A Multisite Retrospective Study Evaluating the Implementation of the Pasero Opioid-Induced Sedation Scale (POSS) and Its Effect on Patient Safety Outcomes.

The Joint Commission recommended the Pasero Opioid-induced Sedation Scale (POSS) to minimize opioid-induced respiratory depression. However, there is a paucity of data describing its impact on patient safety. This study assessed the impact of POSS implementation or reeducation on naloxone use in patients receiving hydromorphone.

Therapeutic equivalency of low-molecular-weight heparins.

Objective: To review the recent literature on the approved uses of enoxaparin, dalteparin, ardeparin, and tinzaparin and the evidence for therapeutic equivalence.

Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1993-January 2001) was conducted to identify English-language literature available on enoxaparin, dalteparin, ardeparin, and tinzaparin.

Study Selection: All controlled trials evaluating low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) versus standard therapy powered to detect a significant difference were reviewed.

Assessment of an online consumer "Ask Your Pharmacist" service.

Objective: To describe consumer demographics and the types of questions submitted to an online Ask Your Pharmacist (AYP) drug information service.

Methods: This is a retrospective review of a sample of consecutive queries submitted online to an AYP service between 1999 and 2000. All data were coded, transcribed, and evaluated in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.