Communicating with patients about their medications
Article Abstract:
About 1.5 billion prescriptions are written each year. The prescribed medications may provide great benefits for patients, yet these benefits may be lost if patients do not use the medications properly. For some drugs, improper use of medications may result in severe side effects. It is estimated that 55 percent of the elderly do not comply with their medication regimens. An important contributing factor for this failure is apparently lack of adequate patient counselling. Professionals from every corner of health care acknowledge the importance of patient education, but discussing medications with patients seems difficult to accomplish in practice. At least 21 states have adopted statutes requiring pharmacists to advise people about the prescription medications they are taking. However, surveys indicate that few people are receiving this information. One FDA-sponsored poll indicated that 58 percent of the patients surveyed received instructions on the proper use of their medications from their physicians. In contrast, only 23 percent received instructions from their pharmacists. Similarly, about 30 percent of the patients reported being warned by their physicians about possible risks involved with their medications, but only half as many receiving warnings from their pharmacists. In practice, pharmacists and physicians are often busy, and patients have proved to be reluctant to ask questions. The most effective means of patient counselling appears to be verbal instruction reinforced with written materials. In the past, the storing and distributing of written materials for the wide variety of conditions and treatments proved to be a problem. However, the widespread availability of computers may now make the use of such written materials practical. As a part of continuing efforts to improve the safety and effectiveness of drugs sold in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration is sponsoring the development of computer-based patient information materials. Pharmacists could then use this system to ensure that each patient gets the information that he or she specifically needs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1991
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Steven Vajda, 1901-1995
Article Abstract:
Mathematician Steven Vajda was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1901. He received mathematical education primarily in Vienna, Austria. He served as the Assistant Dir. of Physical Research in the British Admiralty and eventually became Head of Mathematics Group at the Admiralty Research Laboratory in 1952. He became Visiting Professor of Mathematics in Sussex University in 1973, a post he maintained for 22 years. He was awarded the Silver medal and a Companionship by the Operations Research Society. The amicable and active professor died on Dec. 10, 1995 after a short illness.
Publication Name: European Journal of Operational Research
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0377-2217
Year: 1996
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Bytes in toyland
Article Abstract:
Babies are the newest target market of computer software companies. A wide array of computer programs that cater to the taste of babies are out in the market. The common goal of software companies in creating the programs is to help babies become familiar with technology which is vital in their development.
Publication Name: American Baby
Subject: Women's issues/gender studies
ISSN: 0044-7544
Year: 1999
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