American Pharmacists Association

About: American Pharmacists Association is a other organization based out in Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Pharmacist & Pharmacy. The organization has 2413 authors who have published 1969 publications receiving 30470 citations. The organization is also known as: APhA & American Pharmaceutical Association.

Effect of Propolis on moderate persistent asthma: A phase two randomized, double blind, controlled clinical trial.

Abstract: Objective: The aims of this study was to determine the effect of Propolis (resinous mixture that honey bees produce by mixing saliva and beeswax) on clinical and physiological findings of moderate persistent asthma. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two subjects aged 44.6±18.5 years old with moderate asthma and Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 60-79% of predicted, were enrolled in this clinical trial. We randomly allocated subjects to receive either propolis (75 mg three times a day) or a matched placebo for one month. Primary outcome was Asthma control test (ACT) score and secondary outcomes included dyspnea, spirometry, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and sputum cytology including inflammatory cell. Sputum induction was done by hypertonic saline and cytology slides were stained by Papanicolaou stain. Results: Clinical findings significantly improved after the treatment. ACT scores significantly increased by using propolis (12.8±5.5 before and 18.1±4.99 after the trial), which was significantly higher than the placebo group (14.4±6.6 after the trial). The most significant physiological improvements were significant increases in FEV1, FV1/Forced vital capacity and expiratory flows. FENO showed significant decreases in the propolis group but increases in the placebo group. Cytological examination of sputum showed that the pattern of inflammation was eosinophilic in 44% subjects with an average eosinophil of 7.2±1.01%. Eosinophilia significantly decreased (p <0.05) by using propolis (7.2±1.01 and 4.3±3.1%, before and after treatment, respectively), but it significantly increased (p <0.04) in the placebo group (5.5±2.8, and 11.1±6.6%, before and after treatment, respectively). Conclusion: Propolis improved the clinical and physiological findings of moderate persistent asthma, and it was able to suppress eosinophilic inflammation.

General anesthesia for oral and dental care in paediatric patients with special needs: A systematic review.

Abstract: Background The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the characteristics, needs and current situation of dental care for pediatric patients with special needs. Material and methods An exhaustive search for literature published until June 1, 2020. It was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane and EBSCO, with the following keywords: Oral Surgical Procedures and Dentistry, Operational and Anesthesia, General Y (Spanish[lang] or English[lang] ) Y (infant[MeSH] Or child[MeSH] Or adolescent[MeSH]). The research was carried out following the PRISMA research methodology. Results The most common indication for general anesthesia (GA) was tooth decay in 16 studies (6.5-90.8% of patients), followed by lack of cooperation and/or fear of dental professionals performing dental procedures in 8 studies. There is a higher prevalence of treatment in the group of patients with special needs, reaching 87.7% compared to 69.9% in healthy patients. Conclusions In paediatric patients with special needs the use of GA is increasing, monitoring and preventive care are insufficient and withdrawal rates are high. Key words:Oral surgical procedures and dentistry, operational and anesthesia, general.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Long-Term Care Facilities.

Abstract: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) has become a major component of patient safety across all healthcare settings. The risk of Clostridium difficile, increasing antibiotic-resistant organisms, and potential adverse events from antibiotic misuse have led to the demand for AMS programs in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). LTCFs face several unique barriers in implementing antibiotic stewardship; however, with a change in culture through leadership, education, and accountability to the whole team these barriers can be overcome.

Patient's Own Drugs and One-Stop Dispensing: Improving Continuity of Care and Reducing Drug Expenditure

Abstract: Background The use of patient's own drugs and one-stop dispensing can reduce the risk of medication misadventure by refocusing pharmacy services from distributive functions to improving patient clinical review from admission to discharge. Changing practice to adopt these programs will contribute towards greater compliance with accepted standards of practice for appropriate, safe and effective use of medicines. Aim To estimate the cost savings associated with patient's own drugs and one-stop dispensing using the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Method Patient's own drugs use and hospital-initiated drugs were recorded on 4 wards over a 26 day period and the costs determined. Results Use of patient's own drugs on the 4 wards resulted in estimated annual savings of 9.92% (percentage of total hospital drug expenditure). Conclusion Patient's own drugs and one-stop dispensing can improve the continuity of care, quality use of medicines, and result in significant cost savings.

Interactive health promotion in the community pharmacy

Abstract: Community pharmacists are well placed to have a role in health pro motion. Most pharmacists already provide advice on health — either on a one-to-one basis through counselling, or through displaying leaflets. This paper reports on a practical system which helped pharmacists provide patients with individualised information relevant to their needs. Pharmacy customers with upper gastrointestinal disease received information booklets and a lifestyle questionnaire. After computer analysis of the completed questionnaire, pharmacists gave patients a personalised letter of advice. This method was used and studied in seven pharmacies for six months, after which patients and pharmacists were interviewed. Results confirmed that pharmacists have a clear role to play in health promotion. Patients were ready to receive lifestyle advice in areas not normally considered part of the traditional pharmacist's remit.