Adverse drug events in older hospitalized patients: results and reliability of a comprehensive and structured identification strategy.

Background: Older patients are at high risk for experiencing Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) during hospitalization. To be able to reduce ADEs in these vulnerable patients, hospitals first need to measure the occurrence of ADEs, especially those that are preventable. However, data on preventable ADEs (pADEs) occurring during hospitalization in older patients are scarce, and no 'gold standard' for the identification of ADEs exists.

Changes in adverse event rates in hospitals over time: a longitudinal retrospective patient record review study.

Objective: To determine the change in adverse event (AE) rates and preventable AE rates over time, identify certain patient risk groups and discuss factors influencing the outcome.

Design: Longitudinal retrospective patient record review study.

Setting And Participants: A random sample of 21 hospitals in The Netherlands in 2004, and 20 hospitals in 2008.

A long-term follow-up study of mortality in transsexuals receiving treatment with cross-sex hormones.

Objective: Adverse effects of long-term cross-sex hormone administration to transsexuals are not well documented. We assessed mortality rates in transsexual subjects receiving long-term cross-sex hormones.

Design: A cohort study with a median follow-up of 18.

Nature, occurrence and consequences of medication-related adverse events during hospitalization: a retrospective chart review in the Netherlands.

Background: Medication-related adverse events (MRAEs) form a large proportion of all adverse events in hospitalized patients and are associated with considerable preventable harm. Detailed information on harm related to drugs administered during hospitalization is scarce. Knowledge of the nature and preventability of MRAEs is needed to prioritize and improve medication-related patient safety.

Direct medical costs of adverse events in Dutch hospitals.

Background: Up to now, costs attributable to adverse events (AEs) and preventable AEs in the Netherlands were unknown. We assessed the total direct medical costs associated with AEs and preventable AEs in Dutch hospitals to gain insight in opportunities for cost savings.

Methods: Trained nurses and physicians retrospectively reviewed 7,926 patient records in 21 hospitals.

Is physical examination required before prescribing hormones to patients with gender dysphoria?

Introduction: A genital examination can have psychologic effects on a patient, particularly when the source of their sexual medicine complaint is a body part. How necessary is a physical exam before prescribing hormones in cases of gender dsyphoria?

Methods: Five people with expertise and/or interest in the area of gender dysphoria and endocrinology were asked to contribute their opinions.

Main Outcome Measure: To provide food for thought, discussion, and possible further research in a poorly discussed area of sexual medicine.

Effects of sex steroids on components of the insulin resistance syndrome in transsexual subjects.

Objective: Sex differences are found in most components of the insulin resistance syndrome and the associated cardiovascular risk profile. These differences are attributed to sex-specific sex steroid profiles, but the effects of sex steroids on the individual components of the insulin resistance syndrome remain incompletely understood.

Design: Prospective, intervention study.