Prevalence and incidence rate of hospital admissions related to medication between 2008 and 2013 in The Netherlands.

Purpose: In 2009 a Dutch guideline was published containing recommendations to reduce Hospital Admissions Related to Medications (HARMs). This study aims to examine time-trends of HARMs and their potential preventability between 2008 and 2013 in The Netherlands.

Methods: A retrospective prevalence study was conducted using the Dutch PHARMO Database Network.

Exploring Patient's Perspectives and Experiences After Start with Inhalation Maintenance Therapy: A Qualitative Theory-Based Study.

Background: Treatment of obstructive lung disease with inhalation therapy needs changes in patient behavior. Shortly after the start with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) maintenance therapy, patients might be in need of additional pharmaceutical care, tailored to their individual needs. This study aimed to provide insight into patient behavior, goals and perceptions regarding their medical treatment at start with ICS therapy, by telephone interviews with ICS starters.

Self-Management Maintenance Inhalation Therapy With eHealth (SELFIE): Observational Study on the Use of an Electronic Monitoring Device in Respiratory Patient Care and Research.

Background: Electronic inhalation monitoring devices (EIMDs) are available to remind patients with respiratory diseases to take their medication and register inhalations for feedback to patients and health care providers as well as for data collection in research settings.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the validity as well as the patient-reported usability and acceptability of an EIMD.

Methods: This observational study planned to include 21 community pharmacies in the Netherlands.

Communication during counseling sessions about inhaled corticosteroids at the community pharmacy.

Background: Pharmaceutical care is one of the major tasks of pharmacists, which aims to improve patient outcomes. Counseling patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease about their use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) might enhance medication adherence and symptom control. Therefore, effective pharmacist-patient communication is very important.