Simulation-based training: applications in clinical pharmacySubscription
With the evolving role of pharmacists and the growing complexity of healthcare, there is a need for interventions and innovations to enhance both individual task and team performance. Simulation-based training is an educational platform with potential in this area. This article outlines its applications in pharmacy and how it can support the skill acquisition and development of pharmacists.
Risk factors for mortality, hospitalisation and imprisonment in substance misuse patientsSubscription
Pharmacists should be aware of the mortality rates and adverse outcomes, including hospitalisation and imprisonment, that are rife in illicit drug users and patients on opioid substitution therapy, in order to optimise patient safety and reduce adverse outcomes.
Identifying modifiable risk factors to reduce inpatient hypoglycaemiaSubscription
Through analysing a randomly selected sample of patients with low blood glucose and diabetes over a course of a year, this prospective study found that a significant number of hypoglycaemia episodes were not treated to established protocol.
Testing annual asthma reviews for those who fail to attend: proof-of-concept studySubscription
Asthma is one of the most common respiratory conditions in the UK. Around 30% of asthma patients fail to attend their annual asthma review, which leads to an increase in the number of preventable asthma-related hospital admissions. By using SIMPLE methodology and the PharmOutcomes® web-based system on 27 patients, it was determined that the community pharmacy asthma review service would enhance patient care through close collaboration with GP surgeries.
Point-of-care C-reactive protein testing in community pharmacy to deliver appropriate interventions in respiratory tract infectionsSubscription
This pilot study sought to evaluate the potential use of point-of-care (POC) C-reactive protein (CRP) testing for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in a rural community pharmacy in North Staffordshire, UK, in conjunction with local GP practices. The study found that the use of POC CRP testing in community pharmacies has the potential to reduce the number of GP appointments caused by RTIs and, therefore, may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.
Improving medicines optimisation for care home residents: Wigan Borough CCG’s approachSubscription
Although clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are not responsible for monitoring or regulating care homes, Wigan Borough’s approach demonstrates that it is possible for CCG staff to work collaboratively with care home and social care teams to improve outcomes for patients.
NHS Grampian project: treating uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection in community pharmacySubscription
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common conditions seen in female patients in general practice (GP) and account for 1–3% of all GP consultations each year in the UK. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for UTIs currently available in community pharmacy only attempt to relieve symptoms, and do not address the bacterial infection. The Grampian project was developed to provide treatment of uncomplicated UTIs through community pharmacies by means of a Patient Group Direction ...
Evaluating a point-of-care C-reactive protein test to support antibiotic prescribing decisions in a general practiceSubscription
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of infection and inflammation. It is high in bacterial infections but very low or close to zero in viral infections. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), England and Wales’s health technology assessment body, has issued guidance on pneumonia in adults; it recommends point-of-care (POC) CRP analysers when clinical assessment is inconclusive. If the CRP level is less than 20mg/L, no antibiotics ...
Assessing the impact of a targeted pharmacist-led anticoagulant review clinicSubscription
Local guidance, supported by the 2014 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline CG180 for atrial fibrillation (AF), recommends that patients receiving inadequate anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), including time in therapeutic range (TTR) of <65%, should be reassessed. These patients were identified by the anticoagulation monitoring service (AMS) and highlighted to GPs for review. However, up to 59.3% of patients received ...
Integrating community pharmacy testing for hepatitis C with specialist careSubscription
Many patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection lie undiagnosed and a significant proportion of patients that have been identified are disengaged from specialist services. The Isle of Wight (IOW) typifies this issue, with an estimated 200 undiagnosed patients with HCV infection and a small number of known cases engaged with specialist services. Aim: To reduce the burden of undiagnosed HCV on the IOW and link new diagnoses directly ...
Pharmacy at home: service for frail older patients demonstrates medicines risk reduction and admission avoidanceSubscription
The Exeter Cluster Pharmacy (ECP) team is part of an integrated community health and social care service, providing domiciliary medicines optimisation to around 145,000 people. The service undertakes clinical medication reviews for frail older people at home, assessing their risk of medicine-related harm in order to reduce these risks and potentially prevent hospital admissions. Objective: An evaluation was completed in 2014 to assess the level of service the pharmacy ...
