Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety最新文献

{"title":"The Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Vancomycin for the Treatment of Recurrent <i>Clostridioides difficile</i> Infection - A Systematic Review.","authors":"Maja Johanne Søndergaard Knudsen,&nbsp;Ingrid Maria Cecilia Rubin,&nbsp;Andreas Munk Petersen","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S348501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S348501","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction The aim of this systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was to examine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vancomycin for treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). Methods The PubMed database was searched from inception to August 23, 2022. An initial screening was performed followed by a full-text evaluation of the papers. Inclusion criteria were RCTs investigating vancomycin for treatment of rCDI. Results A total of six studies and 269 patients were included in the review. Three studies used a fixed dose regimen of vancomycin, one study used pulse regimen, one study used a taper-and-pulse regimen, and one study used a taper-and-pulse regimen for the participants with two or more recurrences. The resolution of infection varied from 19% to 58.3% in five of six studies reporting this as an outcome. Four out of six studies reported new episodes of rCDI as an intervention outcome, in those studies 50–63% of participants experienced rCDI. Regarding the safety and tolerability of vancomycin treatment for rCDI, one study described several adverse events regarding gastrointestinal discomfort along with fatigue and skin rash. There were no records of serious adverse events in the included studies. Conclusion While oral vancomycin is mostly safe and well tolerated in the RCTs reviewed here, the efficacy for treating rCDI varies greatly from 19–58.3%, and 50–63% of participants experienced new episodes of rCDI.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"15 ","pages":"63-71"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/6b/8e/dhps-15-63.PMC10039659.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9567921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validation of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire for Assessing Patient Safety Culture in Critical Care Settings of Three Selected Ugandan Hospitals.","authors":"Joseph Atukwatse,&nbsp;Vallence Niyonzima,&nbsp;Cliff Asher Aliga,&nbsp;Jalia Nakandi Serwadda,&nbsp;Rosemary Nankunda,&nbsp;Catherine Nakiganda,&nbsp;Peninah Komugabe,&nbsp;Hanifah Nantongo","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S389978","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S389978","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The safety attitudes questionnaire (SAQ) short form (2006) is important for assessing patient safety culture in clinical environments. However, little is known about its validity and applicability in Uganda. This study validated the SAQ short form (2006) for use in assessing patient safety culture in critical care settings of hospitals in the Ugandan context.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a sequential exploratory mixed-methods research design, the face, content and construct validity for the SAQ short form (2006) was assessed in a multi-phased approach. A panel of eight (8) purposively selected experts assessed the face and content validity in rounds 1 and 2, respectively, while construct validity was assessed in round 3 using data from a cross-sectional survey of 256 frontline health workers in critical care settings of the selected hospitals. Analysis of survey data followed confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha examined internal reliability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 36 items in the tool's original version, 33 were rated clear, with a score of 100% on face validity. The use of contextual vocabulary and formatting issues arose as concerns. The S-CVI/_Ave was 100%, and S-CVI/_UA was 86.1%. Four new items added on effective communication as another dimension of patient safety culture. The survey had KMO=0.8605, the a priori-based model had a scale Cronbach's alpha=0.8881, with unsatisfactory goodness of fit (RMSEA=0.051, 90% CI: 0.044-0.057, <i>p</i>close=0.427; chi-square=694.28, <i>p</i> <0.001; CFI=0.884, TLI=0.871). The modified final model had a scale Cronbach's alpha =0.8967 and satisfactory goodness of fit (RMSEA=0.030, 90% CI: 0.019-0.039, <i>p</i>close=1.000; chi-square=424.98, <i>p</i>=0.002; CFI=0.966, TLI=0.960).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In the tool's original form, the face validity was lacking despite satisfactory scores on item clarity. Content validity was adequate, while construct validity required modifications in construct specifications. Reliability was adequate before and after specification modifications. The modified version has adequate psychometric properties for Uganda.</p>","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"15 ","pages":"13-23"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/a7/dc/dhps-15-13.PMC9885870.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10642161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-Medication and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Rural Ethiopia: The Importance of Husband Education in Ensuring a Safe Pregnancy.","authors":"Takele Deribu Tujuba,&nbsp;Desalegn Chilo,&nbsp;Endegena Abebe,&nbsp;Sabit Zenu","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S394346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S394346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Self-medication is the use of drugs without a medical prescription to treat self-identified illnesses; it is also the continued use of drugs without a physician's order for recurring symptoms, either by sharing or purchasing them from unlicensed vendors. It entails substantial risk to pregnant women and fetuses. Magnitude of the problem and its factors among rural pregnant women is not studied in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication practice and identify its associated factors among pregnant women in rural Southwest Shewa, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted on 585 randomly selected pregnant women in selected rural public health institutions from May to July 2021. Data was collected by using an interviewer-administered pretested structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with self-medication. Variables with <i>p-</i>value <0.05 for the 95% confidence interval of the adjusted odds ratio were considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 585 pregnant women participated in the study with a response rate of 92.3%. The prevalence of self-medication among pregnant women was 19.8%. Primigravidity (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2-6.1), lower educational status of husbands (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.02-12.9), living close to health facilities (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.09-0.6) and knowing one's own gestational age (AOR = 0.5,95% CI: 0.30-0.9) were significantly associated with self-medication practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion and recommendation: </strong>One in five of the pregnant women practiced self-medication during the current pregnancy. Primigravidity and lower educational status of husbands were associated with a higher probability of self-medication. Knowing gestational age and living close to health facilities were associated with a lower likelihood of practicing self-medication. Rational drug use has to be promoted among pregnant women. Maternal and child health interventions should also target husbands. Health education has to be strengthened to help pregnant women have a safe pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"15 ","pages":"39-50"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/8d/d8/dhps-15-39.PMC9939672.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10771096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and Determinants of Household Medication Storage During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Southwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Semere Welday Kahssay,&nbsp;Workineh Woldeselassie Hammeso,&nbsp;Dawit Getachew,&nbsp;Behailu Dessalegn Woldeselassie","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S392564","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S392564","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Most households worldwide keep medicines on hand for various reasons, including emergency use, treatment of acute and chronic diseases, and anticipated future use. Being infected or fear of getting COVID-19 in the current pandemic could increase the storage of drugs at home. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of household storage of medicines and associated factors in southwest Ethiopia during the COVID-19 outbreak.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional household survey was conducted from February 1 to May 30, 2022. Data on the extent of storage, storage conditions, their current status, disposal methods, among others, were collected through structured interviews and observations. The data were entered into EPI info, exported, and analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Bivariate followed by multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. P-value <0.05 was used as a cut-off point to decide statistical significance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The magnitude of household medication storage was 48% (95% CI). Analgesics (28.7%) and antibacterial (21.1%) agents were the most predominant class of drugs stored in the households. The most significant proportion of the home-stored medications (34.7%) was reserved for future use, and 31.8% were for treating current medical conditions. The majority of the respondents (84.1%) had never heard/learned about the safe disposal ways of drugs. The presence of children aged less than 5 years in a household [AOR = 1.90 (1.19, 3.05)] and the existence of chronically sick patients in a household [AOR = 4.3 (2.25, 8.45)] were factors significantly associated with household medication storage.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The current study revealed a high prevalence of home medication storage; thus, to lessen or eliminate the negative consequences of storing medications at home, it is necessary to review the medication utilization chain and offer community-based training on proper medication storage and disposal techniques, including establishing take-back programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"15 ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/4b/b7/dhps-15-1.PMC9869910.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10677600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Utility of Internet-Enabled Antibiotic Self-Medication and Its Associated Factors Among Patients Attending Private Clinics in Kawempe Division in Kampala Capital City, Uganda: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Joan Nakakande,&nbsp;Ivan Mugisha Taremwa,&nbsp;Miisa Nanyingi,&nbsp;Samuel Mugambe","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S405072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S405072","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The expanding practice of internet-based antibiotic self-medication raises public health concerns as it increases antibiotic resistance and introduces avoidable risks. This study aims to examine the utility of internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication and its associated factors among patients attending private clinics in Kawempe division in Kampala Capital City, Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was an analytical cross-sectional study that enrolled participants attending private clinics in Kawempe Division's randomly selected zones. These were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 12 software. Logistic regression analysis was used, and variables with p ≤ 0.05 were considered as significantly associated with internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 313 respondents, 246 (79%) reportedly had ever used internet sources to self-medicate with antibiotics. Factors such as being male; single; had knowledge of antibiotics; believed that Internet should be used for antibiotic self-medication; Distance to the nearest medical center/hospital from your residence/workplace of about 5 km and residing near a drug shop/pharmacy that gives antibiotics without a prescription increased internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication. Furthermore, the variables of more than three household members; common practice of antibiotic self-medication in a household; did not agree that one can recover from the illness without a doctor's prescription and medical workers who did not explain adequately the antibiotics medication given for the illness decreased internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study found that internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication practice is highly utilized and is associated with a variety of individual, household, and healthcare system factors. This necessitates strict adherence to national drug policy regulations governing antibiotic use. Furthermore, community health education is critical in combating such medication practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"15 ","pages":"85-91"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ca/1f/dhps-15-85.PMC10081524.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9288634","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Updated Evaluation of the Safety, Efficacy and Tolerability of Tafamidis in the Treatment of Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloid Polyneuropathy.","authors":"Catarina Falcão de Campos,&nbsp;Isabel Conceição","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S338577","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S338577","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hereditary amyloid transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a devastating hereditary multisystemic disease affecting predominantly the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems and the heart. ATTRv is caused by mutations in the <i>transthyretin</i> (<i>TTR</i>) gene, leading to extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils in multiple organs including the peripheral nervous system. If untreated, it is associated with a fatal outcome 10-12 years after disease onset. Different treatments are available for patients with ATTRv polyneuropathy. Tafamidis 20 mg is approved in Europe since 2011 for early stages of ATTRv polyneuropathy (stage I - able to walk without support) and it is recommended as first-line therapy in these patients. Tafamidis is a TTR stabilizer that selectively binds to TTR and kinetically stabilizes both wild-type native TTR and mutant TTR. Consequently, it has the potential to prevent the amyloidogenic cascade initiated by TTR tetramer dissociation into its monomers and subsequent misfolding and aggregation. Tafamidis is an oral drug, taken once per day, with proved efficacy, safety and tolerability in ATTRv-PN patients as demonstrated in different clinical trials and open-label extension studies as well in clinical practice setting with around 10 years of experience. Tafamidis treatment started in the earliest stages of the disease is associated with better neurological outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach in referral centres is also fundamental for monitoring patients to assess individual response to treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"15 ","pages":"51-62"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/0a/29/dhps-15-51.PMC9942506.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10762301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Safety Aspects and Rational Use of Testosterone Undecanoate in the Treatment of Testosterone Deficiency: Clinical Insights.","authors":"Katherine Campbell,&nbsp;Akhil Muthigi,&nbsp;Armin Ghomeshi,&nbsp;Kyle Schuppe,&nbsp;Max D Sandler,&nbsp;Ranjith Ramasamy","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S383130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S383130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Testosterone deficiency is diagnosed by a serum total testosterone level below 300 ng/dL in combination with symptoms such as decreased energy and libido. These symptoms can be ameliorated by restoring serum testosterone to the physiologic range with testosterone therapy (TT). There are numerous forms of testosterone therapy, such as injectable, transdermal, nasal, and subcutaneous applications. There are also multiple formulations of injection, such as testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, and testosterone undecanoate. Testosterone undecanoate (TU) is a long-acting ester formulation of testosterone that can be provided in an injectable or oral form. Oral testosterone undecanoate is marketed as Andriol, Jatenzo, Tlando, and Kyzatrex. Oral TU provides a convenient option for many patients, which may increase compliance with TT. Injectable testosterone undecanoate is marketed as Aveed and Nebido. Injectable TT remains the most cost-effective therapeutic option and is appropriate for most patients as an initial therapy. This review describes the pharmacokinetics of these testosterone undecanoate products and provides a guide for prescribers using these medications. While many forms of testosterone are appropriate for TT, a patient-centered discussion focused on goals of care should best guide physician prescription of these medications.</p>","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"15 ","pages":"73-84"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/59/dhps-15-73.PMC10072151.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9264103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of Medical Education on Medicine Use and Self-Medication Among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Kabul","authors":"A. Daanish, Ershad Ahmad Mushkani","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S360072","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S360072","url":null,"abstract":"Objective To compare the prevalence of self-medication among first- and fifth-year medical students at Kabul University of Medical Sciences. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of all first- and fifth-year medical students by using a short, self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of self-medication was estimated in the entire study population and also in those who had used medicines in the preceding one week. Results Of the total 302 students, the prevalence of medicine use was 38%. The prevalence of self-medication in all study population was 25.16%, whereas in those who had used medicines was 64.9%. Prescription-only medicines consisted of 59.2% of self-medication. The practice of self-medication and the use of prescription-only medicines were more prevalent among students in their fifth year and among males. While the prevalence of medicine use was the same among males and females, it differed between students in the fifth and first year. Paracetamol, anti-infectives, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were more frequently used medicines. Conclusion The use of medicines, self-medication and the use of prescription-only medicines were more prevalent among fifth-year students compared to those in the first-year. This apparently reflects the effect of medical education and training. More specific studies are required to address the issue in more detail and to facilitate interventions. The estimation of the prevalence of self-medication by using a short acceptable recall period, confined in those who had used medicines, seems to be more reasonable and accurate than by using a longer recall period in the entire study population. The prevalence of prescription-only medicines in self-medication could also be a useful indicator.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"14 1","pages":"79 - 85"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44451614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pancytopenia Due to Possible Drug–Drug Interactions Between Low-Dose Methotrexate and Proton Pump Inhibitors","authors":"D. Tao, Hui Wang, Fangfang Xia, Wenlu Ma","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S350194","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S350194","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Methotrexate (MTX) has been widely used with a wide range of doses in the treatment of certain neoplastic diseases, severe psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. At higher dose, monitoring of serum MTX elimination is performed because delayed elimination can result in serious and potentially life-threatening toxicities. A number of medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), salicylates, phenylbutazone, phenytoin, sulfonamides, and some oral antibiotics, are known to interact with MTX therapy through various mechanisms. Accumulating evidence suggests that concomitant use of MTX (primarily at high doses) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, and pantoprazole may decrease MTX clearance. The majority of the reported cases occurred with the administration of high-dose MTX in patients receiving doses of 300 mg/m2 to 12 g/m2. However, there were also cases of patients taking PPI and experiencing toxicity at doses as low as 10 mg of MTX per week. Although the dosage of MTX is small, the presence of side effect may be delayed and still dangerous. After literature review, it was found that common toxicities associated with low-dose MTX used for inflammatory arthritis include gastrointestinal adverse effects (>10%; ie nausea, stomatitis) and central nervous system toxicity (~20%; ie fatigue, malaise, dizziness, impaired cognition) with weekly administration. Bone marrow suppression (<3%; ie leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) and hepatotoxicity (~15%; ie reversible elevations in transaminases) are less common, and rarely MTX can also cause pulmonary (<1%) and other toxicities. Here, we report two cases who presented with severe pancytopenia 8 and 13 days after taking low-dose MTX and PPI. We highlight that in absence of risk/benefit ratio correctly set, an assessment of appropriateness of PPI prescription before MTX therapy can limit an iatrogenic risk.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"14 1","pages":"75 - 78"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48918498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Obstacles and Opportunities in Information Transfer Regarding Medications at Discharge – A Focus Group Study with Hospital Physicians","authors":"Maria Glans, P. Midlöv, Annika Kragh Ekstam, Å. Bondesson, A. Brorsson","doi":"10.2147/DHPS.S362189","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/DHPS.S362189","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose This qualitative study aimed to investigate experiences and perceptions of hospital physicians regarding the discharging process, focusing on information transfer regarding medications. Methods By purposive sampling three focus groups were formed. To facilitate discussions and maintain consistency, a semi-structured interview guide was used. Discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the anonymized data. A confirmatory analysis concluded that the main findings were supported by data. Results Identified obstacles were divided into three categories with two sub-categories each: Infrastructure; IT-systems currently used are suboptimal and complex. Hospital and primary care use different electronic medical records, complicating matters. The work organization is not helping with time scarcity and lack of continuity. Distinct routines could help create continuity but are not always in place, known, and/or followed. Physician: knowledge and education in the systems is not always provided nor prioritized. Understanding the consequences of not following routines and taking responsibility regarding the medications list is important. Not everyone has the self-reliance or willingness to do so. Patient/next of kin: For patients to provide information on medications used is not always easy when hospitalized. Understanding information provided can be hard, especially when medical jargon is used and there is no one available to provide support. A central theme, “We're only human”, encompasses how physicians do their best despite difficult conditions. Conclusion There are several obstacles in transferring information regarding medications at discharge. Issues regarding infrastructure are seldom possible for the individual physician to influence. However, several issues raised by the participating physicians are possible to act upon. In doing so medication errors in care transitions might decrease and information transfer at discharge might improve.","PeriodicalId":11377,"journal":{"name":"Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety","volume":"14 1","pages":"61 - 73"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2022-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44617358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}