In this issue
Insight
Why some patients are reluctant to take osteoporosis drugsSubscription
There are a number of factors that contribute to patients’ fear and reluctance to take osteoporosis drugs, leaving them at increased risk of fractures.
CPD article
Clostridium difficile: diagnosis and treatment updateSubscription
There are around 12,000 cases of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) each year in the UK and during 1999 to 2007, deaths from CDI peaked at around 4,000 per year. This article summarises diagnosis and management, as well as the current therapeutic options for CDI, including faecal microbiota transplant.
Perspective article
Examining the emerging roles for pharmacists as part of the urgent, acute and emergency care workforceSubscription
In the future urgent, acute and emergency medicine clinical workforce, new models of care and care delivery need to be developed, in order to maintain and enhance standards of safe and accessible patient care. A departure from traditional (doctor-led) approaches to workforce planning, and an understanding of scope and governance surrounding emerging clinical roles is necessary to develop a sustainable, multi-skilled workforce across primary, community and secondary care. Today’s ...
Short communications
Countering points made in biosimilars piece
The insight article by Alan Cassels ‘Why biosimilars should be interchangeable with biologics’ (Clinical Pharmacist 2017;9:2) provides a great opportunity to clarify some key points. I would like to counter some of the points made in Cassels’ piece — criticisms he says are used to slow down or derail the use ...
Asthma patients deserve better careSubscription
The 2016 Asthma UK annual asthma survey has produced some shocking findings. There are 5.4 million people in the UK diagnosed with asthma, but we found that two-thirds were not receiving the basic care that they need in order to stay well.
Why Australia decided to make all codeine products prescription onlySubscription
The recent decision in Australia to make codeine-containing medications prescription only from 2018 (The Pharmaceutical Journal online, 23 December 2016) was reported to have been met with disappointment from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
The challenges of managing diabetes at mealtimesSubscription
Mealtimes pose many challenges for people living with diabetes, especially those who require a fast-acting insulin treatment to cover the post-meal glucose surge.
Update on the FIP pictogram project to improve health literacySubscription
I would like to provide readers with an update of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) pictogram project.
