An evaluation of a collaborative, safety focused, nurse-pharmacist intervention for improving the accuracy of the medication history.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a standardized approach to collecting a medication history on the accuracy of the admission medication list.

Methods: Pharmacists and nurses developed and implemented a structured, systematic assessment tool for use by nurses in obtaining a medication history. The tool was first evaluated with nursing students in an educational setting using mock patients and simulated scenarios.

Update on psychotropic medication use in renal disease.

Renal failure is a common medical condition, and many patients have comorbid psychiatric disorders. In this review, which is intended as a resource for consultation psychiatrists, the authors discuss pharmacokinetic considerations and provide information about the use of individual psychotropic medications in patients with renal disease. Most psychotropic medications are fat soluble, easily pass the blood-brain barrier, are not dialyzable, are metabolized primarily by the liver, and are excreted mainly in bile.