Coverage by the news media of the benefits and risks of medications

Article Abstract:

Stories in the news media about medical discoveries may not reveal complete details of the discovery. Researchers analyzed 207 news reports about three treatments: pravastatin for lowering cholesterol, alendronate for treating osteoporosis, and aspirin for preventing cardiovascular disease. Some of the stories only reported positive benefits but not side effects and many did not mention costs. Many quoted an expert but neglected to mention the expert's financial ties to the company that made the drug.

Medicine, Drug therapy, Media coverage

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A randomized trial of a program to reduce the use of psychoactive drugs in nursing homes

Article Abstract:

An educational program for health care workers at a nursing home decreased the use of psychoactive drugs to treat nursing home residents. The program was designed to educate physicians, nurses and aides on the side effects of psychoactive drugs and on alternatives to their use. Of 678 nursing home residents, 349 lived at a nursing home that participated in the educational program and 329 lived at one that did not. A 27% decrease in the use of psychoactive drugs occurred at nursing homes that participated in the program, compared to an 8% decrease at those where the educational program was not presented. Treatment with antipsychotic drugs was discontinued for 32% of the patients in nursing homes that participated, and for 14% of those in nursing homes that did not participate. Residents of nursing homes whose staff participated in the educational program showed less deterioration of cognitive functions such as memory, and reported less depression after discontinuation of psychoactive drugs.

Care and treatment, Usage, Study and teaching, Psychotropic drugs, Nursing home patients, Geriatric psychopharmacology

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Inadequate prescription-drug coverage for Medicare enrollees -- a call to action

Article Abstract:

The federal government should implement a program similar to the Medicaid program which would be administered by states and would provide financial assistance to elderly patients when they purchase medications. Several states already have such pharmacy assistance programs. Medicare does not pay for outpatient medications and many Medicare patients cannot afford to buy drugs. The number of elderly people in the US will increase, as will the cost of most drugs. Consequently, the situation will become worse and action is urgently needed.

Innovations, Purchasing, Drugs, Services, Prescription drug plans, Aged patients, Elderly patients

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