Objectives: Most patients in palliative oncology care are polymorbid and thus treated with multiple drugs. The therapeutic effect and safety of these drugs can be compromised by drug/drug interactions, but also by wider problems such as polypharmacy and compliance. The clinical pharmacist is, therefore, responsible for risk analysis and prevention. Our prospective open label non-randomised clinical study evaluated the importance of a clinical pharmacist in the palliative care team.
Methods: A total of 250 outpatients were included in the clinical study: 126 women (50.4%) and 124 men (49.6%), with a mean age of 71 years (range 21-94 years; SD 11.9). The patients had the performance status scale 0-3 [Formula: see text]. Clinical examinations were performed on a monthly basis (n=509 check-up visits). The clinical pharmacist prepared an educational chart for all medications used after each visit and evaluated any drug-related problems. Follow-up was 6 months.
Results: This study found a significant association between drug related-problems and polypharmacy (p<0.001). A low risk of drug-rfelated problems was observed during the initial visit, that is, 68 female (27.2%) and 25 male (10.4%) patients. A greater clinical-pharmaceutical risk was observed among the patients taking antihypertensive drugs (p=0.003) and/or beta blockers (p=0.048).
Conclusion: This study confirms the essential role of a clinical pharmacist in oncology palliative care. The feedback obtained from the patients showed a notable improvement in their quality of life. Further, this clinical study confirmed the need for a personalised approach in palliative oncology care.
Objectives: We sought to review studies that examine healthcare professionals' and students' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding medication disposal. We also explore recommendations and barriers related to appropriate medication disposal.
Design: A systematic review was conducted that adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.
Background: Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) contributes significantly to treatment burden, specifically in older people. Detecting PIP and improving prescribing practices are therefore crucial for ensuring patient safety and positive outcomes.
Aim: This study aimed to assess physicians' and pharmacists' awareness and use of tools to identify PIP, as well as their confidence in recommending medication for older people.
Infliximab is an anti-tumor necrosis factor agent used to treat rheumatologic disease. Evidence on the safety of switching to biosimilars and the associated risk factors for flares/loss of disease control within rheumatology is limited. The primary objective is to evaluate nonmedical switches from reference infliximab to biosimilars in rheumatology on risks and level of disease control.
Purpose: Psychopharmacology prescriptions are complex, partly due to the complexity of the relationship between diagnosis and its etiology, as well as the iatrogenic impact on symptomatology. Many multidisciplinary tools exist to optimize their management and improve evidence-based practice. However, their multidisciplinary integration seems to be a challenge.
