Fondaparinux Sodium Compared With Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins for Perioperative Surgical Thromboprophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background Fondaparinux sodium has been compared with low-molecular-weight heparins ( LMWH ) in randomized controlled trials for perioperative surgical thromboprophylaxis. However, the results from these studies are inconsistent in terms of efficacy and safety to reach a clinical decision. The objective of this study was to systematically review the randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux and LMWH for perioperative surgical thromboprophylaxis.

Drug Therapy Problem Severity Following Hospitalization and Association With 30-Day Clinical Outcomes.

Background: Improved understanding of how drug therapy problems (DTPs) contribute to rehospitalization is needed.

Objective: The primary objectives were to assess the association of DTP likelihood of harm (LoH) severity score, as measured by comprehensive medication management (CMM) pharmacist after hospital discharge, with 30-day risk of hospital readmission, observation visit, or emergency department visit, and to determine whether resolution of DTPs reduces 30-day risk. Secondary objectives were to determine if any eventswere associated with DTPs and preventability of events.

Continuum of Care for Inmates Taking Psychiatric Medications While Incarcerated in Minnesota County Jails.

Mental illness is more prevalent among adult inmates in Minnesota county jails than nationally. All 78 Minnesota county jails were surveyed about their continuum-of-care procedures to help ensure that inmates who have mental illness continue to receive psychiatric medications after release. Of the 28 county jails responding to the survey (36%), most estimated that greater than 40% of their inmates receive medication for mental illness during incarceration.

Managed Care Peer-Led Teaching: An Innovative Learning Approach Outside the College of Pharmacy Core Curriculum.

Background: Managed care pharmacy is a growing field, but there are still limited educational opportunities available in pharmacy school core curricula. Students often seek self-directed learning opportunities to further explore the field.

Objectives: To (a) evaluate practicality and effectiveness of a student-designed managed care pharmacy elective and (b) determine emerging best practices for design and sustainability of peer-led, self-directed courses.

Financial Hardship from Purchasing Medications for Senior Citizens Before and After the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010: Findings from 1998, 2001, and 2015.

Background: The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (Medicare Part D) added prescription drug coverage for senior citizens aged 65 years and older and applied managed care approaches to contain costs. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) had the goals of expanding health care insurance coverage and slowing growth in health care expenditures.

Objectives: To (a) describe the proportion of senior citizens who had prescription drug insurance coverage and the proportion who experienced financial hardship from purchasing medications in 2015, and (b) compare the findings with those collected in 1998 and 2001.