scholarly journals Analysis of Pharmacist Interventions in Adult COVID-19 Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital

2022 ◽  
pp. 089719002110655
Author(s):  
Osama Al-Quteimat ◽  
Mohammad Siddiqui ◽  
Lana Hussein ◽  
Haytham Al Emleh ◽  
Imad EL Dine Shamieh

Background: Pharmacists are integral members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team who, with their skills, knowledge, and training, are well positioned to prevent, identify, and manage medication-related issues. Many published articles related to COVID-19 management have highlighted the important role of the pharmacists in assuring the safe, effective, and cost-effective use of medications. During such challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in a high demand on medical resources and healthcare providers, pharmacists are well positioned to contribute and add more efforts to the healthcare system to achieve best use of the available resources including medications and providing high quality pharmaceutical care to help the patients and support the healthcare providers. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review included all admitted adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis from 1 March 2020 till 30 June 2020. The documented clinical pharmacist interventions were extracted from the EMR and reviewed by multiple clinical pharmacists to identify type, number, frequency, outcome, and physician’s acceptance rate of documented interventions. Results: A total of 484 pharmacist interventions included in the final analysis. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions were the most reported (149, 30.8%) and antibiotics were the most reported class of medication, constituting 31.1% of the total interventions. “Optimized therapy” was the most commonly reported outcome (58.8%). Overall, 50.8% (246) of the interventions were rated as having “moderate” clinical significance using the clinical significance scoring tool. The physicians’ acceptance rate was 94.7%. Conclusion: Pharmacist interventions are associated with improved communication and medication use in admitted adult patients with COVID-19. Clinical pharmacists can play a crucial role in optimizing medication use in patients with COVID-19 through prevention, identification, and resolving existing or potential drug-related problems.

Author(s):  
Thirunavukarasu M. R. ◽  
Velmurugan A.

Background: Excellence in clinical skills along with a sound knowledge of standard practices related to bioethics and its application in the clinical settings is essential for healthcare providers. Nurses play a pivotal role in the healthcare team, being involved in various aspects like clinical care, research and medical education. It is essential for nurses to be aware of the ethical practices for effective patient care.Methods: It was a hospital-based descriptive study. A pre-tested questionnaire covering socio-demographic information and questions regarding law and ethics was used to collect the information. Nurses with more than one year experience and those who offered voluntary informed consent were included in the study. The study covered 50 staff nurses from both gender.Results: The study showed that majority of the participants (78%) had inadequate knowledge, nearly 7% of them are having moderate knowledge and only 4% are having adequate knowledge regarding law and ethics in Nursing.Conclusions: The study shows the need for increase in awareness regarding ethical issues associated with clinical practice and research among nurses. The study results were used to prepare a booklet on ethics and law for nurses and given to all the participants. Similar studies can be conducted among other members of the health care team (doctors, interns, researchers and trainee nurses) to generalize the results. Group discussions and workshops can be conducted for nurses and other members to promote the need for ethical practices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 960-966
Author(s):  
Savitha R S ◽  
Madhan Ramesh ◽  
Manjunath S Shetty ◽  
Kiran K K

Studies report poor quality and break in the care of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients due to complex pharmacotherapy, frequent dose changes and adherence issues. The addition of clinical pharmacists on the healthcare team will enable improved quality of care. The aim of the study is to characterize drug-related problems (DRPs) among CKD patients and intervene to improve patient outcomes. This prospective, interventional study was carried out in the admitted inpatients of a tertiary care hospital during the period October 2018 to May 2019. Patients admitted to inpatient wards of nephrology, medicine, surgery and orthopedics who was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease of any stage and etiology and who gave consent to participate were included in the study. Patients diagnosed with cancer and/or receiving chemotherapy, significant liver disease, as evidenced by Child-Pugh grades B and C, and those with substance abuse disorders were excluded from the study. A clinical pharmacist reviewed the patient treatment chart to identify drug-related problems and communicated appropriate suggestions or recommendations to the nephrologist or attending physician. Identified DRPs were categorized according to 'The Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe Foundation (PCNE) classification V 6.2. All DRPs and pharmacist interventions were documented appropriately. Among 833 patients included in the study, a total of 250 DRPs were identified from 245 patients. DRPs occurred at a rate of 1.02 per patient in the study population. The most common DRPs were adverse drug reactions (P2.1) (40.4%), followed by the effect of treatment not optimal (P1.2) (28%). The most common drug classes involved were antibiotics, tramadol, insulin, and oral antidiabetic drugs. Dose change and the new drug started were the most common interventions made. Pharmacists can make positive contribution in caring for patients with CKD.


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2027
Author(s):  
Philipp Golke ◽  
Mario Hönemann ◽  
Sandra Bergs ◽  
Uwe Gerd Liebert

Rhinoviruses (RVs) constitute a substantial public health burden. To evaluate their abundance and genetic diversity in adult patients, RV RNA in respiratory samples was assessed using real-time RT-PCR and the partial nucleic acid sequencing of viral genomes. Additionally, clinical data were retrieved from patient charts to determine the clinical significance of adult RV infections. In total, the respiratory specimens of 284 adult patients (18–90 yrs), collected from 2013 to 2017, were analyzed. Infections occurred throughout the entire year, with peaks occurring in fall and winter, and showed a remarkably high intra- and interseasonal diversity of RV genotypes. RV species were detected in the following ratios: 60.9% RV-A 173, 12.7% RV-B, and 26.4% RV-C. No correlations between RV species and underlying comorbidities such as asthma (p = 0.167), COPD (p = 0.312) or immunosuppression (p = 0.824) were found. However, 21.1% of the patients had co-infections with other pathogens, which were associated with a longer hospital stay (p = 0.024), LRTI (p < 0.001), and pneumonia (p = 0.01). Taken together, this study shows a pronounced genetic diversity of RV in adults and underlines the important role of co-infections. No correlation of specific RV species with a particular clinical presentation could be deduced.


Author(s):  
Elizabeth B. Habermann ◽  
Aaron J. Tande ◽  
Benjamin D. Pollock ◽  
Matthew R. Neville ◽  
Henry H. Ting ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: We evaluated the risk of patients contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during their hospital stay to inform the safety of hospitalization for a non–COVID-19 indication during this pandemic. Methods: A case series of adult patients hospitalized for 2 or more nights from May 15 to June 15, 2020 at large tertiary-care hospital in the midwestern United States was reviewed. All patients were screened at admission with the severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Selected adult patients were also tested by IgG serology. After dismissal, patients with negative serology and PCR at admission were asked to undergo repeat serologic testing at 14–21 days after discharge. The primary outcome was healthcare-associated COVID-19 defined as a new positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test on or after day 4 of hospital stay or within 7 days of hospital dismissal, or seroconversion in patients previously established as seronegative. Results: Of the 2,068 eligible adult patients, 1,778 (86.0%) completed admission PCR testing, while 1,339 (64.7%) also completed admission serology testing. Of the 1,310 (97.8%) who were both PCR and seronegative, 445 (34.0%) repeated postdischarge serology testing. No healthcare-associated COVID-19 cases were detected during the study period. Of 1,310 eligible PCR and seronegative adults, no patients tested PCR positive during hospital admission (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0%–0.3%). Of the 445 (34.0%) who completed postdischarge serology testing, no patients seroconverted (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0%–0.9%). Conclusion: We found low likelihood of hospital-associated COVID-19 with strict adherence to universal masking, physical distancing, and hand hygiene along with limited visitors and screening of admissions with PCR.


2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunita Hemani ◽  
Premlata Mital

ABSTRACT Medical healthcare providers are an important link with the general public to impart knowledge regarding contraception. However, their own attitude and practice of contraception is often lacking. Objective This study was conducted to assess the attitude and practice of contraception over the last 5 years of the gynecologists themselves in a tertiary care hospital in Jaipur. Materials and methods The study was conducted on 125 female gynecologists in a tertiary care hospital in Jaipur. All were given a questionnaire which was duly filled by them and data obtained was analyzed. Results All the doctors used some form of contraception. The mean age was 29.32 years. The commonest was the barrier method (38.4%) followed by OC pills (27.2%). Twenty-one percent of the barrier users used them occasionally. Emergency contraception was used by either those using natural methods of contraception or who were occasional users of OC pills or condoms. Fifty percent of the couples relying on natural methods conceived. Conclusion Gynecologists have complete knowledge regarding contraception, yet fail to use it regularly. Proper attitude and practice is essential to prevent unintended pregnancies. How to cite this article Hemani S, Hooja N, Mital P. Attitude and Practice of Contraception among Gynecologists at a Tertiary Care Hospital. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(3): 129-131.


2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 823-828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Song ◽  
John G Bartlett ◽  
Kathleen Speck ◽  
April Naegeli ◽  
Karen Carroll ◽  
...  

Background.Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is responsible for increased morbidity and a substantial economic burden. Incidences of CDAD, including those with a severe course of illness, have been increasing rapidly.Objective.To evaluate the excess mortality, increased length of stay (LOS) in the hospital, and additional costs associated with CDAD.Design.A retrospective matched cohort study.Patients.Adult patients admitted to a large tertiary care hospital between January 2000 and October 2005.Methods.Adult patients were tested with a C. difficile laboratory assay at admission or 72 hours after admission. Infected patients had lor more positive assay results and were individually matched to 1 uninfected patient who had negative assay results, by exposure time, age, ward, and at least 2 measurements for comorbidity and severity of illness.Results.The incidence rate of CDAD among adult patients increased from 0.57 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk before 2004 to 0.88 cases per 1,000 patient-days at risk after 2004 (P < .001). The 630 infected patients had a mortality rate of 11.9%; the 630 uninfected patients had a mortality rate of 15.1% (P = .02). After adjustment in the multivariate analysis, we found that the LOS for infected patients was 4 days longer than that for uninfected patients (P < .001). If CDAD occurred after 2004, the additional LOS increased to 5.5 days. The direct cost associated with CDAD was $306 per case; after year 2004, it increased to $6,326 per case.Conclusions.There may be no excess mortality among patients with CDAD, compared with patients without it, but the economic burden of CDAD is increasing. By 2004, CDAD-associated medical expenditures approached $1,000,000 per year at our institution alone.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Kristy Xinghan Fu ◽  
Yee Keow Chiong ◽  
Nicola Ngiam

Abstract Objective To explore parents’ perspectives regarding end-of-life (EOL) decisions, factors and possible barriers that influence the EOL decision making process, and to understand parental preferences for communication about EOL care in an Asian population. Method A prospective questionnaire cohort study conducted in a university-based tertiary care hospital. 30 parents of children who had been admitted to general pediatric wards for acute ailments and/or were being followed up in general pediatric outpatient clinics after inpatient admissions or emergency department visits completed 30 interviewer-administered questionnaires. With the first 10 completed questionnaires, we sought feedback on the design of the four case vignettes and related questions. Responses to specific questions related to each case vignette were rated on a Likert scale. Results The majority of parents were able to comprehend and identify with the issues in the case vignettes, which allowed them to respond appropriately. Parents tended to avoid active withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatment. The top three priorities for parents making EOL decisions for their children were: the chance of improvement, the presence of pain or discomfort, and information provided by healthcare staff. Parents reported that they would prefer to know immediately if their child is at risk of dying; they also preferred to get as much information as possible from the healthcare team and thought that meeting with the healthcare team before making EOL decisions was pivotal. Significance of results Parents place highest priorities on their child's likelihood of improvement, perception of their child's pain, and information provided by healthcare professionals in making EOL decisions.


2021 ◽  
pp. 53-55
Author(s):  
Harsimran Singh Das

Introduction:qCSI (Quick COVID severity index) is a clinical tool established recently post pandemic to predict respiratory failure within 24 hours of admission in COVID-19 patients; respiratory failure being explain as increased oxygen requirement greater than 6L/min by low ow device, high ow device, noninvasive or invasive ventilation to maintain spO2 of greater than or equal to 94%, or death. Aim:To verify and validate the application of the qCSI in Emergency Department in Indian demographic for evidence-based guidance to aid physician decision making in safely dispositioning adult patients with COVID-19 with oxygen requirement less than or equal to 6L/min via low ow devices including nasal cannula and oxygen mask Materials and methods:This is an observational, retrospective study from Emergency Department in a private tertiary care hospital of admitted adult patients with COVID-19 disease. Clinical parameters in qCSI and disposition of 210 patients admitted through Emergency Department included in this study selected randomly was sought on admission and clinical status with level of care 24 hours following admission was recorded and compared with prediction based on qCSI from a period of 1 May 2020 to 31 October 2020. Result:We found that19(9.0%) patients Initial qCSI Score was Low, 80(38.1%) patients Initial qCSI Score was Low-intermediate, 84(40.0%) patients Initial qCSI Score was High-intermediate and 27(12.9%)patients Initial qCSI Score was High.qCSI Score after 24 hours 16(11.4%) patients were Low, 43(30.7%) patients were Low-intermediate, 63(45.0%) patients was High-intermediate and 18(12.9%) patients was High.Out of 210(100.0%) patients, 70 (33.3%) patients were critically ill. Conclusion:In conclusion these data show that the quick COVID-19 Severity Index provides easily accessed risk stratication relevant to Emergency Department provider.


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