The impact of pharmacist telephone calls after discharge on satisfaction of oncology patients: A randomized controlled study

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 359-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sewar S Salmany ◽  
Lujeen Ratrout ◽  
Abdallah Amireh ◽  
Randa Agha ◽  
Noor Nassar ◽  
...  

Purpose The aim of the study was to determine the impact of telephone follow-up calls on satisfaction in oncology patients after hospital discharge. Method A randomized controlled study, in which patients were randomized into two groups: The experimental group with the telephone follow-up (TFU) calls (intervention) and the control group (no intervention). The telephone follow-up call was conducted within 72 h after discharge. During the call, patients were asked about their medications, namely, whether they received them, understood how to take them, and whether they developed any medication-related adverse effect. Both groups were contacted by phone two weeks later to assess their satisfaction with the discharge medication instructions and the provided pharmaceutical services, using the 5-point Likert scale. In addition, hospital records were reviewed for emergency room visits and hospital readmissions within 30 days after discharge. Results There was no difference in the percentage of patients who reported being very satisfied between both the intervention and the control groups (45% intervention vs. 48% control, P = 0.68). The mean time of the intervention phone call was 3 ± 1.7 (SD) min. During the telephone follow-up call, medication-related problems were identified in 20% of the patients. There was no significant difference in emergency room visits and hospital readmissions in the intervention group vs. control (44% vs. 53%, P = 0.123) and (37% vs. 43%, P = 0.317), respectively. Conclusion Telephone follow-up calls conducted by a pharmacist to discharged oncology patients did not improve patients' satisfaction, emergency room visits or hospital readmissions; however, they helped to identify medication-related adverse effects in the oncology patients.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1945.1-1945
Author(s):  
A. Fehr ◽  
F. El Noby ◽  
N. Fathi ◽  
R. Lotfy

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis is one of common form of chronic inflammatory arthritis. Methotrexate has remained anchor treatment because of its potent efficacy1. Intolerance to Methotrexate is a common cause of non-compliance2&3.Objectives:To investigate the effect of adding caffeine orally as Methylxanthines (Caffeine), act as adenosine receptor antagonists4to reduce symptoms of moderate to severe methotrexate intolerance in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis5.Methods:A prospective, randomized controlled study conducted at Aswan University Hospital, Egypt from Jan 2018 till may 2019. Sixty patients with Rheumatoid arthritis who have had experienced moderate to severe methotrexate intolerance was enrolled in the study. The methotrexate intolerance severity score (MISS)6was evaluated at base line before initiation of study then at the next three months consecutively. Patients were randomly assigned by closed envelope method into 2 groups each containing 30 patients:Group (A); 30 patients was prescribed caffeine (coffee or dark chocolate) as an antidote to methotrexate intolerance7.Group (B); 30 matched patients acted as control group that included who will continue methotrexate regimen without addition of any extra caffeine.Results:Twenty four patients (80%) at time three follow up visit showed full improvement of symptoms of methotrexate-intolerance compared to ten patients (33.3%) at 2nd month follow up visit and seven patients (23%) at 1st month follow up visit with statistically significant difference all over the study period (P=0.005). half of study group patients discontinued anti-emetic and other drugs while none in control group did.Conclusion:Adding caffeine to management regimen can reduce the symptoms of severe methotrexate-intolerance in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.References:[1]Friedman, B., & Cronstein, B. (2019). Methotrexate Mechanism in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Joint Bone Spine, 86(3):301-307[2]Wang, W., Zhou, H., & Liu, L. (2018). Side effects of methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. European journal of medicinal chemistry. Volume 158, 502-516[3]Bulatović, M., Heijstek, M. W., Verkaaik, M., van Dijkhuizen, E. P., Armbrust, W., Hoppenreijs, E. P., ... & Rademaker, C. M. (2011). High prevalence of methotrexate intolerance in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: development and validation of a methotrexate intolerance severity score. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 63(7), 2007-2013.[4]Malaviya, A., Baghel, S., Verma, S., Thakran, R., & Messi, C. (2019). Use of coffee for alleviating methotrexate intolerance in rheumatic diseases. Indian Journal of Rheumatology, 14(1), 79-79.[5]Ribeiro, J. A., & Sebastiao, A. M. (2010). Caffeine and adenosine. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 20(s1), S3-S15.[6]Fatimah, N., Salim, B., Nasim, A., Hussain, K., Gul, H., & Niazi, S. (2016). Frequency of methotrexate intolerance in rheumatoid arthritis patients using methotrexate intolerance severity score (MISS questionnaire). Clinical rheumatology, 35(5), 1341-1345.[7]Malaviya, A. N. (2017). Methotrexate intolerance in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA): effect of adding caffeine to the management regimen. Clinical rheumatology, 36(2), 279-285.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S411-S411
Author(s):  
Sarin Khahakaew ◽  
Gompol Suwanpimolkul ◽  
Thanittha Wongkeskij ◽  
Napawan Punakabutra ◽  
Chusana Suankratay

Abstract Background Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most common nosocomial infections. To date, there have been no randomized controlled studies to recommend the most appropriate antiseptic solution for periurethral cleaning before indwelling urinary catheterization. This study was aimed to compare normal saline solution (NSS) and Savlon solution for periurethral cleaning before indwelling urinary catheterization in reducing catheter-associated bacteriuria. Methods A randomized controlled, noninferiority, cross-over study to determine the incidence of significant bacteriuria (SB) on day 5 after Foley catheterization, using 2 different solutions for periurethral cleaning (NSS and Savlon solutions), was carried out in all adult patients admitted in the 2 medical intensive care units (ICUs), 1 surgical ICU, 2 neurosurgical ICUs, 4 medical wards, 4 surgical wards and 1 emergency room (ER) of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand, from June 2018 to March 2019. The acceptable prespecified noninferiority margin was set to be 10%. Each solution was used alternately every 3 months in each unit. Urine culture was collected on day 1, 3, and 5 of Foley catheter. Results During the study period, there were 207 and 160 patients in the NSS and Savlon groups, respectively. 202 (55%) patients had received Foley catheterization in the emergency room. There were no significant differences in the indication, the current illness, and preexisting condition between the 2 groups. The overall incidence of SB on day 3 and 5 after catheterization was 4% and 8.2%. The incidence of CAUTI was 3.43/1,000 catheter-day. The median duration of catheterization was 5 (IQR 3, 7) days. On day 5 after catheterization, noninferiority was demonstrated for the incidence of SB with an adjusted difference of 4 (95% CI of the difference: −2.1% to 8.9%, P = 0.05). Regarding the incidence of CAUTI, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, our study was the first randomized controlled study to compare the 2 solutions for periurethral cleaning before indwelling urinary catheterization in different departments. This study demonstrates the noninferiority of NSS to Savlon solution in reducing the incidence of SB. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 45-46
Author(s):  
K Alazemi ◽  
M Alkhattabi ◽  
J C Gregor

Abstract Background EOE is an increasingly recognized gastrointestinal condition that causes significant morbidity ranging from dietary limitations to food impactions requiring emergency room visits. There are a variety of dietary, pharmacologic and endoscopic treatments available but most are more practically guided by a subspecialist familiar and experienced with the condition. There is a perception among some physicians that follow up is sporadic and may be related at least in part to patient compliance. Aims To assess the true rate of EOE patients follow up rate at Lodon Health Scince Center Methods We used a retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with EoE between July 2011 and June 2014 who met the traditional diagnostic criteria. As part of a quality improvement initiative, local follow up over the ensuing 5–7 years was tracked. The impact of follow up on subsequent healthcare utilization was analyzed. Results 123 patients with biopsy confirmed EoE were analyzed. Follow up appointments were made for 114/123 (92%) patients. 55/123 (45%) had repeat elective endoscopy booked. Only 10/114 (8.7%) of initial appointments went unattended but 15/55 (27.2%) of the patients offered ongoing follow up failed to attend. There were no complications (ie. perforation or bleeding) attributable to any of the procedures. 5/123 (4%) patients required repeat emergency room endoscopy for food impaction. Two patients required this on multiple occasions. 4/5 patients requiring repeat emergency room endoscopy for food impaction had received some sort of follow up, although 4/5 of these had at least one missed appointment. 2/5 patients having emergency room endoscopy required overnight admission. There were no perforations in the cohort. Conclusions Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of EOE do have a risk of requiring subsequent emergency endoscopy for food impaction although it is not clear that scheduled follow up significantly reduces that risk. Contrary to the perception of some physicians, patients with EoE are very likely to attend their first follow up visit although the attrition rate for subsequent scheduled visits is not insignificant. Funding Agencies None


2014 ◽  
Vol 191 (4S) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyoungkeun Park ◽  
Sangrak Bae ◽  
Sunghyun Paick ◽  
Hyunwoo Kim ◽  
Jutae Seo ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Hsing Yeh ◽  
Cuicui Li ◽  
Ronald Glick ◽  
Elizabeth A. Schlenk ◽  
Kathryn Albers ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a major health problem and the most common pain condition among those 60 years of age or older in the US. Despite the development of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, cLBP outcomes have not improved and disability rates continue to rise. This study aims to test auricular point acupressure (APA) as a non-invasive, nonpharmacological self-management strategy to manage cLBP and to address current shortcomings of cLBP treatment. Methods: For this prospective randomized controlled study, participants will be randomly assigned into three groups: (1) APA (active points related to cLBP), (2) Comparison Group -1 (non-active points, unrelated to cLBP), (3) Comparison Group-2 (enhanced educational control, an educational booklet on cLBP will be given and the treatment used by participants for their cLBP will be recorded). The ecological momentary assessment smartphone app will be used to collect real-time cLBP outcomes and adherence to APA practice. Treatment and nonspecific psychological placebo effects will be measured via questionnaires for all participants. This proposed trial will evaluate the APA sustained effects for cLBP at 12-month follow-up. Monthly phone follow-up will be used to collect study outcomes. Blood will be collected during study visits at baseline, post-APA treatment, and follow-up study visits at 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months post-completion of treatment for a total of 7 assessments. Appointments will start between 9 and 11 am to control for circadian variation in cytokine levels. Discussion: This study is expected to provide vital information on the efficacy, sustainability, and underlying mechanism of APA on cLBP necessary for APA to gain acceptance from both healthcare providers and patients, which would provide a strong impetus for including APA as part of cLBP management in clinical and home settings. Trial registration: NCT03589703, Registered on May 22, 2018


Author(s):  
Atit Kumar ◽  
Prashant Kumar Mishra ◽  
Saurabh Shukla

Background: Direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation frequently induce cardiovascular stress response characterised by hypertension and tachycardia due to reflex sympathetic stimulation. Considering the clinical significance of these changes stress attenuation is needed to blunt these responses. β- blockers are used to reduce the unwanted hemodynamic responses. Esmolol is ultra-short acting cardio selective β blocker. Labetalol is useful in not only attenuating the response to laryngoscopy and intubation but also in preventing perioperative cardiovascular events. Present study compared the efficacy of esmolol and labetalol for attenuation of sympathomimetic response to laryngoscopy and intubation.Methods: It was a prospective, randomized, controlled study carried out in 75 adult patients with ASA 1 and ASA 2 posted for elective surgeries. Patients were allocated randomly into Group-1 (esmolol) and Group-2 (labetalol) and Group-3 (placebo) of 25 patients each. Inj. esmolol (1mg/kg) or Inj. labetalol (0.4 mg/kg) or placebo (0.9NS) dissolved up to 5 ml in distilled water was injected intravenously 5 minutes prior to intubation. All patients premeditated with Inj. glycopyrrolate (4µg/kg). Patient were then induced with Inj. propofol (2mg/kg), Inj. scoline (2mg/kg) given followed by laryngoscopy and intubation. Haemodynamic readings were noted at T0 (baseline before injecting the drug), T1 (1 minute after injecting the drug), T2 (after intubation), T3 (2 minutes after intubation), T4 (4 minutes after intubation), T5 (6 minutes after intubation), T6 (8 minutes after injection), T7 (10 minutes after injection).Results: Gr-1, Gr-2 and Gr-3, when compared with each other for systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean BP, and HR, showed a statistically significant difference at different intervals.Conclusions: Both the drugs are found to be effective in attenuation of hemodynamic reflex without any side effects. Further studies are recommended to substantiate the findings in present study.


2012 ◽  
Vol 147 (5) ◽  
pp. 937-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameh M. Ragab ◽  
Hossam S. Elsherif ◽  
Emad M. Shehata ◽  
Ahmed Younes ◽  
Ahmed M. Gamea

Objectives (1) To conduct an adequately powered randomized controlled trial investigating the safety and efficacy of mitomycin C–enhanced revision endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and (2) to analyze causes of failure after primary endoscopic DCR. Study Design A randomized controlled study. Setting General hospital. Subjects and Methods Seventy-six revision endoscopic DCRs were randomized into 2 groups: endoscopic DCR with mitomycin (group I), where 0.5 mg/mL mitomycin C was applied for 10 minutes, and endoscopic DCR without mitomycin (group II). Follow-up settings were done to document the patient’s subjective improvement, to judge ostium patency on irrigation, and to record any complications. Results Causes of failure in the original 92 patients included canalicular obstruction (14%), small misplaced bony window (43%), very small nasolacrimal stoma due to development of synechia (23%), and complete closure of nasolacrimal stoma with tough fibrous tissue (63%). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in subjective and objective success rates and adverse events. Group I demonstrated a significantly longer operative time and a significantly lower number of debridement sessions (mean of 1.2 vs 1.9). Conclusions Recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction after primary endoscopic DCR is mainly due to reclosure of the nasolacrimal stoma with synechia and fashioning of the small misplaced bony window. Mitomycin C does not increase the success rate of revision endoscopic DCR. It is a safe procedure and may be of value only in patients inaccessible to strict follow-up because it induces a better healing profile in terms of mucosal recovery, wound healing, and less need for debridement sessions.


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