Status Of Prescription Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP IN TERTIARY HEALTH CARE TEACHING MEDICAL INSTITUTION IN CENTRAL INDIA

Objective: The objective of the study was to mitigate the impact of antimicrobial resistance and ensure continued access to effective treatments for bacterial infections. This study was undertaken to explore the hospital status of antibiotic prescription and evaluate the impact of antibiotic stewardship in clinical wards of tertiary health care settings. Methods: This is hospital-based observational prospective study carried out in a tertiary health care settings. All patients of either sex of any age who came in outpatient department and admitted in inpatient department of medicine, orthopedics, surgery, and pediatric departments and prescribed antibiotics were selected randomly in the study. Results: Study response rate was male predominance (57%). Empiric antimicrobials were mainly prescribed orally (47.3%), significantly higher than injectable route (22.8%) (p<0.001), while the majority were not given an empiric antibiotic by a clinical expert. A significantly high number of patients were prescribed injectable 1st Antimicrobial after surgery/culture, namely, injectable piperacillin+tazobactum (35.5%), followed by injectable cephalosporin (34.0%), amikacin injection/4.5%, and injection carbapenem/1.8% (p<0.001). Its frequency is significantly high with BD dose (66.8%) and the majority prescribed for period of 6–10 days (63.5%) followed by 1–6 days (19.5%) (p<0.001). Conclusion: As all prescriptions got optimal dose and duration of therapy, the stay of patients in the hospital was following Indian Council of Medical Research (2019) guideline therefore, it can thus be said that the results of this study revealed precise prescribing pattern of antibiotics. However, emphasis on information technology staff and patient education is vital in incorporating stewardship protocols. Emphasizing the importance of conducting antibiotic time-outs within 48–72 h is crucial for reassessing the necessity and choice of antibiotics. Such stewardship studies are instrumental in monitoring patterns of antibiotic usage and aid in future policy-making steps.

1885-LB: Status of Irrational Prescription of Oral Antidiabetic Drugs (OADs) Based on eGFR in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Patients and the Related Affecting Factors

1885-LB: Status of Irrational Prescription of Oral Antidiabetic Drugs (OADs) Based on eGFR in Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Patients and the Related Affecting Factors

Chinese physician perception on the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia: online cross-section survey study.

The management of chemotherapy induced anemia (CIA) remains challenging. The potential risk and benefits in providing patient-centered care need to be balanced; the disease is multifactorial; and the major treatments including red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and intravenous injection (i.v.)iron supplementation have a unique set of strengths and limitations. Also, most previous survey based on the patient data could not reveal the process of evaluation and decision-making for CIA treatment from a physician's perspective. As the comparison of China Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines, the standard of CIA treatment in China will vary from United States and Europe, for example, the initial hemoglobin (Hb) for RBC transfusions. In order to understand the diagnosis, treatment, and unmet medical needs of CIA patients, the China Medical Education Association (CMEA), in conjunction with Cancer Hope Medium, initiated the first national survey of Chinese physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of CIA. The CMEA sent an online, 12-item questionnaire (via wjx.cn) to physicians across China from September 1, 2022 to October 22, 2022. Two hundred and sixty-five samples were calculated usingsurveyplanet.com. The questionnaire evaluated the impact of anemia on chemotherapy interruption, initial treatment, the target Hb level of CIA in, and the current status of ESAs prescription in clinical practice. Respondents were asked to score their reasons for not using ESAs (including safety issues, drug access in practice or adherence) and the risk options of the current treatment including ESAs, RBC transfusion, and i.v.iron. A total of 331 questionnaires among 5,000 web visits were gathered, covering 247 hospitals in 29 provinces across China, of which 130 (53%) were tier IIIA hospitals, 50 (20%) were tier III B hospitals, 59 (24%) were tier IIA hospitals, and 8 (3%) were tier II B hospitals. The frequency of chemotherapy dose delay/reduction due to anemia was 24% [standard deviation (SD) 49%]. Most responding physicians rated an initial Hb level for ESAs treatment to be 80 g/L, with a favorable Hb level for chemotherapy being 100 g/L (60%), which would not limit treatment availability. The majority (67.6%, n=221) of physicians who responded indicated that they had used ESAs for anemia correction, while the others (32.4%, n=106) reported never using them. This is the first study in conducting a large-scale survey on the diagnosis and treatment of CIA in China from a physicians' perspective. We found that in China, nearly one-quarter of patients undergoing chemotherapy with concurrent anemia may experience interruption of chemotherapy and that the initiation of anemia treatment is not adequately timed. In treating CIA, most physicians prioritize the completion of chemotherapy via Hb level over treating the symptoms of anemia.

Assessment of the operation status of electronic prescription at community pharmacies in Chengdu, China: a simulated patient study

BackgroundInformation and technologies relevant to eHealth have developed rapidly over the past two decades. Based on this, China piloted "Internet + " pattern and some regions piloted electronic prescription services to explore telepharmacy services.ObjectiveTo describe the processes and assess the operation status of electronic prescription services mode for community pharmacies in China.MethodsThe simulated patient methodology was used to conduct a cross-sectional study in 317 community pharmacies from six districts in Chengdu, China in 2019. Simulated patients expressed three levels of service demands based on scenario about acute upper respiratory tract infections to evaluate the recommendation strength of electronic prescription services and telepharmacy service in community pharmacies. The descriptive statistics was completed to obtain the characteristics of the visit process, student t-test and χ2 test (P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant) were used for inferential statistical analysis to determine differences in characteristics and degree of recommendation between pharmacies.ResultsThree Hundred Seventeen record sheets were effectively collected. The third-party platform was recommended in 195 (61.5%) interactions. The main reason for not recommending is non-prescription dispensing of prescription drugs (27.1%). 90.3% interactions waited less than 1 min, the counseling duration was less than 5 min in all interactions, and most community pharmacies had good network conditions (81.5%). 97.4% remote physicians offered professional counseling, only 22.1% of the pharmacists provided medication advice.ConclusionsThe electronic prescription services mode for community pharmacies in Chengdu provides a convenient drug purchase process but remains some problems. For example, prescribing drugs without a prescription and services provided by pharmacists was poor, etc. The relevant supporting policies should be improved in future development process.

Decision Behavior and Influential Factors of Spectacle Prescription for Schoolchildren in Taiwan.

The prevalence of children myopia in Taiwan is among the highest in the world. The study aimed to understand the status of the final prescription of the spectacle prescribed by the Taiwan optometrists when they conducted the visual inspection of elementary school, middle school and high school students, and to evaluate the influencing factors of their decision-making behavior. Among the attendants of the continuing education course activities held by optometrist associations in Taiwan, an anonymous questionnaire survey was given on the spot to optometrists who have passed the national examination. This study received 442 questionnaire surveys, including 174 optometrists and 268 assistant optometrists. The data were analyzed by using chi-square test in IBM SPSS. There are statistically significant differences in the decision-making of spectacle prescription for myopia of -1.00D~-1.50D and -2.25D~-2.50D in the primary school stage between optometrists and assistant optometrists. There are also significant differences for myopia of -2.25D and above in the middle school students. By the time of high school, there are significant differences for myopia from -0.75D to -3.25D and above. The higher the grade, the greater the difference in the final prescription of the spectacles given. As for the judgment factors of the final prescription, only children among elementary school and junior high school show a statistically significant difference in professional judgment between optometrists and assistant optometrists. There is no significant difference in the judgment factors for high school children. Depending on the educational level of optometrists and assistant optometrists and their distribution area, the prescription decisions are also different. The optometrists prefer to prescribe full correction for schoolchildren, while the assistant optometrists mostly prescribe under-correction in prescriptions for low-degree myopia and lower grades. Further investigation is needed to study its impact on children's visual health.

Decision Behavior and Influential Factors of Spectacle Prescription for Schoolchildren in Taiwan

Background:The prevalence of children myopia in Taiwan is among the highest in the world. The study aimed to understand the status of the final prescription of the spectacle prescribed by the Taiwan optometrists when they conducted the visual inspection of elementary school, middle school and high school students, and to evaluate the influencing factors of their decision-making behavior.&#x0D; Methods: Among the attendants of the continuing education course activities held by optometrist associations in Taiwan, an anonymous questionnaire survey was given on the spot to optometrists who have passed the national examination. This study received 442 questionnaire surveys, including 174 optometrists and 268 assistant optometrists. The data were analyzed by using chi-square test in IBM SPSS.&#x0D; Results: There are statistically significant differences in the decision-making of spectacle prescription for myopia of -1.00D~-1.50D and -2.25D~-2.50D in the primary school stage between optometrists and assistant optometrists. There are also significant differences for myopia of -2.25D and above in the middle school students. By the time of high school, there are significant differences for myopia from -0.75D to -3.25D and above. The higher the grade, the greater the difference in the final prescription of the spectacles given. As for the judgment factors of the final prescription, only children among elementary school and junior high school show a statistically significant difference in professional judgment between optometrists and assistant optometrists. There is no significant difference in the judgment factors for high school children. Depending on the educational level of optometrists and assistant optometrists and their distribution area, the prescription decisions are also different.&#x0D; Conclusions: The optometrists prefer to prescribe full correction for schoolchildren, while the assistant optometrists mostly prescribe under-correction in prescriptions for low-degree myopia and lower grades. Further investigation is needed to study its impact on children’s visual health.&#x0D;

Korean farm animal veterinarians’ perception and practice of prudent use of antimicrobials

Antimicrobial (AM) resistance is a growing threat in human and veterinary medicine, spreading across species and perceived as One-Health issue. Prudent use of AM products is essential in mitigating this risk in both human and veterinary medicine. Farm veterinarians, responsible for prescribing appropriate AM and offering advice to farmers on their proper usage, are regarded as key players in the livestock industry. An online survey of farm veterinarians (n = 1,531) was conducted to assess their educational experience, beliefs, current status of prescription, practical behavior, and self-efficacy regarding the prudent use of antimicrobials (PUA). The data from 170 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression and mediation analysis. Participants chose AM based on their experiences, academic resources, and peer veterinarians. Approximately 77% did not routinely conduct antibiotic-susceptibility-test. Most participants believed in the importance of PUA and the role of veterinarians to reduce AM resistance, but they reported a lack of awareness among farmers and insufficient national support interfere with their practical behavior with regard to PUA. Half of the participants had PUA-education, and 78.6% reported that education had a positive impact on their behavior with PUA. Self-efficacy partly mediates the relationship between belief and behavior for PUA, which accounted for 23.77% of the total effect that beliefs have on behavior for PUA. The findings of the study show that enhancing veterinarians' abilities to practice and their self-efficacy through education tailored to the current status of farms can contribute to the reduction of AMs in the livestock sector.

Carbapenem Use in the Last Days of Life: A Nationwide Korean Study

The appropriate use of carbapenem is a critical concern for patient safety and public health, and is a national priority. We investigated the nationwide status of carbapenem prescription in patients within their last 14 days of life to guide judicious-use protocols from the previous study comprised of 1350 decedents. Carbapenem use was universally controlled through computerised authorisation system at all centres during the study period. Carbapenem prescribing patterns and their optimality were evaluated. A total of 1201 patients received antimicrobial agents within the last two weeks of their lives, of whom 533 (44.4%) received at least one carbapenem. The median carbapenem treatment duration was seven days. Of the 533 patients receiving carbapenems, 510 (95.7%) patients had microbiological samples drawn and 196 (36.8%) yielded carbapenem-resistant pathogens. A total of 200 (37.5%) patients were referred to infectious disease (ID) specialists. Of the 333 patients (62.5%) who did not have ID consultations, 194 (58.2%) were assessed as “not optimal”, 79 (23.7%) required escalation, 100 (30.0%) required de-escalation, and 15 (4.5%) were discontinued. Notwithstanding the existing antibiotic restriction program system, carbapenems are commonly prescribed to patients in their last days of life.

MP19-08 DETERMINANTS OF BETA-3 AGONIST PRESCRIPTION FOR OVERACTIVE BLADDER ACCORDING TO THE AUA QUALITY REGISTRY

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP19-08 DETERMINANTS OF BETA-3 AGONIST PRESCRIPTION FOR OVERACTIVE BLADDER ACCORDING TO THE AUA QUALITY REGISTRY Max Bowman, Katherine Shapiro, Camille Velez, Rachel Mbassa, Raymond Fang, Benjamin Brucker, and Michelle van Kuiken Max BowmanMax Bowman More articles by this author , Katherine ShapiroKatherine Shapiro More articles by this author , Camille VelezCamille Velez More articles by this author , Rachel MbassaRachel Mbassa More articles by this author , Raymond FangRaymond Fang More articles by this author , Benjamin BruckerBenjamin Brucker More articles by this author , and Michelle van KuikenMichelle van Kuiken More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003244.08AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: First-line treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) is behavioral therapy, followed by oral anticholinergics (ACH) or beta-3 agonists (B3). B3 agonists are better tolerated, but prescription rates between the two classes vary greatly. Using the AUA Quality (AQUA) Registry, we aim to determine which factors are associated with receiving a B3 agonist versus an ACH as the first prescription for OAB. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we queried the AQUA registry from 2014-2020 for adults with new diagnosis of OAB, including frequency, urgency, nocturia, and urge incontinence, examining the prescription rate and choice of first medication prescribed. Patients with neurogenic bladder or incomplete data were excluded. Insurance, age, race/ethnicity, gender, practice type, metropolitan status, and year of prescription were examined via multivariate analysis to determine which were associated with prescription of B3 agonists. RESULTS: 641,122 patients were diagnosed with OAB during the study period, and 112,021 (17.5%) received medication. Compared to those with private insurance, patients with Medicaid, Medicare, and other/self-pay were less likely to receive a B3 (OR 0.81, 0.91, and 0.68, respectively; p<0.001). Odds of receiving B3 increased over age 50: 51-64 (OR 1.11), 65-79 (OR 1.29), and >80 (OR 1.62) (p<0.001 for all). Compared to white patients, black (OR 0.87, p<0.001), Asian (OR 0.91, p=0.05) and those of other races (OR 0.84, p=0.005) had lower odds of receiving B3 agonists. Additionally, patients in rural areas (OR 0.85, p<0.001) and those seen in academic practices were less likely to receive B3 therapy than those seen in multispecialty, single specialty, or solo practices (Table 1). Patient gender was not associated with a difference in B3 prescription. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with increased B3 agonist prescription included white race, older age, having private or military insurance, and residence in a metropolitan area. Non-white patients, younger patients, those residing in rural areas, and those seen in academic practices were less likely to receive B3 prescription as their first choice of medication. These findings indicate that factors other than the patient’s disease affect treatment offered. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e267 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Max Bowman More articles by this author Katherine Shapiro More articles by this author Camille Velez More articles by this author Rachel Mbassa More articles by this author Raymond Fang More articles by this author Benjamin Brucker More articles by this author Michelle van Kuiken More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

The Status of Drug Prescription Based on Beers Criteria (Edition 2022) in the Community-dwelling Older Adults Living in Tabriz, Iran: Data From Tabriz Older People Health Survey (TOPS)

Background: Physiological, physical, and mental changes along with chronic diseases require the elderly to use multiple drugs. In this study, the status of drug administration in the elderly was investigated. Methods: In this retrospective community-based cross-sectional study, the data of 1362 people aged≥60 years in Tabriz were collected by trained interviewers from July 2019 to January 2020. The data received included demographic variables and the status of drugs used, which were evaluated based on the 2022 edition of the Beers Criteria. Data analysis was done by Microsoft Excel version 2016 and Stata statistical software package (Release 16. College Station, TX: StataCorp LP). Results: The mean and standard deviation of the drug number used by participants were estimated to be 3.72±3.09. According to the Beers criteria, 28% of all used drugs were inappropriate for the elderly, and 62% of participants used at least one inappropriate medicine. Furthermore, the most common inappropriate drugs were from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, benzodiazepines, cardiovascular, and anticonvulsants, including aspirin, gabapentin, diclofenac sodium, glyburide, and triamterene. Conclusion: The use of inappropriate drugs in the elderly had a relatively high prevalence. In addition, the number of drug items used in more than one-third of the elderly indicated polypharmacy. The consequences of taking inappropriate and multiple drugs require the design and implementation of effective interventions in this regard, the findings of this study can provide evidence for policymakers and decision-makers in the health system.

Starting Neurohormonal Antagonists in Patients With Acute Heart Failure With Mid-Range and Preserved Ejection Fraction.

The clinical benefits of neurohormonal antagonists for patients with heart failure (HF) with mid-range and preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF and HFpEF) are uncertain. This study analyzed 858 consecutive patients with HFmrEF (EF: 40-49%) or HFpEF (EF ≥50%), who were hospitalized for acute HF, and who were discharged alive, and were not taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE)-I/ angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) or β-blockers at admission. The study population was classified into 4 groups according to the status of prescription of ACE-I/ARB and β-blocker at discharge: no neurohormonal antagonist (n=342, 39.9%), ACE-I/ARB only (n=128, 14.9%), β-blocker only (n=189, 22.0%), and both ACE-I/ARB and β-blocker (n=199, 23.2%) groups. The primary outcome measure was a composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization. The cumulative 1-year incidence of the primary outcome measure was 41.2% in the no neurohormonal antagonist group, 34.0% in the ACE-I/ARB only group, 28.6% in the β-blocker only group, and 16.4% in the both ACE-I/ARB and β-blocker group (P<0.001). Compared with the no neurohormonal antagonist group, both the ACE-I/ARB and β-blocker groups were associated with a significantly lower risk for a composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization (HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.28-0.76, P=0.002). In hospitalized patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF, starting both ACE-I/ARB and a β-blocker was associated with a reduced risk of the composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization compared with patients not starting on an ACE-I/ARB or β-blocker.

Current Status of Outpatient Oral Antimicrobial Prescription and the Influence of Antimicrobial Stewardship for Inpatients: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study at a Japanese Community Hospital.

This study aimed to clarify the details of outpatient oral antimicrobial use (AMU) at a Japanese community hospital and investigate the influence of the current inpatient-based antimicrobial stewardship (AS) on outpatients. A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted in Komaki City Hospital. Data on patients, physicians, and oral antibiotics were collected in October 2013, 2016, and 2019, and appropriateness of treatment and surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) was evaluated. The percentage of patients receiving oral antibiotics increased significantly from 4.7% in 2013 (345/7338) to 5.9% in 2019 (365/6146), and the overall number of antimicrobial prescriptions per 1000 outpatients increased from 51.8 in 2013 to 68.0 in 2019. Prescriptions for third-generation cephalosporins per 1000 outpatients decreased (from 21.4 to 6.3), whereas the number of prescriptions for penicillin (from 3.8 to 15.3), fluoroquinolones (from 7.0 to 13.2), and co-trimoxazole (from 5.0 to 15.8) increased from 2013 to 2019. The appropriate AMU for overall infections significantly increased (from 68.4% in 2013 to 83.7% in 2019). The choice and duration of AMU significantly improved for SAP. However, even in 2019, only 29.3% of patients received antibiotics before surgery. The improved selection of antibiotics on outpatient prescription may be due to the influence of AS-which is focused on inpatients-while prescriptions for fluoroquinolones and prophylactics also increased. The challenges of antimicrobial administration after surgeries were also highlighted.

Relationship between creatinine clearance and clinical outcomes in Chinese emergency patients with atrial fibrillation.

BackgroundFew real‐world data on the relation between creatinine clearance (CrCl) and adverse clinical outcomes in Chinese emergency department (ED) patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsIn this prospective, observational, multicenter AF study, enrolled AF patients presenting to an ED at 20 hospitals in China from November 2008 to October 2011, with a follow‐up of 12 month. A total of 863 AF patients with CrCl data were analyzed, and patients were categorized as CrCl ≥ 80, 50 ≤ CrCl < 80, 30 ≤ CrCl < 50, and CrCl < 30(ml/min). Outcomes of analyses were all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, thromboembolism (TE), and major bleeding.ResultsAmong the whole patients, 126(14.6%) patients died during 12‐month follow‐up, 53(40.2%) among CrCl < 30 ml/min group, and 48(16.2%), 22(6.5%), and 3(3.2%) among 30 ≤ CrCl50, 50 ≤ Crl < 80, and CrCl ≥ 80 ml/min groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Cardiovascular death and TE rates also increased with decreasing CrCl. On multivariate analysis, patients with CrCl < 30 ml/min were associated with higher risks of all‐cause death (HR 5.567; 95%CI1.618–19.876; p = .007) and higher cardiovascular death (HR11.939; 95%CI1.439–99.031; p = .022) as compared with CrCl≥80 ml/min category. Nevertheless, for TE and major bleeding risk, CrCl groups showed no significant difference after adjustment for variables in CHA2DS2‐VASc score and status of warfarin prescription in our cohort.ConclusionsIn Chinese ED nonvalvular AF patients, incidence rates of death increased with reducing CrCl across the whole range of renal function. CrCl < 30 ml/min was associated with all‐cause death, cardiovascular death, but not for TE and major bleeding.

Starting Neurohormonal Antagonists in Patients with Acute Heart Failure with Mid-Range and Preserved Ejection Fraction

Abstract Background The clinical benefits of neurohormonal antagonist in patients with heart failure (HF) with mid-range and preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF and HFpEF) were uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic effect of starting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) / angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) and β-blocker during HF hospitalization in these patients. Methods We analyzed 858 consecutive patients with HFmrEF (EF:40–49%) or HFpEF (EF≥50%), who were hospitalized for acute decompensated HF, were discharged alive, and were not taking ACE-I/ARB or β-blockers at admission. The study population was classified into four groups according to the status of prescription of ACE-I/ARB and β-blocker at discharge: no neurohormonal antagonist (N=342, 39.9%), ACE-I/ARB only (N=128, 14.9%), β-blocker only (N=189, 22.0%), and both ACE-I/ARB and β-blocker (N=199, 23.2%) groups. The primary outcome measure was a composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization. Results The cumulative 1-year incidence of the primary outcome measure was 41.2% in the no neurohormonal antagonist group, 34.0% in the ACE-I/ARB only group, 28.6% in the β-blocker only group, and 16.4% in the both ACE-I/ARB and β-blocker group (P&amp;lt;0.001). Compared with the no neurohormonal antagonist group, the both ACE-I/ARB and β-blocker group were associated with a significantly lower risk for a composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38–0.91, P=0.02). Conclusions In hospitalized patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF, starting both ACE-I/ARB and β-blocker was associated with a reduced risk of a composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization compared with not starting ACE-I/ARB or β-blocker. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Cross-sectional Study to Clarify the Status of Antimicrobial Drug Prescription in dental outpatient care Study to Clarify the Status of Antimicrobial Drug Prescription in dental outpatient care

Cross-sectional Study to Clarify the Status of Antimicrobial Drug Prescription in dental outpatient care Study to Clarify the Status of Antimicrobial Drug Prescription in dental outpatient care

WITHDRAWN:Current Status of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Prescription in Korea Based on the Clinician's Urology Specialty Using Nationwide Healthcare System Data.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by Editorial Board.

Compliance of antibiotic prescriptions to the antibiotic policy in surgical cases at an Indian tertiary care hospital

Background/ Objectives: The use of antibiotics in all kinds of medical treatments has increased tremendously in the past few years. Many tertiary care hospitals have developed guidelines and protocols on antibiotic usage but are unable to achieve targeted compliance and the desired outcome. This study aims to assess the status of antibiotic prescription and compliance with the hospital antibiotic policy during surgical cases. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out for a period of 2 months by passive file auditing of the patients’ record. Findings: The results obtained show 84.8 % compliance with respect to the choice of antibiotic, 90.4 % to indication, and prophylactic antibiotic was given in only 51.2 % amongst the 122 surgical cases. With respect to the time within which antibiotics were given it was found that in 10.4 % it was given more than 2 hours of surgery being started, in 26.4 % it was given in less than one hour and for the remaining 63.2 % that data was not recorded properly. The mean duration of administering the antibiotic was 6.29 hours with SD of 5.20 hours with a median of 4 hours. Novelty: The study highlights the lacunae and flaws amounting to the non-compliance to the antibiotic policy in surgical cases and suggests that most of the tertiary care hospitals too need an implementable policy than a perfect policy. Keywords: Antibiotic; assessment; compliance; prescription; surgical cases

The implementation status of the long-term prescription

In order to alleviate the difficulty and annoyance in dispensing medicine of patients with chronic diseases and promote hierarchical healthcare system, the policy of long-term prescription for chronic diseases has been implemented in the country. This article summarizes the current status and effectiveness of implementation of the long-term prescription, and explores the existing problems. The improvement of prescription formulation, review, deployment, distribution of drugs, health education and other issues to ensure the safety of treatment are discussed. Meanwhile, we suggest that the relevant supporting policies of medical insurance should be improved to further promote the long-term prescription. Key words: Chronic disease; Community health service; Long-term prescription

국내 안경사를 대상으로 한 멀티포컬 콘택트렌즈 처방 및 피팅 상태 평가 실태 조사

국내 안경사를 대상으로 한 멀티포컬 콘택트렌즈 처방 및 피팅 상태 평가 실태 조사

Pharmaceutical Relief Activities at Western Japan Torrential Rain Disaster

Introduction:The torrential rain triggering massive flooding and hundreds of landslides was the worst weather disaster in Western Japan. A temporary pharmacy was established in the Kurashiki health center, which provided medicine to victims.Aim:To evaluate the supply status of prescription under the health insurance system during a disaster.Methods:When the enormous disaster occurred, victims get a prescription in the hospital or community pharmacy under the Disaster Relief Act or Health Insurance Act. Under the Disaster Relief Act, prescriptions that are given at a first aid station are able to be filled at the mobile pharmacies at no cost to the patient from the local government. Prescriptions that are issued by a medical institution, and are in accordance with the Health Insurance Act or National Health Insurance Act, can be dispensed at hospitals or community pharmacies. Patients may be exempt from the co-payment by being covered by their health insurance. Here, we investigated the supply status of prescription to affected people.Results:The good points of the supply status were as following: 1) dispensing out of disaster area was a good system to relieve a pharmacist2. ) J-SPEED was also a good reporting system to provide appropriative medicine inventory management, and 3) sending prescription using a mobile phone was very useful for pharmaceutical activities. On the other hand, the points for improvement were as following: 1) more time to learn the medical insurance system during the disaster was needed, and 2) the mobile pharmacy is better to make the rounds of shelters including health care consultation.Discussion:In case of a disaster, two different medicine supply systems cause confusion to medical relief teams. It is considered that collaboration relief activities with relief teams that included a pharmacist was very important.