Authors:Valerie Leung, BScPhm, ACPR, MBAAntimicrobial StewardshipProgram LeadPublic Health Ontario Bradley Langford, BScPhm, PharmD, ACPR, BCPSConsultant Pharmacist, Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramPublic Health Ontario The Challenge Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is an increasing problem globally. The combined impact of increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance with very few novel antimicrobials on the horizon has the potential to be overwhelming – a recent global review estimates that by the year 2050, global deaths due to antibiotic resistance infections will surpass deaths…
This “Close Up on Complaints” will follow a slightly different format than previous issues of Pharmacy Connection. In this issue, the case under review will be used to highlight a more systematic issue concerning the dual responsibilities of the individual professional (pharmacists and pharmacy technicians) and the corporation (including Designated Managers, owners and directors) when providing pharmacy services. The following discussion will examine the role and responsibility of each when providing pharmacy services to ensure…
By Ian Stewart B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph. Following an acute coronary syndrome event, patients are usually placed on a long-term platelet aggregation inhibitor to minimize the risk of recurrence. Pharmacists should be reminded that in some instances, the duration of therapy for a specific platelet aggregation inhibitor may be limited. Case: Rx: Brilinta® 90mgSig: One tablet twice dailyMitte: One year A sixty-six year old patient received the above prescription upon discharge from hospital following an acute coronary…
“Close-Up on Complaints” presents errors that occur when providing patient care so that practitioners can use them as learning opportunities. Ideally, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will be able to identify areas of potential concern within their own practice, and plan and implement measures to help avoid similar incidents from occurring in the future. SUMMARY OF THE INCIDENTS This Close Up on Complaints will outline two incidents related to a pharmacy technician’s professional responsibilities and Standards…
By Ian Stewart B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph. Pediatric patients are exposed to greater risk of medication error occurrence with increased potential for harm. Factors placing pediatric patients at increased risk include: Need for calculation of individualized doses based on the child’s age, weight and indication for use of the medication.
Need for precise dosage measurements, especially in neonates.
Lack of available dosage forms and concentrations appropriate for administration to infants and children.
Dosage formulations are often extemporaneously…
Case Summary A 54-year old man being treated for a diabetic foot infection died due to an intracerebral hemorrhage secondary to thrombocytopenia complicating vancomycin therapy. The patient was initially treated in Hospital A and after discharge was treated as an outpatient for approximately four days. Upon readmission to Hospital A the patient’s condition deteriorated and he was transferred to Hospital B where he subsequently died. Case History The patient had a history of type ll…
By Ian Stewart B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph. When dispensing medications, pharmacists must review each prescription for a medication that a patient is taking for the first time to ensure that the medication is the most appropriate for the specific patient and the dose and instructions for use are correct. In a large number of cases, this cannot be accomplished unless the pharmacist is aware of the indication for use. The optimal dosage regimen will often be determined…
Delivering pharmacy services is a complex, human process. Communication and transparency are essential as pharmacy compensation mechanisms adapt to support the provision of professional services that are not directly linked to dispensing a prescribed medication. “Close-Up on Complaints” presents some of the challenges that can arise when charging a fee for professional services so that practitioners can use them as learning opportunities. Ideally, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will be able to identify areas of potential…
The Coroner has recommended that the Ontario College of Pharmacists educate clinicians on the definition of opioid tolerance, and review the patient conditions and comorbidities that may suggest the need for reduced dose of opioids. Case Summary A 100-year old woman, with no recognized chronic medical issues, died four days after being admitted to hospital for weakness and pain in her buttock radiating to her abdomen. The reported cause of death was acute overdose of…
Delivering pharmacy services is a complex, human process. Although technology is a helpful tool to assist in identifying red flag situations, mistakes can still occur. “Close-Up on Complaints” presents some of these errors so that practitioners can use them as learning opportunities. Ideally, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will be able to identify areas of potential concern within their own practice, and plan and implement measures to help avoid similar incidents from occurring in the future.…
