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There are many tasks that a pharmacist is responsible for each day. Pharmacists are some of the most accessible members of the healthcare team, as individuals can seek their advice quickly and easily, even without an appointment.

Contractor got extra $8.7M days before healthcare.gov launch

Politico reports that federal officials made the emergency payment to Verizon Terremark after discovering the federal website was unable to handle sufficient traffic. Also in the news, the Maryland House is scheduled to vote on legislation to provide insurance to people who tried unsuccessfully to buy coverage through the state website.

29 Jan 2014

University of Huddersfield scientist awarded prestigious Clulow Award by British Pain Society

IN the UK alone, an estimated 7.8 million people have their lives blighted by chronic pain, and 44 per cent are failing to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Now, a University of Huddersfield scientist, backed by funding from the British Pain Society and crucial support from the National Institute of Health Research, is embarking on research which aims to help doctors diagnose and treat one of the least understood but most widespread sources of chronic suffering.

18 Jan 2014

Patient's EMR coupled with pharmacist intervention improves preventative care of shingles

While people over the age of 60 account for more than half of all shingles cases, less than 15% get the vaccination that helps prevent the blistering skin rash, which can cause lingering nerve pain.

17 Jan 2014

Coalition publishes new evidence on patient impact of drug shortages in US

According to newly published results from a survey of pharmacy directors, drug shortages remain a serious problem for patient safety. Nearly half of the responding directors reported adverse events at their facilities due to drug shortages, including patient deaths.

13 Jan 2014

Monthly pharmacist appointments help patients solve medication-related problems

Patients are more likely to take chronic medications when they meet monthly with pharmacists to coordinate medication schedules and treatments, according to a Virginia Commonwealth University study.

22 Dec 2013

St. Louis College of Pharmacy's Amy Tiemeier suggests four easy resolutions for a healthier 2014

With the new year quickly approaching, many are beginning to think about resolutions. Amy Tiemeier, Pharm.D., BCPS, associate professor of pharmacy practice at St. Louis College of Pharmacy suggests four easy resolutions for a healthier 2014.

18 Dec 2013

McKesson to launch new EnterpriseRx Flexible Delivery solution at ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting

McKesson Pharmacy Systems and Automation is launching a new EnterpriseRx Flexible Delivery solution that expands the reach of outpatient and retail pharmacies beyond their local communities. The new solution will be introduced at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting, which runs from December 8-12, 2013.

11 Dec 2013

CPhA supports Medi-Cal lawsuit against the California Department of Health Care Services

The California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) today announced its support for a lawsuit filed December 3, 2013 in San Francisco Superior Court against the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) over the Medi-Cal provider reimbursement cuts.

11 Dec 2013

Epilepsy experts discuss on new NTI definition, bioequivalence guidelines at AES annual meeting

For several years, epilepsy practitioners have questioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's definition of bioequivalence as it applies to narrow therapeutic index drugs, such as those used for epilepsy. In response to these concerns, the FDA has sponsored 3 studies of antiepileptic drugs and also convened an advisory board to help determine which drugs are NTI.

10 Dec 2013

New service helps hospitals and integrated delivery networks expand reach of outpatient pharmacies

At the annual Midyear Clinical Meeting of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Cardinal Health will launch a new service that helps hospitals and integrated delivery networks expand the reach of their outpatient pharmacies, while also generating additional revenue and freeing up pharmacist time to drive medication adherence and other quality measures.

6 Dec 2013

Microneedle technique may provide a painless way to deliver drugs, vaccines

Microneedles on a sticking-plaster-like patch may be the painless and safe way doctors will test for drugs and some infections in the future, thanks to work supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

3 Dec 2013

AARP releases list of tips & questions on caring for aging parents

The turkey is defrosting and family is starting to gather at the house for Thanksgiving. For many families across New York, this is the once-a-year time that they travel from across the nation and, often times, globe to be with loved ones. In addition to enjoying time with family and friends, AARP says it's also prime time to check on older family members and relatives.

27 Nov 2013

San Diego School of Medicine receives grant to provide professional training to senior drivers

For the seventh consecutive year, the Training, Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) program at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has been awarded a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that will help keep our roadways and senior drivers safe through professional training.

27 Nov 2013

Research roundup: Meeting the needs of assisted living residents; Medicaid expansion and community health centers; money follows the person

Assisted living facilities provide housing and care to persons unable to live independently, and who often have increasing medical needs. Disease outbreaks illustrate challenges of maintaining adequate resident protections in these facilities. ... Of the 50 states, 84% specify health-based admissions criteria to assisted living facilities; 60% require licensed health care professionals to oversee medical care; ... There is wide variation in how assisted living facilities are regulated in the United States.

25 Nov 2013

Diabetes patients who receive medications by mail are less likely to visit emergency room

Patients with diabetes who received prescribed heart medications by mail were less likely to visit the emergency room than those patients who picked up prescriptions in person, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study published in the American Journal of Managed Care.

25 Nov 2013

Patients better adhere to medication regimens following hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome

Patients better adhered to their medication regimens in the year following hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome when they were part of a program that included personalized attention from a pharmacist compared with usual care, according to a study by P. Michael Ho, M.D., Ph.D., of the Denver VA Medical Center, and colleagues.

19 Nov 2013

Errors in medication common on admission to mental health services, shows study

A recent study, published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, involving Aston University (UK), South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) and the University of East Anglia (UK) found medication errors were common on admission to mental health services.

16 Nov 2013

ED visits associated with OTC pediatric cough cold medicines in children decline

A new study, "Cough and Cold Medication Adverse Events After Market Withdrawal and Labeling Revision," shows that emergency department visits associated with over-the-counter pediatric cough cold medicines in children age 3 and younger have declined following voluntary industry labeling initiatives specifically designed to improve safe use in this age.

12 Nov 2013

Community pharmacist program improves COPD care

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who receive a community pharmacist-based intervention have improved inhalation technique and medication adherence, show the results of a randomized trial.

5 Nov 2013

Thomas Jefferson University's Department of Medicine named Comprehensive Hypertension Center

The Department of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University has been named a Comprehensive Hypertension Center by the American Society of Hypertension (ASH). Jefferson is one of only five in the country to earn top recognition for its advanced diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of complex hypertension and associated disorders.

4 Nov 2013