Implementing an emergency department pharmacy service and its effect on medication safety.

Objectives: This service innovation project examined the effect an Emergency Department (ED) pharmacy service had on medication-related safety markers.

Methods: A pre-test/post-test design captured medication-related safety markers on admission data at ward level after patients had been seen in the ED. The markers were, medication omitted, incorrect medicines prescribed and the number of incorrect doses or frequency of doses.

Comparing exercise interventions to increase persistence with physical exercise and sporting activity among people with hypertension or high normal blood pressure: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Increasing physical activity is known to have health benefits for people with hypertension and related conditions. Current general practitioner referrals for gym-based exercise increase physical activity but meta-analyses show that while these are effective the absolute health risk reduction is small due to patients failing to maintain activity levels over time. This study assesses the effectiveness of two sports-oriented interventions that are intended to bridge the intention-behaviour gap and thus increase the likelihood of sustained increases in physical activity.