is a noteworthy issue given widespread opioid misuse and diversion in many countries, contributing both physical and economic harm to the population. High patient numbers and the stochastic nature of acute emergency presentations to emergency departments (EDs) introduce challenges for prescribers who are considering opioid stewardship principles. This study investigated the effect of changes to electronic prescribing software on prescriptions with an auto-populated quantity of oxycodone immediate release (IR) from an Australian tertiary emergency department following the implementation of national recommendations for reduced pack sizes. A retrospective review of oxycodone IR prescriptions over two six-month periods between 2019 and 2021 was undertaken, either side of a software adjustment to reduce the default quantities of tablets prescribed from 20 to 10. Patient demographic details were collected, and prescriber years of practice calculated for inclusion in linear mixed effects regression modelling. A reduction in the median number of tablets prescribed per prescription following the software changes (13.5 to 10.0, p < 0.001) with little change in the underlying characteristics of the patient or prescriber populations was observed, as well as an 11.65% reduction in the total number of tablets prescribed. The prescriber's years of practice, patient age and patient sex were found to influence increased prescription sizes. Reduced quantity of oxycodone tablets prescribed was achieved by alteration of prescribing software prefill parameters, providing further evidence to support systems-based policy interventions to influence health care providers behaviour and to act as a forcing function for prescribers to consider opioid stewardship principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giles Barrington
- Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart 7000, Australia; (B.-A.H.); (M.A.); (V.T.)
| | | | - Zach Aandahl
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia;
| | - Brodie-Anne Hose
- Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart 7000, Australia; (B.-A.H.); (M.A.); (V.T.)
| | - Mitchell Arthur
- Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart 7000, Australia; (B.-A.H.); (M.A.); (V.T.)
| | - Viet Tran
- Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart 7000, Australia; (B.-A.H.); (M.A.); (V.T.)
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia
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25
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Hansen M. 'This wretched state': Robert Burns's illness and the daybook of Charles Fleeming. J R Coll Physicians Edinb 2024; 54:66-73. [PMID: 38352992 DOI: 10.1177/14782715231223327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
While now known globally as Scotland's national poet, in November 1781 the daybook of surgeon Charles Fleeming simply records him as 'Robert Burns, Lint Dresser'. Discovered in the 1950s, the daybook documents Fleeming's treatment of Burns during a period of illness which would have a profound impact on the poet's life and creative output. The book's discovery added to the theories about the nature of Burns's illness, often at odds with Burns's own later descriptions. This paper presents a fresh examination of Burns's treatment, challenging those theories by considering Fleeming's prescriptions in the context of key medical authorities of the time. In considering Burns's entry in the daybook in its entirety, the wider value of Fleeming's daybook as a private record of medical practice at the time is highlighted, pointing to the potential value of this and other such volumes as underappreciated archival research material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moira Hansen
- English and Creative Writing, The Open University, UK
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26
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Carter M, Chapman S, Rogers P, Watson M. Practice pharmacists and their influence on prescribing in UK general practice: a cross-sectional study. Int J Pharm Pract 2024; 32:69-75. [PMID: 38006341 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES At the time of the survey, just over 2000 pharmacists were employed in UK general practice. Little is known about their influence on prescribing, and more specifically, the extent of their use of Audit and Feedback (A&F), an evidence-based method for behaviour change. This study aimed to explore pharmacists' current influence on prescribing in UK general practice. METHODS A cross-sectional, online survey was open to general practice pharmacists in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales between 9 September 2021 and 31 October 2021. The survey comprised 36 items, informed by the literature, including multiple choice and free-text questions about pharmacist responsibilities, involvement in prescribing audits (including use of A&F), use of prescribing guidelines, beliefs about influence on prescribing, and access to training and support. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were generated, and parametric analyses were conducted. KEY FINDINGS In total, 155 responses were received from pharmacists in diverse practice locations, with a wide range of practice pharmacist experience. The majority (80%, n = 121) conducted prescribing audits, but only 21% (n = 32) reported undertaking A&F. Most respondents (90%, n = 140) used guidelines to inform their work, and 75% (n = 116) would welcome training on influencing prescribing. Pharmacists using A&F were more likely to believe in their ability to influence prescribing and to acknowledge this activity as part of their role. CONCLUSION Despite substantial evidence of its effectiveness, A&F is under-used by practice pharmacists. An increased awareness and enablement of practice pharmacists in effective techniques might promote greater evidence-based prescribing in general practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Carter
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Chapman
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Rogers
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, United Kingdom
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27
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Jankulov A, As-Sanie S, Zimmerman C, Virzi J, Srinivasan S, Choe HM, Brummett CM. Effect of Best Practice Alert (BPA) on Post-Discharge Opioid Prescribing After Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy: A Quality Improvement Study. J Pain Res 2024; 17:667-675. [PMID: 38375407 PMCID: PMC10875180 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s432262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to describe the effectiveness of an electronic health record best practice alert (BPA) in decreasing gynecologic post-discharge opioid prescribing following benign minimally invasive hysterectomy. Patients and Methods The BPA triggered for opioid orders >15 tablets. Prescribers' options included (1) decrease to 15 ≤ tablets; (2) remove the order/utilize a defaulted order set; or (3) override the alert. Results 332 patients were included. The BPA triggered 29 times. The following actions were taken among 16 patients for whom the BPA triggered: "override the alert" (n=13); "cancel the alert" (n=2); and 'remove the opioid order set' (n=1). 12/16 patients had discharge prescriptions: one patient received 20 tablets; two received 10 tablets; and nine received 15 tablets. Top reasons for over prescribing included concerns for pain control and lack of alternatives. Conclusion Implementing a post-discharge opioid prescribing BPA aligned opioid prescribing following benign minimally invasive hysterectomy with guideline recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Jankulov
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester Hills, MI, USA
| | - Sawsan As-Sanie
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christopher Zimmerman
- Department of Health Information and Technology Services, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica Virzi
- Department of Precision Health, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sudharsan Srinivasan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hae Mi Choe
- Department of Health Information and Technology Services, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chad M Brummett
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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28
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Alanzi MA, Tully MP, Lewis PJ. Exploring the challenges faced by foundation doctors when prescribing high risk medicines safely during the on-call period: A qualitative study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 90:548-556. [PMID: 37872107 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Errors with prescribing high-risk medicines (HRMs) have a greater propensity to cause harm than with non-HRMs. Prescribing errors arise due to multiple factors and it can be particularly challenging for junior doctors to prescribe safely during the on-call period. Knowledge regarding the challenges of prescribing HRM during the on-call period would be useful to target preventative interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the challenges encountered by foundation doctors (doctors who have graduated medical school within the last 2 years) when prescribing specific HRMs (anticoagulants, insulin and opioids) safely during the on-call period. METHODS Six focus groups exploring the challenges of prescribing HRMs safely during the on-call period were conducted, 3 with foundation year 1 and 3 with foundation year 2 doctors from across 3 different hospitals. A thematic framework analysis based on the London Protocol was conducted. RESULTS Doctors described multiple challenges to prescribing HRMs safely during the on-call period including a lack of prescribing support, nursing pressure, complex prescribing tasks, unknown patients as well as individual factors such as lack of knowledge and tiredness. Many of these factors exist to some extent during the day, yet the nature of the on-call period as a fast-paced environment heightened the challenges that prescribers faced. CONCLUSION There are multiple challenges experienced by foundation doctors when prescribing HRMs during the on-call period. The potentially devastating consequences of errors with HRMs means that closer attention and more concern from healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers is required to improve safe prescribing of HRMs in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi A Alanzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mary P Tully
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Penny J Lewis
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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29
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Magavern EF, Hitchings A, Bollington L, Wilson K, Hepburn D, Westacott RJ, Sam AH, Caulfield MJ, Maxwell S. UK Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA): The development, implementation and outcomes of a national online prescribing assessment. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 90:493-503. [PMID: 37793701 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The United Kingdom (UK) Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) is a 2-h online assessment of basic competence to prescribe and supervise the use of medicines. It has been undertaken by students and doctors in UK medical and foundation schools for the past decade. This study describes the academic characteristics and performance of the assessment; longitudinal performance of candidates and schools; stakeholder feedback; and surrogate markers of prescribing safety in UK healthcare practice. METHODS We reviewed the performance data generated by over 70 000 medical students and 3700 foundation doctors who have participated in the PSA since its inception in 2013. These data were supplemented by Likert scale and free text feedback from candidates and a variety of stakeholder groups. Further data on medication incidents, collected by national reporting systems and the regulatory body, are reported, with permission. RESULTS We demonstrate the feasibility, high quality and reliability of an online prescribing assessment, uniquely providing a measure of prescribing competence against a national standard. Over 90% of candidates pass the PSA on their first attempt, while a minority are identified for further training and assessment. The pass rate shows some variation between different institutions and between undergraduate and foundation cohorts. Most responders to a national survey agreed that the PSA is a useful instrument for assessing prescribing competence, and an independent review has recommended adding the PSA to the Medical Licensing Assessment. Surrogate markers suggest there has been improvement in prescribing safety in practice, temporally associated with the introduction of the PSA but other factors could be influential too. CONCLUSIONS The PSA is a practical and cost-effective way of delivering a reliable national assessment of prescribing competence that has educational impact and is supported by the majority of stakeholders. There is a need to develop national systems to identify and report prescribing errors and the harm they cause, enabling the impact of educational interventions to be measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma F Magavern
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Lynne Bollington
- UK Prescribing Safety Assessment Partnership, c/o British Pharmacological Society, Medical Schools Council-British Pharmacological Society, London, UK
| | - Kurt Wilson
- The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Hepburn
- Hull York Medical School, Allam Medical Building, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Rachel J Westacott
- Birmingham Medical School, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Amir H Sam
- Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark J Caulfield
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Simon Maxwell
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Medical Education Centre, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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30
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Dornan T, Armour D, McCrory R, Kelly M, Speyer F, Gormley G, Maxwell P. Striking fear into students' hearts: Unforeseen consequences of prescribing education. Med Teach 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38301608 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2024.2308061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Undergraduate medical education (UGME) has to prepare students to do safety-critical work (notably, to prescribe) immediately after qualifying. Despite hospitals depending on them, medical graduates consistently report feeling unprepared to prescribe and they sometimes harm patients. Research clarifying how to prepare students better could improve healthcare safety. Our aim was to explore how students experienced preparing for one of their commonest prescribing tasks: intravenous fluid therapy (IVFT). METHODS Complexity assumptions guided the research, which used a qualitative methodology oriented towards hermeneutic phenomenology. The study design was an uncontrolled and unplanned complex intervention: judicial review of the iatrogenic death of five children due to hyponatraemia in our region had resulted in the recommendation that students' education in 'the implementation of important clinical guidelines' relevant to fluid and electrolyte balance should be intensified. An opportunity sample of 40 final-year medical students drew and gave audio-recorded commentaries on rich pictures. We completed two template analyses: one of participants' transcribed commentaries on the pictures and one using a novel heuristic to analyse the pictures themselves. We then reconciled the two analyses into a single template. RESULTS There were four themes: affects, teaching and learning, contradictions, and the curriculum as a journey. To explore interconnections between themes, we chose the picture best exemplifying each of the four themes and interpreted the curriculum journey depicted in each of them. These interpretations were grounded in each participant's picture, verbal account of the picture, and the aggregate findings of the template analysis. Participants' experiences were influenced by the situated complexity of IVFT. Layered on top of that, contradictions, overlaps, and gaps within the curriculum introduced extraneous complexity. Confusion and apprehension resulted. CONCLUSIONS After spending five years preparing to prescribe IVFT, participants felt unprepared to do so. We conclude that intensive teaching had not achieved its avowed goal of improving students' preparedness for safe practice. Merton's seminal work on the 'unanticipated consequences of purposive social action' suggests that intensive teaching may even have contributed to their unpreparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Dornan
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Dakota Armour
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Richard McCrory
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Martina Kelly
- Department of Family Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Frederick Speyer
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard Gormley
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Maxwell
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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31
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Maganda BA, Munishi C, Mlyuka H, Mlugu EM, Mohamedi JA, Mwamwitwa KW. Evaluation of Dose Adjustment in Patients With Renal Impairment at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. Hosp Pharm 2024; 59:86-93. [PMID: 38223861 PMCID: PMC10786056 DOI: 10.1177/00185787231188921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Background: The burden of renal diseases is increasing in developing countries like Tanzania. Drug accumulation exposes patients with renal impairment to drug toxicity that may lead to adverse drug reactions, poor adherence to treatment, and increased healthcare costs. There is limited information on the appropriateness of dosage regimen adjustment for patients with renal impairment, particularly in developing countries such as Tanzania. This study aimed to investigate the appropriateness of drug dosing in hospitalized patients with renal impairment in Tanzania. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. It was conducted between November 2019 and April 2020 amongst hospitalized patients at Muhimbili National Hospital. All enrolled patients had serum creatinine levels ≥1.2 mg/dL and taking at least one drug requiring dosage regimen adjustment. Creatinine clearance was calculated from patient serum creatinine using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Drug dosing appropriateness was determined by comparing the current practice with tertiary references. The relationship between the patient's baseline characteristics and the rate of dosage regimen adjustment was determined using the X2 test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated the predictors of dosing adjustment. Results: Most of the enrolled patients, 269 (98.9%) had comorbidities. Of the medication orders included in the final analysis, 372 (27%) needed dosage regimen adjustment. Out of the 372 medication orders, not adjusted were 168 (45.2%), inappropriately adjusted 105 (28.2%), and appropriately adjusted were only 99 (26.6%). In this study, 212 (77.9%) patients received at least one drug with an incorrect dosage regimen. Females and those with level 4 renal impairment patients were more likely to have their doses appropriately adjusted compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: In this study, about three-quarters of the patients received at least one drug with an incorrect dosage regimen. Thus, appropriate measures such as the availability of national guidelines and clinical decision support systems for drug dosing adjustment in patients' renal impairment should be in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Allen Maganda
- School of Pharmacy-Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Castory Munishi
- School of Pharmacy-Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hamu Mlyuka
- School of Pharmacy-Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eulambius M. Mlugu
- School of Pharmacy-Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Juma Ayubu Mohamedi
- School of Pharmacy-Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Abstract
Therapeutic inertia, sometimes referred to as clinical inertia, has been defined as failure to initiate or intensify therapy when therapeutic goals are not reached. Lack of initiation or intensification of treatment according to clinical guidelines has been linked to suboptimal control of a range of chronic conditions. Clinician factors contributing to therapeutic inertia include knowledge gaps; discomfort with uncertainty about the diagnosis, therapeutic target, or evidence; concerns about the safety of treatment intensification; and time constraints. Patient characteristics that may be associated with therapeutic inertia include male sex, older age, lower life expectancy, multiple comorbidities and clinical parameters that are close to target. There may be reasons other than therapeutic inertia that explain apparent undertreatment. Apparent inertia in prescribing may be accompanied by appropriate actions, such as provision of lifestyle advice or interventions to promote adherence to existing medication. Some patients choose not to intensify treatment. Interventions to reduce therapeutic inertia include access to evidence-based treatment guidelines and point-of-care tools, preferably integrated with clinical record systems; clinician education including educational visits; reminders; clinical audits with feedback and reflection on practice; shared decision-making; prompting by patients; and ambulatory or home monitoring (e.g. ambulatory blood pressure monitoring).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Usherwood
- The University of Sydney
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney
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Noor MN, Rahman-Shepherd A, Khan SS, Hasan R, Siddiqui AR, Azam I, Bhutto F, Isani AK, Siddiqi S, Khan RI, Shakoor S, Khan M. What happens when private general practitioners receive incentivisation offers from pharmaceutical sales representatives? A qualitative study in Pakistan. J Health Serv Res Policy 2024:13558196241230853. [PMID: 38300120 DOI: 10.1177/13558196241230853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pharmaceutical incentivisation of physicians for profit maximisation is a well-documented health system challenge. This study examined general practitioners' (GPs) reactions to pharmaceutical incentivisation offers in one region in Pakistan. METHODS We used the Standardised Pharmaceutical Sales Representative (SPSR) method and qualitative interviews with GPs. SPSRs were field researchers representing mock pharmaceutical companies who recorded their observations of 267 GPs' responses to pharmaceutical incentivisation offers. We triangulated SPSR data using qualitative interviews with a subset of the same GPs to gather information about how they interpreted different interaction outcomes. RESULTS We found four major outcomes for GPs being offered incentives by pharmaceutical companies for prescribing medications. GPs might agree to make incentivisation deals, reject incentivisation offers, disallow PSRs to access them, or remain indeterminate with no clear indication of acceptance or rejection of incentivisation offers. GPs rejecting SPSRs' incentivisation offers indicated having active commitments to other pharmaceutical companies, not being able to work with unheard-of companies, and asking SPSRs to return later. CONCLUSIONS The GP-pharmaceutical sales representative interaction that centres on profit-maximisation is complex as offers to engage in prescribing for mutual financial benefit are not taken up immediately. The SPSR method helps understand the extent of distortion of practices impacted by incentivisation. Such an understanding can support the development of strategies to control unethical behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Naveed Noor
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Afifah Rahman-Shepherd
- Research Fellow, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sabeen Sharif Khan
- Research Coordinator, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rumina Hasan
- Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Iqbal Azam
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Faiza Bhutto
- Director Complaints, Sindh Healthcare Commission, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Sameen Siddiqi
- Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Robyna Irshad Khan
- Associate Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Shakoor
- Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mishal Khan
- Professor, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Mattsson M, Hong JA, Frazer JS, Frazer GR, Moriarty F. Trends in medication use at the onset of and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland: An interrupted time series study. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:231-240. [PMID: 37903499 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on healthcare delivery, particularly in general practice. This study aimed to evaluate how dispensing of medications in primary care in Ireland changed following the COVID-19 pandemic's onset compared to expected trends. This interrupted time series study used data on medications prescribed in general practice 2016-2022 to patient eligible for state health cover, approximately one third of the population. Dispensing volumes for all therapeutic subgroups (ATC2 codes) and commonly dispensed medications were summarized. Pre-pandemic data were used to forecast expected trends (with 99% prediction intervals) using the Holt-Winters method, and these were compared to observed dispensing from March 2020 onwards. Many (31/77) therapeutic subgroups had dispensing significantly different from forecast in March 2020. Drugs for obstructive airway disease had the largest difference, with dispensing 26.2% (99%CI 19.5%-33.6%) higher than forecasted. Only two subgroups were significantly lower than forecasted, other gynaecologicals (17.7% lower, 99%CI 6.3%-26.6%) and dressings (11.6%, 99%CI 9.4%-41.6%). Dispensing of amoxicillin products and oral prednisolone were lower than forecasted in the months following the pandemic's onset, particularly during winter 2020/2021. There was a spike in dispensing for many long-term medications in March 2020, while pandemic restrictions likely contributed to reductions for other medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Mattsson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jung Ah Hong
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Vaughan M, Lucey S, Sahm LJ. Prevalence and Cost of Antipsychotic Prescribing, within the Context of Psycholeptic Prescribing, in the Irish Setting. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:338. [PMID: 38338222 PMCID: PMC10855477 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Psycholeptic and specifically antipsychotic prescribing is increasing worldwide each year. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and cost of antipsychotic prescribing, within the wider frame of psycholeptic prescribing, in the Irish context. Quantitative analysis of a dataset from the Primary Care Reimbursement Service relating to cost and prescribing frequency of ATC Class N05 psycholeptic drugs from January 2020-August 2022 inclusive was conducted using Microsoft® Excel® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2311) and STATA 18. Descriptive statistics and time-trend regression analysis were used to investigate the prescribing prevalence of psycholeptics and antipsychotics licensed for use in the Republic of Ireland, and the total cost per funding scheme. The prevalence of psycholeptic prescribing increased yearly from 2020-2022, peaking at 328,572 prescriptions in December 2020 with a total cost of psycholeptic drugs to the State in 2021 of €57,886,250, which was 0.5% of an increase on 2020. Over the 32-month time period, the average monthly cost of psycholeptic drugs was €4,436,469 on the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme and €369,154 on the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS). In 2021, quetiapine, olanzapine, and risperidone were the most prescribed antipsychotics, accounting for 66.58% of antipsychotics prescribed on the GMS scheme. This study identified the large expenditure on psycholeptics and antipsychotics in Ireland, with a higher proportion of the Irish healthcare budget spent on antipsychotics than that of the UK and the USA. The development of Irish antipsychotic prescribing guidelines may allow for structured, cost-effective prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muireann Vaughan
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
| | - Siobhán Lucey
- Department of Economics, Aras na Laoi, University College Cork, T12 T656 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Laura J. Sahm
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
- Pharmacy Department, Mercy University Hospital, T12 WE28 Cork, Ireland
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36
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Thompson W, McDonald EG. Polypharmacy and De prescribing in Older Adults. Annu Rev Med 2024; 75:113-127. [PMID: 37729029 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-070822-101947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Older adults commonly end up on many medications. Deprescribing is an important part of individualizing care for older adults. It is an opportunity to discuss treatment options and revisit medications that may not have been reassessed in many years. A large evidence base exists in the field, suggesting that deprescribing is feasible and safe, though questions remain about the potential clinical benefits. Deprescribing research faces a myriad of challenges, such as identifying and employing the optimal outcome measures. Further, there is uncertainty about which deprescribing approaches are likely to be most effective and in what contexts. Evidence on barriers and facilitators to deprescribing has underscored how deprescribing in routine clinical practice can be complex and challenging. Thus, finding practical, sustainable ways to implement deprescribing is a priority for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade Thompson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Emily G McDonald
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada;
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Chenoweth L. Supporting shared decision-making in medicines use with people living with dementia and their carers. Nurs Older People 2024:e1458. [PMID: 38263893 DOI: 10.7748/nop.2024.e1458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing of psychotropic medicines are common among people living with dementia and pose considerable health risks. One way of addressing these issues is by involving the person and their carer in shared decision-making. This article discusses some of the issues related to polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing in people living with dementia and examines the concept of shared decision-making in this context. The author details some practical aids that nurses and other healthcare professionals can use to engage people living with dementia and their carers in shared decision-making about medicines use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Chenoweth
- School of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Kennington, NSW, Australia
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38
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Dobravc Verbič M, Grabnar I, Brvar M. Association between Prescribing and Intoxication Rates for Selected Psychotropic Drugs: A Longitudinal Observational Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:143. [PMID: 38276016 PMCID: PMC10818633 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychotropic prescription drugs are commonly involved in intoxication events. The study's aim was to determine a comparative risk for intoxication in relation to prescribing rates for individual drugs. This was a nationwide observational study in Slovenian adults between 2015 and 2021. Intoxication events with psychotropic drugs were collected from the National Register of intoxications. Dispensing data, expressed in defined daily doses, were provided by the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia. Intoxication/prescribing ratio values were calculated. The correlation between trends in prescribing and intoxication rates was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. In total, 2640 intoxication cases with psychotropic prescription drugs were registered. Anxiolytics and antipsychotics were the predominant groups. Midazolam, chlormethiazole, clonazepam, sulpiride, and quetiapine demonstrated the highest risk of intoxication, while all antidepressants had a risk several times lower. The best trend correlation was found for the prescribing period of 2 years before the intoxication events. An increase of 1,000,000 defined daily doses prescribed resulted in an increase of fifty intoxication events for antipsychotics, twenty events for antiepileptics, and five events for antidepressants. Intoxication/prescribing ratio calculation allowed for a quantitative comparison of the risk for intoxication in relation to the prescribing rates for psychotropic drugs, providing additional understanding of their toxicoepidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Dobravc Verbič
- Centre for Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- The Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Iztok Grabnar
- The Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miran Brvar
- Centre for Clinical Toxicology and Pharmacology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Centre for Clinical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Hansraj R, Dlamini N, Khan S, Mtolo PC, Ntuli NG, Prithipal C, Salajee H, Xulu-Kasaba ZNQ. Ocular therapeutics and the profession of optometry in South Africa. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2024; 16:e1-e10. [PMID: 38299541 PMCID: PMC10839208 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v16i1.4140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of an optometrist as defined by the World Council of Optometry includes the management of ocular diseases. In 2015, the scope of optometry in South Africa was expanded to include ocular therapeutic drugs. To date approximately 27 optometrists have obtained full certification to exercise ocular therapeutic privileges. AIM This study aimed to determine the interest, readiness, as well as challenges, of optometrists for the inclusion of ocular therapeutics into daily practice. SETTING The study was set in South Africa. METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was employed. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 420 participants from a study population of optometrists registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, with data collected using an online questionnaire hosted on social media platforms and distributed by professional organisations. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 27. RESULTS The majority of respondents (73.3%) reported keenness for ocular therapeutics certification. While 75.7% of respondents had obtained diagnostics certification, only 9.5% were registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) with ocular therapeutics certification. Most (92.1%) respondents reported the required minimum of 600 h of clinical training as a major challenge to obtaining ocular therapeutics certification. Almost all (96.9%) of the respondents agreed that ocular therapeutics certification will improve provision of optimal eyecare. CONCLUSION South African optometrists support and are personally interested in ocular therapeutics certification. However, while there is a preponderance of diagnostically qualified optometrists, very few are certified for ocular therapeutics with completion of the required clinical training for certification perceived as the greatest challenge.Contribution: This findings in this study highlight that, current requirements to support ocular therapeutics certification of South African optometrists should be reviewed to ensure an enabling environment for the completion of the clinical training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Hansraj
- Department of Optometry, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
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40
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Persson R, Jick S. Incomplete capture of apremilast in Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum: An example of exposure misclassification of specialty treatments in United Kingdom general practice databases. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2024; 33:e5707. [PMID: 37786242 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nearly all apremilast users captured in Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum have only one prescription, which is inconsistent with its prescribing pattern. The goal of this study was to assess capture of apremilast prescriptions in CPRD Aurum by comparison to CPRD GOLD and general practitioner (GP) questionnaires. METHODS We compared the number of apremilast prescriptions for patients in Aurum to (1) those in GOLD and (2) those reported by the GPs via questionnaire responses. RESULTS There were 441 Aurum patients with an apremilast prescription (424 [96%] in England) and 341 GOLD patients (11 [3%]) in England). In Aurum 91% of all patients (and 96% of English patients) had only one apremilast prescription while in GOLD 29% of all patients (and 82% of English patients) had only one prescription. We received questionnaire responses from GPs for 50 of 390 (13%) patients participating in Aurum who had 57 total apremilast exposed months captured in Aurum. GPs reported 8 (16%) patients with only one prescription and a median of 4 (range 1-35) apremilast prescriptions per patient, yielding 463 total months of apremilast exposure. CONCLUSIONS CPRD Aurum captures only one apremilast prescription for most recorded users, though questionnaire responses indicated most patients received multiple prescriptions. Researchers using any UK GP database should be aware of potential for significant exposure misclassification of apremilast and other treatments classified as specialist or shared care by local Area Prescribing Committees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Persson
- Epidemiology, Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Susan Jick
- Epidemiology, Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
- Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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41
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Al Naji H, Inglis JM, Tucker E, Rowett D, Larcombe R, Medlin S, Mangoni AA, Thynne T. Prescribing of antivirals for COVID-19 in a South Australian local health network according to statewide guidelines. Intern Med J 2024; 54:183-186. [PMID: 38267381 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Antiviral drugs were rapidly implemented into clinical practice for the treatment of high-risk patients with COVID-19, prompting the development of statewide guidelines. This South-Australian study reviewed guideline adherence, assessed prescribing patterns and highlighted the inappropriate management of relative drug-drug interactions and dosing for renal function. Additionally, it evaluated the impact of inappropriate antiviral drug use and suggested methods to improve quality use of medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Al Naji
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Joshua M Inglis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Tucker
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Debra Rowett
- Drug and Therapeutics Information Service, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca Larcombe
- Pharmacy Services, Flinders Medical Centre, SA Pharmacy, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sophie Medlin
- Pharmacy Services, Flinders Medical Centre, SA Pharmacy, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Arduino A Mangoni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tilenka Thynne
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Anlay DZ, Paque K, Van Leeuwen E, Cohen J, Dilles T. Tools and guidelines to assess the appropriateness of medication and aid de prescribing: An umbrella review. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 90:12-106. [PMID: 37697479 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this umbrella review was to identify tools and guidelines to aid the deprescribing process of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), evaluate development and validation methods, and describe evidence levels for medication inclusion. METHODS Searches were conducted on MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase.com, Cochrane CDSR, CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science Core Collection and guideline databases from the date of inception to 7 July 2022. Following the initial search, an additional search was conducted to identify an updated versions of tools on 17 July 2023. We analysed the contents of tools and guidelines. RESULTS From 23 systematic reviews and guidelines, we identified 95 tools (72 explicit, 12 mixed and 11 implicit) and nine guidelines. Most tools (83.2%) were developed to use for older persons, including 14 for those with limited life expectancy. Seven tools were for children <18 years (7.37%). Most explicit/mixed tools (78.57%) and all guidelines were validated. We found 484 PIMs and 202 medications with different appropriateness independent of disease for older persons with normal and limited life expectancy, respectively. Only two tools and eight guidelines reported the evidence level, and a quarter of medications had high-quality evidence. CONCLUSIONS Tools are available for a diversity of populations. There were discrepancies, with the same medication being classified as inappropriate in some tools and appropriate in others, possibly due to low-quality evidence. In particular, tools for patients with limited life expectancy were developed based on very limited evidence, and research to generate this evidence is urgently needed. Our medication lists, along with the level of evidence, could facilitate efforts to strengthen the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Degefaye Zelalem Anlay
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Care, Nurse and Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kristel Paque
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Care, Nurse and Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- HAST, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ellen Van Leeuwen
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences & Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-life Care Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tinne Dilles
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Care, Nurse and Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Forner P, Snaith J, Greenfield JR. Prescribing patterns of adjunctive therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus among Australian endocrinologists. Intern Med J 2023. [PMID: 38158765 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many people living with type 1 diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)) do not meet glycaemic targets. Adjunctive therapies have both risks and metabolic benefits and may have a role in selected patients. AIM To review the prescribing patterns of adjunctive therapy for the treatment of T1DM diabetes in Australia. METHODS We conducted an online survey of Australian endocrinologists and endocrinology registrars. We surveyed the frequency of, motivations and concerns regarding the prescription of metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-IV) inhibitors, sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) in T1DM. RESULTS Fifty-two practitioners participated. Most respondents (94%) had prescribed adjuncts for the treatment of T1DM in some form. Weight (89%), large insulin doses (73%), glycaemic variability (52%), high HbA1c (48%) and the presence of cardiovascular disease (48%) were the most common factors determining the use of adjuncts. The most commonly prescribed adjuncts were metformin (94%) and SGLT-2 inhibitors (65%). Respondents who had never prescribed an SGLT-2 inhibitor (n = 18) reported risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (100%), off-label status (39%), lack of evidence (39%), withdrawal of support from the European Medicines Agency (17%) and cost (17%) as factors contributing to their decision. Thirty-one respondents (60%) had prescribed a GLP1RA. Among those who had never prescribed a GLP1RA (n = 21), off-label status (57%), lack of evidence (48%), cost (38%) and expected lack of efficacy (14%) were factors affecting their decision. Only five respondents (10%) had prescribed a DPP-IV inhibitor. CONCLUSION Australian endocrinologists commonly prescribe adjuncts to address cardiometabolic concerns in T1DM. DKA risk and off-label status are significant factors contributing to reluctance to prescribe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Forner
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Healthcare Campus, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer Snaith
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Healthcare Campus, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Clinical Diabetes, Appetite and Metabolism, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jerry R Greenfield
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Healthcare Campus, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Clinical Diabetes, Appetite and Metabolism, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Carter M, Abutheraa N, Ivers N, Grimshaw J, Chapman S, Rogers P, Simeoni M, Antony J, Watson MC. Audit and feedback interventions involving pharmacists to influence prescribing behaviour in general practice: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fam Pract 2023; 40:615-628. [PMID: 36633309 PMCID: PMC10745261 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmac150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pharmacists, as experts in medicines, are increasingly employed in general practices and undertake a range of responsibilities. Audit and feedback (A&F) interventions are effective in achieving behaviour change, including prescribing. The extent of pharmacist involvement in A&F interventions to influence prescribing is unknown. This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of A&F interventions involving pharmacists on prescribing in general practice compared with no A&F/usual care and to describe features of A&F interventions and pharmacist characteristics. METHODS Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, (Social) Science Citation Indexes, ISI Web of Science) were searched (2012, 2019, 2020). Cochrane systematic review methods were applied to trial identification, selection, and risk of bias. Results were summarized descriptively and heterogeneity was assessed. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted where studies were sufficiently homogenous in design and outcome. RESULTS Eleven cluster-randomized studies from 9 countries were included. Risk of bias across most domains was low. Interventions focussed on older patients, specific clinical area(s), or specific medications. Meta-analysis of 6 studies showed improved prescribing outcomes (pooled risk ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.64-0.94). Interventions including both verbal and written feedback or computerized decision support for prescribers were more effective. Pharmacists who received study-specific training, provided ongoing support to prescribers or reviewed prescribing for individual patients, contributed to more effective interventions. CONCLUSIONS A&F interventions involving pharmacists can lead to small improvements in evidence-based prescribing in general practice settings. Future implementation of A&F within general practice should compare different ways of involving pharmacists to determine how to optimize effectiveness.PRISMA-compliant abstract included in Supplementary Material 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Carter
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Nouf Abutheraa
- School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Noah Ivers
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy Grimshaw
- Centre for Implementation Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Chapman
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Rogers
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jesmin Antony
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret C Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Hynes K, Folkman F, Dersch-Mills D, Marin H, Ghosh S, Chambers C. Prescribing practices of oncology pharmacists working in ambulatory cancer centers in Alberta. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2023; 29:1965-1973. [PMID: 36895185 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231162012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe and quantify independent prescribing of oncology pharmacists working in adult, ambulatory cancer centers in Alberta, Canada. METHODS A retrospective chart review of oncology pharmacists prescribing in the electronic health record, ARIA® was conducted. Prescriptions from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify prescription volume and class of medications prescribed. A cross-sectional analysis was then performed on a random sample to determine the type of prescription intervention and evaluate pharmacist documentation. RESULTS Over 6 months, 3474 prescriptions were ordered by 33 clinically deployed pharmacists. The median number of medications prescribed was 7 per month (interquartile range: 1.50-27.00; Range: 0.17-79.5). When prescribing was standardized by pharmacist's time clinically deployed, the median was 21.67 (interquartile range: 5.00-79.67; range: 0.67-216.67) prescriptions per month per full-time equivalent. The most prescribed class of medication was antiemetic (24.1%). From a sample of 346 prescriptions, 172 (50%) were new medications initiated, 160 (46%) were the continuation of existing prescriptions and 14 (4%) were prescription dosage adjustments. Adherence to the specified documentation standards was 47%. CONCLUSIONS Oncology pharmacists utilize their independent prescribing to initiate and continue supportive care medications for cancer patients. The prescribing volume varied greatly among pharmacists. Opportunities exist to further engage pharmacist prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyia Hynes
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Helen Marin
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sunita Ghosh
- Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carole Chambers
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Cooper E, Read B, Sanyaolu L, Ahmed H, Lecky D. Impact of sociodemographic status and UTI symptoms on women's health-care seeking and management in England: findings from an e-survey conducted during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. BJGP Open 2023; 7:BJGPO.2023.0039. [PMID: 37429633 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple factors may influence women's experiences of urinary tract infection (UTI) and its clinical management. AIM To explore how women's background, symptoms, and severity of symptoms influence UTI reporting and management. DESIGN & SETTING Internet questionnaire targeting women in England, focusing on UTI symptoms, care seeking, and management. METHOD A total of 1096 women aged ≥16 years with UTI symptoms in the previous year completed the questionnaire in March and April 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was ued to estimate the odds of relevant outcomes while adjusting for background characteristics. RESULTS Women with children in their household, who were aged under 45 years, or who were married or cohabitating were more likely to experience UTI symptoms. The odds of antibiotic prescribing were lower if women reported dysuria (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49 to 0.85), frequency (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.83), or vaginal discharge (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50 to 0.96), but higher if reporting haematuria (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.79 to 4.41), confusion (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.16 to 3.94), abdominal pain (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.74), or systemic symptoms (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.56 to 2.69). Those with abdominal pain or two or more of nocturia, dysuria, or cloudy urine had lower odds of receiving a delayed antibiotic, while those with incontinence, confusion, unsteadiness, or low temperature had higher odds of a delayed prescription. Increasing symptom severity was associated with greater odds of receiving antibiotics. CONCLUSION Except for reduced prescribing if a woman had dysuria and frequency, antibiotic prescribing followed an expected pattern, aligning generally with national guidance. Symptom severity and the likelihood of systemic infection probably influenced care seeking and prescribing. Sexual intercourse and childbirth may be key times to target women with messages about UTI prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Cooper
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Twyver House, Gloucester, UK
| | - Brieze Read
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Twyver House, Gloucester, UK
| | - Leigh Sanyaolu
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Donna Lecky
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Twyver House, Gloucester, UK
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Knox R, Bell BG, Salema N, Emerson K, Bodgener S, Rial J, Gookey G, Swanwick G, Charly A, Avery AJ. Evaluating the UK's first national prescribing assessment for GPs in training using an online survey. BJGP Open 2023; 7:BJGPO.2023.0044. [PMID: 37591555 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GP trainees may not have experienced a systematic and comprehensive education in safe prescribing. Therefore, a self-assessment prescribing review was developed. AIM To determine whether the assessment was feasible, had face validity, and did not disadvantage particular groups of participants. DESIGN & SETTING An online survey that evaluates the opinions of GPs in training of a prescribing assessment in the UK. All full-time UK trainees who started their final year of GP training in August 2019 undertook the prescribing assessment along with their trainers, after which they completed an online anonymous feedback questionnaire. METHOD The questionnaire completed by trainees sought their opinions of the assessment, and collected ethnicity and disability data. The trainer questionnaire was similar but did not include any demographic information. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 1741 trainees and 1576 trainers. There was no evidence that ethnic group and disability were related to aspects of the review. Most of the trainees (76.4%, n = 1330) and trainers (82.0%, n = 1293) agreed or strongly agreed that the prescribing review was helpful for assessing and learning about the trainee's prescribing. However, most participants (63.2%, n = 1092) took >4 hours to review their prescriptions. A majority of trainees (90.2%, n = 1571) reported that completing the assessment had resulted in a change in their prescribing practice. CONCLUSION The majority of trainers and trainees reported that the prescribing assessment was helpful. The study was not able to assess whether there had been an actual change in practice that resulted in an error reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Knox
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Brian G Bell
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ndeshi Salema
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kim Emerson
- Workplace Based Assessment Team, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK
| | - Susan Bodgener
- Workplace Based Assessment Team, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Rial
- Workplace Based Assessment Team, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK
| | - Gill Gookey
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Glen Swanwick
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna Charly
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anthony J Avery
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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48
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Lin CC, Callaghan BC, Burke JF, Kerber KA, Bicket MC, Esper GJ, Skolarus LE, Hill CE. Prescription Opioid Initiation for Neuropathy, Headache, and Low Back Pain: A US Population-based Medicare Study. J Pain 2023; 24:2268-2282. [PMID: 37468023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathy, headache, and low back pain (LBP) are common conditions requiring pain management. Yet little is known regarding whether access to specialists impacts opioid prescribing. We aimed to identify factors associated with opioid initiation among opioid-naïve older adults and evaluate how access to particular specialists impacts prescribing. This retrospective cohort study used a 20% Medicare sample from 2010 to 2017. Opioid initiation was defined as a first opioid prescription filled within 12 months after a diagnosis encounter. Disease-related opioid initiation was defined as a first opioid prescription filled within 7 days following a disease-specific claim. Logistic regression using generalized estimating equations was used to determine the association of patient demographics, provider types, and regional physician specialty density with disease-related opioid initiation, accounting for within-region correlation. We found opioid initiation steadily declined from 2010 to 2017 (neuropathy: 26-19%, headache: 31-20%, LBP: 45-32%), as did disease-related opioid initiation (4-3%, 12-7%, 29-19%) and 5 to 10% of initial disease-related prescriptions resulted in chronic opioid use within 12 months of initiation. Certain specialist visits were associated with a lower likelihood of disease-related opioid initiation compared with primary care. Residence in high neurologist density regions had a lower likelihood of disease-related opioid initiation (headache odds ratio [OR] .76 [95% CI: .63-.92]) and LBP (OR .7 [95% CI: .61-.81]) and high podiatrist density regions for neuropathy (OR .56 [95% CI: .41-.78]). We found that specialist visits and greater access to specialists were associated with a lower likelihood of disease-related opioid initiation. These data could inform strategies to perpetuate reductions in opioid use for these common pain conditions. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents how opioid initiation for opioid-naïve patients with newly diagnosed neuropathy, headache, and LBP varies across providers. Greater access to certain specialists decreased the likelihood of opioid initiation. Future work may consider interventions to support alternative treatments and better access to specialists in low-density regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Chieh Lin
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; Health Services Research Program, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brian C Callaghan
- Health Services Research Program, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - James F Burke
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kevin A Kerber
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mark C Bicket
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Lesli E Skolarus
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Chloe E Hill
- Health Services Research Program, Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Chaplin K, Bracchi RC, Haines KE, Routledge PA, Deslandes PN. Antidepressant prescribing patterns and adverse events following introduction of a National Prescribing Indicator to monitor dosulepin usage in Wales. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:3596-3605. [PMID: 37403465 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Limiting use of the antidepressant dosulepin has been encouraged due to associated risks of toxicity. In April 2011, the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group introduced a National Prescribing Indicator (NPI) to monitor dosulepin usage. The aim of this study was to investigate antidepressant prescribing patterns, and selected adverse events in patients prescribed dosulepin following introduction of the NPI. METHODS An e-cohort study was conducted. Adult patients receiving regular dosulepin prescriptions between October 2010 and March 2011 were included. Characteristics of patients who were continued on dosulepin, were switched to an alternative antidepressant or whose dosulepin was discontinued following introduction of the NPI were compared. RESULTS In total, 4121 patients were included. Of these, 1947 (47%) continued dosulepin, 1487 (36%) were switched and 692 (17%) discontinued. Of the 692 who discontinued, 92% did not receive a prescription for another antidepressant during the follow-up period. Patients whose dosulepin was discontinued were older and were less commonly coprescribed benzodiazepines. During follow-up, recorded incidence of selected adverse events was low across all groups and no significant difference was observed. CONCLUSION Over half of patients had discontinued dosulepin at the end of the period when the NPI was in place. Further interventions may have been required to have a greater impact on prescribing. This study provides some reassurance that dosulepin discontinuation can be a successful strategy, and that the risk of the adverse events investigated was unlikely to have been greater in those who had dosulepin discontinued than in those in whom dosulepin had been continued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Chaplin
- All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Llandough, UK
| | - Robert C Bracchi
- All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Llandough, UK
| | - Kathryn E Haines
- All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Llandough, UK
| | | | - Paul N Deslandes
- All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Llandough, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Treforest, UK
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50
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Cooney C, Kennedy N, Doherty A, Shipsey M, Lindow SW, Hinds C. Evaluation of a new Perinatal Mental Health Service in a University Maternity Hospital. Ir J Psychol Med 2023; 40:588-591. [PMID: 37231740 DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2023.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services (SPMHS) are a new development in Ireland. This service evaluation examined the impact of the introduction of a SPMHS multidisciplinary team (MDT) on prescribing practices and treatment pathways in an Irish maternity hospital. METHODS Clinical charts were reviewed to collect data on all referrals, diagnoses, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions delivered in a SPMHS over a 3-week period in 2019. The findings were compared to the same 3-week period in 2020 following the expansion of the SPMHS MDT. RESULTS In 2019 (n = 32) and 2020 (n = 47), most (75 and 79%, respectively) assessments were antenatal. The proportion of patients prescribed psychotropic medication within the SPMHS was not significantly different from 2019 (31%) to 2020 (23%), though more patients were already prescribed psychotropic medications at the time of referral (22% in 2019 v. 36% in 2020). There was an increase in MDT interventions in 2020 with more input from psychology, clinical nurse specialist (CNS), and social work intervention. Adherence to prescribing standards improved from 2019 to 2020. CONCLUSION Prescribing patterns remained unchanged between 2019 and 2020. Improvement was observed in adherence to prescribing standards and there was increased provision of MDT interventions in 2020. Broader diagnostic categories were also used in 2020, possibly suggesting that the service is now providing more individualized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cooney
- Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service, Cork St, Dolphin's Barn, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - N Kennedy
- St. Patrick's University Hospital, St James' St, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - A Doherty
- Coombe Women and Infant's University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - M Shipsey
- Coombe Women and Infant's University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - S W Lindow
- Coombe Women and Infant's University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - C Hinds
- Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service, Cork St, Dolphin's Barn, Dublin 8, Ireland
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