Prostacyclin administration errors in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients admitted to hospitals in the United States: a national survey.

Background: Epoprostenol and treprostinil are intravenous prostacyclin medications used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This survey explored hospital policies regarding prostacyclin infusions, and investigated the type and frequency of errors that occurred in the inpatient setting.

Methods: Information on prostacyclin infusion policies and inpatient errors was obtained through detailed interviews with 18 PAH nurses, and through an electronic survey completed by 97 PAH clinicians.

Impact of adherence to interferons in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a non-experimental, retrospective, cohort study.

Background: Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is a chronic disease affecting about 400 000 people in the US characterized by increasing patient disability and burden on society. While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), pharmaceutical treatments exist that can limit the number of relapses a patient experiences, and slow disease progression. One such class of agents used to treat RRMS are the interferons: interferon-beta-1a (Rebif and Avonex and interferon-beta-1b (Betaseron and Extavia).

Evaluating group purchasing organizations.

A formal evaluation process can help healthcare organizations assess the current and/or potential value of a group purchasing organization (GPO). Healthcare organizations should approach a GPO evaluation as if they were entering into a new relationship. The evaluation should include purchasing and financial services, value-added services, and corporate relations/business practices.