Medicines prescription patterns in European neonatal units Abstract Background Hospitalized neonates receive the highest number of drugs compared to all other age groups, but consumption rates vary between studies depending on patient characteristics and local practices. There are no large-scale international studies on drug use in neonatal units. Objective We aimed to describe drug use in European neonatal units and characterize its associations with geographic region and gestational age. Setting A one-day point prevalence study was performed as part of the European Study of Neonatal Exposure to Excipients from January to June 2012. Method All neonatal prescriptions and demographic data were registered in a web-based database. The impact of gestational age and region on prescription rate were analysed with logistic regression. Main outcome measure The number and variety of drugs prescribed to hospitalized neonates in different gestational age groups and geographic regions. Results In total, 21 European countries with 89 neonatal units participated. Altogether 2173 prescriptions given to 726 neonates were registered. The 10 drugs with the highest prescription rate were multivitamins, vitamin D, caffeine, gentamicin, amino acids for parenteral nutrition, phytomenadione, ampicillin, benzylpenicillin, fat emulsion for parenteral nutrition and probiotics. The six most commonly prescribed ATC groups (alimentary tract and metabolism, blood and blood-forming organs, systemic anti-infectives, nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular system) covered 98% of prescriptions. Gestational age significantly affected the use of all commonly used drug groups. Geographic region influenced the use of alimentary tract and metabolism, blood and blood-forming organs, systemic anti-infectives, nervous and respiratory system drugs. Conclusion While gestational age-dependent differences in neonatal drug use were expected, regional variations (except for systemic anti-infectives) indicate a need for cooperation in developing harmonized evidence-based guidelines and suggest priorities for collaborative work.

The role of the clinical pharmacist in the prevention of potential drug interactions in geriatric heart failure patients Abstract Background The treatment of heart failure patients is very complex and includes lifestyle modification as well as different pharmacological therapies. Polypharmacy is very common in such patients and they are at increased risk of potential drug–drug interactions and associated effects such as poor adherence, compliance and adverse events. Objective The aim of the present study is to investigate retrospectively the prescribed pharmacotherapy of the hospital discharged heart failure patients for possible drug interactions. Settings Clinic for Cardiology of the “Saint Marina” University Hospital in Varna, Bulgaria. Method Lexicomp® Drug interaction software was used for screening potential drug–drug interactions. Logistic regression was applied to determine the odds ratio for the association between the age and number of drugs taken and the number of potential drug–drug interactions. Main outcome measure Incidence and type of pDDIs in geriatric heart failure patients. Results A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 248 selected heart failure patients for the prescribed medicines for a 1-year period (January 2015–December 2015). The total number of potential drug–drug interactions was 1532, or approximately 6.28 (± 4.72 SD) per one person. The range of prescribed drugs was between three and fourteen, 92% of them have been taking more than five medicines, an average of 7.12 (± 2.07 SD) per patient. The average age was 72.35 (± 10.16 SD). The results have shown stronger association between the number of drugs taken (more than 7) and the occurrence of potential drug–drug interactions (more than 10)—37.84 (95% CI 9.012–158.896, P ≤ 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between age and occurrence of potential drug–drug interactions (more than 10)—1.008 (95% CI 0.441–2.308, P = 0.848). Conclusion The incidence of drug-drug interactions in heart failure patients is high. The clinical pharmacist, as a part of the multidisciplinary team, could reduce medication-related problems, such as drug interactions, and to optimize drug therapy by checking the treatment prescribed at the discharge of these patients.

Integrating a pharmacist into an anaesthesiology and critical care department: Is this worthwhile? Abstract Background Operating rooms and Intensive Care Units are places where an optimal management of drugs and medical devices is required. Objective To evaluate the impact of a dedicated pharmacist in an academic Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Department. Setting This study was conducted in the Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Department of Grenoble University Hospital. Method Between November 2013 and June 2017, the drug-related problems occurring in three Intensive Care Units and their corrections by a full-time clinical pharmacist were analyzed using a structured order review instrument. Pharmaceutical costs in the Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Department were analyzed over a 7 year period (2010–2016), during which automated dispensing systems and recurrent meetings to review indications of medications and medical devices were implemented in the department. Main outcome measure Analysis of two issues: correcting drug-related problems and containing pharmaceutical costs. Results A total of 324 drug-related problems were identified. The most frequent problem concerned anti-infective agents (45%), and this was mainly due to the over-dosage of drugs (30%). Dosage adjustments were the most frequent interventions performed by the pharmacist (43%). Over the 7 year period, pharmaceutical costs decreased by 9% (€365,469), while the care activity of the department increased by 55% (+ 12,022 surgical procedures and + 1424 admissions in the ICU). Conclusion Integrating a pharmacist into the Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Department was associated with interventions to correct drug-related problems and containing pharmaceutical costs. Pharmacists should play a central role in such medical environments, to optimize the use of drugs and medical devices.

Mortality risk in atrial fibrillation: the role of aspirin, vitamin K and non-vitamin K antagonists Abstract Background As an alternative to vitamin K antagonist and low-dose aspirin (< 325 mg), non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants are available for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, the mortality risk associated with these drugs in daily practice remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the risk of all-cause mortality associated with non-Vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants, vitamin K antagonists or aspirin in patients with atrial fibrillation. Setting A cohort study conducted among atrial fibrillation patients using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (March 2008–October 2014). Method New users of vitamin K antagonists, non vitamin K oral anticoagulants, low-dose aspirin, or combination therapy were followed from the date of first prescription to the date of death, as recorded in the UK datalink. Cox proportional hazard models estimated the hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality for users of NOACs, aspirin, or combination use, as compared to vitamin K antagonist. Analyses were adjusted for confounders. Main outcome measure All-cause mortality. Results We identified 31,497 patients. Non vitamin K antocoagulant use (adjusted HR [aHR] = 1.42; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.18–1.71) and aspirin use (aHR = 1.64; 95% CI 1.57–1.77) were both significantly associated with a higher mortality risk than use of vitamin K antagonists. The higher mortality risk for the non vitamin K anticoagulant use was observed in men (aHR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.25–2.36), but not in women (aHR = 1.28; 95% CI 0.92–1.79. Compared to  vitamin K antagonists, mortality risk associated with the non vitamin K anticoagulants and aspirin use was significantly increased in patients with higher stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc > 2). Conclusion Non vitamin K oral anticoagulants are  associated with a higher risk on all-cause mortality, particularly in men and in patients with higher stroke risk.

Outpatient benzodiazepine utilization in Croatia: drug use or misuse Abstract Background Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed medications, especially among elderly, despite known risks and guidelines focused on short term usage. There is an increased trend of benzodiazepine consumption in Croatia. Consumption of anxiolytics in 2015 and 2016 in Croatia can almost entirely be ascribed to benzodiazepines, with diazepam being the most commonly prescribed drug, followed by alprazolam. Objective The aim of this study was to examine benzodiazepine utilization habits among the Croatian population. Setting This study was conducted on the national level, based on digital prescribing data. Method Data regarding the prescription of anxiolytics in Croatia was sourced and analyzed from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund database for the years 2015 and 2016. Drugs included in the study were classified according to The Anatomical and Therapeutic Classification of Medicines System, and consist of several chemical therapeutic subgroups (N05BA, N05BC, N05CD, N05CF). Main outcome measures The prescribing frequency of the most often prescribed benzodiazepines in Croatia. Results The total number of benzodiazepine prescriptions was 5,085,695 in 2015, and 5,294,075 in 2016; this represents a 208,380 increase in prescriptions, or 4.1% more than the previous year. The number of patients who utilized benzodiazepines showed an increase from 860,664 (8.67%) in 2015 to 876,046 (8.76%) in 2016. In relation to gender, benzodiazepine consumption was higher among female patients in all age groups, with the number of utilized benzodiazepine prescriptions per patient being highest in the oldest age group (80 +), comprising 7 prescriptions per patient in a 12 months period. Conclusion Increased utilization and long-term treatment with benzodiazepines remains a serious challenge for the health care system in Croatia. National prescription guidelines, improved control of benzodiazepine usage and prescriptions, along with restricted release drug lists, should all be considered as potential measures to rationalize benzodiazepine prescription, control unnecessary expenditure in the country and improve the well-being of the patients.

General public’s perspectives of issues relating to misuse of medicines: a cross-sectional survey in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Abstract Background Misuse of prescription medicines is a global issue potentially resulting in severe consequences including adverse drug reactions, dependence, tolerance, increased healthcare utility and mortality. Objective To assess the public’s perspectives of issues relating to medicines misuse. Method A survey of members of the public ( ≥ 18 years) attending medication safety awareness campaigns in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised: issues relating to misuse of prescription medicines; medicines used without being prescribed by a physician; and suggestions to reduce misuse. Potential participants were approached opportunistically during the campaigns, with those agreeing to participate administered the questionnaire and responses recorded electronically. Results Of the 511 respondents, 59 (11.5%) did not always have their prescription medicines prescribed by a physician, and 196 (38.4%) were uncertain. Commonly cited medicines obtained from sources other than a physician were analgesics (n = 375, 73.2%), antibiotics (n = 57, 11.2%), antipyretics (n = 33, 6.5%) and narcotics (n = 4, 0.8%). More than half (n = 282, 55.2%) claimed to know someone who had misused medicines, some with serious consequences including hospitalization (n = 96, 34.0%) and death (n = 14, 5.0%). Conclusion This general public survey has identified that issues of misuses of medicines in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia persist and may compromise safety and effectiveness of care.

Attitudes towards deprescribing among multi-ethnic community-dwelling older patients and caregivers in Malaysia: a cross-sectional questionnaire study. A Comment Abstract Understanding older adult and caregiver attitudes towards deprescribing will contribute to medication optimization in clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to explore quantitatively the attitudes and beliefs of older adults and caregivers towards deprescribing and identify participant characteristics that were associated with willingness to have a medication deprescribed. This study was conducted in a government-led primary care health clinic and three private community pharmacies in Malaysia with older adults and caregivers of older adults. The revised patients’ attitudes towards deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire was administered. The rPATD questionnaire had four factors in both older adults’ and caregivers’ versions of the questionnaire (with four to five questions retained in each factor) alongside two global questions that were not included in any of the scoring factors. Our revised statement of main findings now states that most of older adult (n = 340, 67.7%) and caregiver (n = 34, 65.4%) participants agreed or strongly agreed that they would be willing to stop one or more of their or their care recipient’s medications if their or their care recipient’s doctor said it was possible to do so.

Multidisciplinary education approach to optimize phosphate control among hemodialysis patients Abstract Background Hyperphosphatemia is a common consequence in end stage renal disease. It is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality, also development of hyperparathyroidism and mineral bone disease. A patient educational program involving physician, pharmacist and dietician was developed to manage hyperphosphatemia among hemodialysis patients. Objective To investigate the efficacy of the program in optimal phosphate control among hemodialysis patients. Setting Kuala Lipis Hospital, Malaysia. Method This was a non-randomized, single-arm community trial running for a period of 6 months. The program consisted of a small group seminar and individual counseling sessions. Two individual counseling sessions were conducted for each patient, focusing on diet and medication adherence, by an accredited dietician and pharmacist respectively. The group seminar was delivered by a multidisciplinary team involving a physician, pharmacist and dietician. Topics included basic knowledge of hyperphosphatemia, phosphate binder and dietary phosphate control. Eligible and consented patients had knowledge and medication adherence assessment, measurement of pre-dialysis serum calcium, albumin, phosphate, haemoglobin and alkaline phosphatase before and after the educational program. Main outcome measure Phosphate level, knowledge and medication adherence assessment. Results Fifty-seven patients completed the program and were included into final data analysis. The median (IQR) phosphate level (mmol/L) was 1.86 (1.45–2.24) before and decreased to 1.47 (1.21–1.91) and 1.49 (1.28–1.81) 3 months and 6 months after PEP (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients with uncontrolled phosphate level was reduced from 59.3 to 35.6% and 42.1% after the PEP (p = 0.003). The mean knowledge score almost doubled after the intervention, with a mean pre-score of 8.61 (95% CI 7.85–9.37) to mean post-score of 15.31 (95% CI 14.85–15.76). The adherence to phosphate binder also improved from 17.2 to 41.4% after PEP (p = 0.007). Conclusion A multidisciplinary patient education program is an effective approach to manage hyperphosphatemia among hemodialysis patients in Malaysia.

An evaluation of mental health clinical pharmacist independent prescribers within general practice in remote and rural Scotland Abstract Background A 12-month pilot was implemented in two general practices in remote and rural Scotland, with patients referred by general practitioners to specialist mental health pharmacist independent prescribers. Objective The objective was to evaluate the pilot service from the perspectives of the patients and the care team. Methods The pharmacists routinely recorded patient-specific data of all clinical issues and their actions at the time of each consultation. Further datasets comprised baseline and follow-up Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and/or Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) rating scales, a patient survey and interviews with members of the care team. Results Of the 75 patients, two-thirds (n = 47, 62.7%) were referred with a diagnosis of mixed depression and anxiety. There were 324 consultations (median 3, IQR 2–5, range 1–14) and 181 prescribing actions. At pilot completion, 34 patients (45.3%) had PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 scores reduced by 50%. Patient questionnaires and staff interviews generated positive responses. Conclusion This pilot has provided evidence that specialist mental health pharmacist independent prescribers delivered quality care to patients with diagnoses of moderate to severe depression and/or anxiety. Whilst accepting study limitations, there is potential to translate the pilot model of care to sustained services throughout general practice.

Stakeholders views of medicines administration by pharmacy technicians on mental health inpatient wards Abstract Background The involvement of pharmacy technicians in medicines administration has been highlighted as an opportunity to enhance medicines management support for nurses and service users. Currently, there is no published evidence around this development within psychiatry. Objective To explore the perceptions of key stakeholders toward the feasibility and acceptability of pharmacy technician-led medicines administration within a mental health inpatient setting. Setting Ten acute adult and older-adult wards across five inpatient units within one UK mental health provider. Method Stratified purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants from primary (pharmacy technician, nurse and service user) and secondary (pharmacist, doctor and senior manager) stakeholder groups. One-to-one, semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically using Framework analysis. Main Outcome Measure Themes arising from perspectives of stakeholders concerning the feasibility and acceptability of pharmacy technician-led medicines administration. Results Twenty participants were recruited, including twelve primary stakeholders. Attitudes towards implementation were favourable overall. Anticipated risks included de-skilling of nurses around medicines and a potentially detrimental impact on the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship; these were contrasted by potential benefits including the release of nurse time and medicines education opportunities with staff and service users. Conclusion Technician-led medicines administration was perceived as a feasible service, potentially bringing opportunities for medicines optimisation and released nursing time to care. These findings may be a source of guidance for policymakers and researchers who wish to explore the development of such services. Further exploration of safety and effectiveness is required, particularly within mental health settings.