Immunosuppressive aspects of analgesics and sedatives used in mechanically ventilated patients: an underappreciated risk factor for the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients.

Objective: To evaluate the evidence describing the immunosuppressive and pharmacokinetic properties of commonly used analgesic and sedation agents in critically ill patients.

Data Sources: MEDLINE (January 1980-September 2013) was searched.

Study Selection And Data Extraction: All in vitro and in vivo studies that evaluated the immune-modulating properties of analgesic and sedation agents commonly used in the critically ill were included.

Using educational games to promote the seeking of a pharmacist and to teach key medication use messages: results from an inner city health party.

Background: Low health literacy affects 80-90 million Americans with low-income, minority populations being more vulnerable to this condition. One method of addressing limited literacy that may be particularly well accepted within vulnerable populations is the use of educational board games in order to emphasize seeking health information from reliable sources such as pharmacists.

Objective: The research objective was to determine if the use of educational board games could impact community pharmacy patron intentions to seek pharmacist advice in an urban, minority, economically-disadvantaged population.