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The article focuses on investigating Egyptian drug consumers' perceptions and usage of Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) leaflets. It aims to understand how these leaflets are utilized, their effectiveness, and the potential challenges faced by consumers. It provides insights into the importance of these leaflets in educating patients about their medications and highlights the need for more localized research in this area.

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is spreading worldwide, regardless of different continents, increasing the death toll to almost five million, with more than 300 million reported cases. Researchers have been fighting the greatest threats to human civilization. This report provides a glimpse of ongoing small-molecule research on COVID-19 drugs to save millions of lives, which may provide researchers with a better understanding of rigorously investigated therapeutic agents. This report emphasizes the chemical structures and mechanisms of activity along with drug target information for several small molecules, including marketable drugs and agents under investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health information that is acquired through information scanning has been shown to play an important role in shaping individual beliefs and health behavior. This study examines the direct and indirect effects of the breadth of scanning from media and interpersonal sources about two risk behaviors (nonmedical use of amphetamines and marijuana) on subsequent drug use behavior through changes to perceived norms. We test effects of scanning using a longitudinal online survey design with data collected at six-month intervals over three time points among 800 Israeli undergraduate students in their freshman year. Of the 800 respondents who participated in the first wave, 62.4% completed the second wave (N = 499), among which 347 (69.5%) completed a follow-up 6 months later. Results of cross-lagged structural equation models find that scanning information about amphetamines from interpersonal sources at 6 months predicted an increased likelihood of nonmedical use of amphetamines at 12-months. In addition, young adults who scanned information about marijuana from media sources at 6 months reported greater nonmedical marijuana use at 12 months. Breadth of scanning about marijuana from media sources mediated the relationship between perceived norms and marijuana use at 12 months. Results also showed indirect effects of scanning at baseline on nonmedical drug use at 12 months through scanning from the same source at 6 months. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of information scanning and perceived norms in shaping substance use behaviors, and suggest that scanning may serve as a potential early indicator of risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychiatric patients' human rights are often violated when forced treatment orders are issued. We assessed the records for 30 consecutive petitions for mental health commitment in which an involuntary medication order was requested, from Anchorage, Alaska. In 29 cases, the commitment petition was granted. The forced medication order was granted in 27 of the 30 cases. In 26 cases, in violation of previous Supreme Court rulings, the patients' desires, fears, wishes and experiences were ignored even when the patients were afraid that the neuroleptics might kill them or when they had experienced serious harms such as tardive dyskinesia. The ethical and legal imperative of offering a less intrusive treatment was also ignored. Benzodiazepines were not offered. Psychotherapy was not offered or mentioned in 15 cases. The providers claimed, contrary to the evidence, that psychotherapy does not work. The legal procedures can best be characterized as a sham, in which the patients are defenseless. The power imbalance and abuse were extreme, and several of the psychiatrists who argued for forced treatment obtained court orders for administering drugs and dosages that were dangerous. We suggest forced medication be abandoned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the association of social factors with the intention to seek and behavior of obtaining additional prescription medication information after direct-to-consumer prescription medication advertisement (DTCA) exposure. Data were analyzed from 667 college students who were exposed to online social media advertisements. Subjective norms and trust were both positively associated with intentions and behavior. Bridging social capital was positively associated with intentions but not with behavior. Bonding social capital was negatively associated with intentions while it was positively associated with behavior. Pharmaceutical companies should consider subjective norms and trust when advertising prescription medications on online social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing effective medicines information to individuals can improve outcomes, yet little is known about what information mental health service users need and want about their medicines, and how best to deliver this. The aim of this study was to explore the medicines information needs of mental health service users. Adults (n=30) under the care of acute mental health services in a New Zealand hospital were invited to take part in semi-structured interviews or a focus group to explore preferences for medicines information. Interview data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Six key themes were identified: 1) personalisation of information, 2) adverse and beneficial effects, 3) relationships and trust, 4) informed choice, 5) use of reliable internet resources and 6) involvement of family and support people. Preferences on content, timing, provider and format of information delivery were highly individualised indicating the need for information to be personalised to the needs of the service user. A trusted relationship with their healthcare provider was essential. Making informed decisions reduced confusion or fear about medicines. Understanding medicines information needs of patients can help improve the education health professionals provide on medicines, thus potentially improving patient engagement and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Drug Enforcement Administration has provided a resource for parents, educators, and caregivers to help them raise drug-free young people, properly dispose of drugs, stay informed on top drug issues, and keep loved ones safe. This resource, a web site called Get Smart About Drugs, can help users understand what to look for when protecting their loved ones from substance misuse as well as generate awareness about drugs and paraphernalia, and national campaigns for drug and opioid abuse prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macular edema due to noninfectious uveitis is a sight-threatening complication that is routinely treated with corticosteroids. Triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension for suprachoroidal use (Xipere™) is an alternative treatment option for patients with noninfectious uveitis-associated macular edema. This review describes the recently FDA-approved triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension that can be injected into the suprachoroidal space. This physiological space is between the sclera and choroid. This allows for therapeutic targeting of the retina and choroid. This review highlights published clinical trials for this novel drug preparation. Suprachoroidal administration of triamcinolone acetonide has shown improvement in vision and inflammation in studies with noninfectious uveitis-associated macular edema. This unique delivery method suggests the potential to decrease side effects of anterior segment exposure such as glaucoma and cataract, but head-to-head trials are needed for further study of safety and efficacy. Additionally, there are promising prospective studies underway for utilization of the suprachoroidal space for other diseases including macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and ocular tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorado legalized marijuana use for recreational purposes by adults over 21 in 2012. Our goal is to examine the first major communication campaign (called Good-To-Know) mounted by the state government with the objective of informing the public regarding regulatory and safety precautions surrounding newly legal use. Methods: We assess the content of campaign's central messaging qualitatively by comparing its major themes in terms of criteria developed from the literature and the campaign's own goals. Results: With minor exceptions (lack of audience segmentation; limiting the focus to generating knowledge) Colorado's Good-To-Know campaign rates well when assessed against specific criteria for effective drug communication campaigns as well as its own goals. Conclusions: We conclude that although there were minor limitations to this campaign, policy makers and activists should think proactively about messaging content in states where legalization is imminent. And that more research on legal drug use messaging needs to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

McGraw-Hill AccessNeurology is an online collection of neurology resources covering the study of the central nervous system for students, instructors, researchers, residents, and clinicians. The collection includes over 40 books, as well as drug information, case studies, review questions, videos, lectures, and animations. This article will review content, layout, navigation, special features, and user experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe prescription of antibiotics to the elderly population in general practice in Denmark from 2010–2017. This is a national register-based observational study. General practice, Denmark The main outcome measure was prescriptions/1,000 inhabitants/day (PrID) in relation to year, age and sex, indication, and antibiotic agent. In this study, we included inhabitants of Denmark, ≥65 years of age between 01st July 2010–30th June 2017. A total of 5,168,878 prescriptions were included in the study. Antibiotic prescriptions decreased from 2.2 PrID to 1.7 (-26.9%, CI95% [-31.1;-22.4]) PrID during the study. The decrease in PrID was most noticeable among 65–74-year-olds (-25%). The ≥85-year-olds were exposed to twice as many PrID than the 65–74-year-olds, but only accounted for 20% of the total use. Urinary tract infection (UTI) was the most common indication for antibiotic prescription and increased with advancing age. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were pivmecillinam and phenoxymethylpenicillin. Prescribing with no informative indication was present in one third of all cases. The prescription of antibiotics in the elderly population in general practice decreased from 2010 to 2017. The oldest age group was exposed twice as frequently to antibiotic prescriptions as the 65–74-year-olds. The smallest reduction was observed for the ≥85-year-olds, suggesting targeting interventions at this group. High antibiotic use among elderly is well known and studies indicate mis- and overuse within this population. Our study shows. The prescription rate is decreasing within all age groups of the elderly population. The ≥85-year-olds receive twice as many prescriptions/1000/day as the 65–74-years-olds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at identifying health information needs of tuberculosis (TB) patients, their preferred sources for receiving health information, and the factors influencing the choice source used. A descriptive cross-sectional study was the design adopted. The study population was TB patients older than 18 years old who were accessing health-care service in the Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) Center. A total of one hundred and ninety-eight (198) patients participated in the study and a questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The findings of the study show that the health information needs of tuberculosis patients are as follows: prevention of tuberculosis (53.0%); causes of tuberculosis disease (48.1%); and drug information about the disease (47.6%). The outcome also revealed that the respondents chose medical doctors and nurses as the most preferred source of information, with accessibility as the main factor influencing the information source user. The study outcome demonstrated that tuberculosis patients acknowledge the need for health information to improve their health conditions. Therefore, health-care professionals should redirect their educational programs and efforts on educating the TB patients on the various types of information sources that could enhance their health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIVinfo and ClincalInfo are useful resources for both health-care professionals and consumers to use in better understanding one of the biggest health care challenges of the late twentieth century and early twenty-first century. HIV/AIDS and its treatment has changed over the past four decades and this resource has changed accordingly. Today, HIVinfo and ClinicalInfo serve as leading resources in medical information. This article examines both HIVinfo and ClinicalInfo, free government resources available in both English and Spanish, and why those digital resources are important to both health-care workers and those working outside of health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries play a key role in providing drug information resources. While traditional databases and clinical search engines offer pharmacy-related tools for practitioners, more discipline-specific resources on mobile-friendly platforms have emerged as options for use at the point of care. This review identifies a select number of drug and pharmacy mobile apps best supported through libraries to serve clinicians and educators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The way consumers get and seek health information reflects the current information landscape. To gather updated insights on consumer experiences with and attitudes towards direct-to-consumer (DTC) promotion of prescription drugs, we conducted a nationally representative survey of 1,744 US adults using a mail-push-to-web methodology with paper nonresponse follow-up. Results showed high exposure and indifferent attitudes to DTC promotion. Respondents reported DTC promotion has prompted action, particularly searches for more information, increased use of online resources, and some reported that they refused to take or stopped taking a prescription drug because they saw or heard about the drug's side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid analgesic (OA) and anxiolytic, hypnotic and sedative (AHS) medicines use raise community concerns about risks of dependence: dose escalation, unintentional misuse. Objectives: We aimed to identify common consumer OA and AHS information gaps and concerns that led to information seeking from a hotline. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, mixed-method observational study of consumers' OA and AHS-related calls to an Australian national medicines call center (September 2002-30 June 2010). We analyzed these medicines' call characteristics compared to their respective rest of calls (ROC) and thematically explored narratives concerning withdrawal and misuse. Results: Of 123,217 calls, 7,395 (6.0%) involved OA and 7,789 (6.2%) AHS, with consistency between call characteristics. While female middle-aged callers predominated, more males called for these medicines than their complementary ROC. Uncertainty about unresolved OA and AHS concerns led to help-seeking that was consistent over eight years. Main motivations were inadequate information (OA 44.5%; AHS 41.2%), seeking a second opinion (OA 24.2%; AHS 24.2%), worrying symptoms (OA 21.6%; AHS 23.1%), and conflicting information (OA 4.9%; AHS 5.1%). Callers focused on withdrawal and issues related to inadvertent overuse or deliberate misuse (OA 9.2% vs. non-OA ROC 2.9%; AHS 12.6% vs. non-AHS ROC 2.7%). Primary themes were similar for both cohorts: concern about harm or aiming to minimize harm by information seeking, requesting a strategy, or reassurance. Conclusions: Consumers have under-recognized perceptions of harm from OA and AHS use, particularly withdrawal and misuse. Resources based on real world consumer concerns can encourage open dialogue between patients and their prescribers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes utilization of a librarian in a pharmacy laboratory course over two academic years. Library instruction evolved from a simple drug information review session to case-based, hands-on instruction, collaboratively taught with pharmacy faculty. Additionally, LibChat, an online chat service, was piloted in the pharmacy laboratory course so the librarian could be available to students at their point-of-need. Development of the drug information review sessions across both years, student utilization of LibChat, lessons learned, and ideas for improvement for future iterations of the course are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between personality traits of older patients and adequate home storage of drugs. Forty-four participating Dutch community pharmacists randomly selected each up to four community-dwelling elderly patients (≥65 years) who were using at least one prescription drug. The Big Five Inventory was used to assess the personality traits – 'openness', 'conscientiousness', 'extraversion', 'agreeableness' and 'neuroticism' – of patients. An assessment of adequate home storage of drugs was made using a summed composite score for each patient ranging from zero (adequate storage) to three (inadequate storage) was based on storage criteria representing quality, information and level of storage organization. A 51.2% of the patients stored drugs adequately in accordance with all quality ("Q") and information ("I") criteria. A high level of drug storage organization was found in 70.8% of patients. Forty-three patients (31.4%) stored their drugs adequately based on all storage criteria (composite storage score 0). No associations between personality dimensions and adequate drug storage were found. Having a lower number of drugs was associated with adequate drug home storage (ORadjusted 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77–0.96). In conclusion, this study suggests that personality is not associated with adequate home storage of drugs in older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes a librarian's development of an interactive and competitive trivia game using Poll Everywhere, an audience response system software. The trivia game was implemented during a live lecture session on drug information mobile applications taught to first-year pharmacy students. To add a fun and engaging reference for students, the librarian decided to model the game after HQ, a free trivia gaming app. Development of the session, student response, changes to future iterations, and lessons learned by the librarian are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With vaccine hesitancy and the opioid epidemic both spreading, pharmaceutical information is more important than ever. This article focuses on consumer health resources with a pharmaceutical focus to assist both clinicians and librarians in finding patient education materials. Topics include pill identifiers, complementary medicine, vaccine safety, and substance abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of a nationwide medication plan has been promoted as an effective strategy to improve patient safety in Germany. However, the medication plan only exists as a paper-based version, which is related to several problems, that could be circumvented by an electronic alternative.Objective: The main objective of this study was to report on the development of a mobile interface concept to support the management of medication information.Methods: The human-centered design (UCD) process was chosen. First the context of use was analyzed, and personas and an interaction concept were designed. Next, a paper prototype was developed and evaluated by experts. Based on those results, a medium-fidelity prototype was created and assessed by seven end-users who performed a thinking-aloud test in combination with a questionnaire based on the System Usability Scale (SUS).Results: Initially for one persona/user type, an interface design concept was developed, which received an average SUS-Score of 92.1 in the user test. Usability problems have been solved so that the design concept could be fixed for a future implementation. Contribution: The approach of the UCD process and the methods involved can be applied by other researchers as a framework for the development of similar applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical librarians need to be well-informed about emerging technologies to keep their libraries relevant. Mobile apps are one of many tools health care professionals use in their daily work. With the influx of new students, residents, physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals, being knowledgeable about new and existing mobile apps is more important than ever. Time is the most valuable commodity for health care professionals, and the introduction of new mobile resources gives librarians a tool that can help them give their patients as much time and access to current information as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medicines are increasingly purchased online, yet little is known regarding the ocular information-seeking behavior with medicine queries in search engines. A share of pharmacies found via search engines operate unlicensed and sell prescription-only medicines without a prescription. This study aimed to investigate how search engine users distinguish between genuine and falsified sources of information in terms of unlicensed and licensed online pharmacies in the case of medicine queries. Methods: Eye-tracking of search tasks (transactional, navigational, informational and two limited results) in a Google search engine environment with retrospective gaze-cued think aloud protocol. Purposive sample of N = 50 across three hospitals and one general practitioner. Results: Discovery of a trichotomy of ocular search strategies based on the inclusion or exclusion of URLs in the information-seeking process. Finding of dissonance to existing studies related to fixation duration of search engine result page (SERP) elements. Discovery of an addition to information foraging theory (IFT): proximal cues are, in environments with non-credible information, used in both positive and negative ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The majority of Australians support a change in legislation to allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Despite strong public support, very little is known about the patterns of medicinal cannabis use among Australians. Objectives: This study aims to gain a better understanding of Australian medicinal cannabis users and their patterns of use. Methods: The nature of calls to the Cannabis Information and Helpline (N = 15701), a free national service for Australians with concerns regarding cannabis use, were investigated to determine the number of calls made by those who inquired about the medicinal use of cannabis (N = 275) and the implied reasons for use among those who identify using cannabis in this way. Results: The majority of medicinal cannabis inquirers mentioned cannabis to alleviate pain. Further, compared to other callers, medicinal cannabis inquirers were more likely to be male, unemployed, older, and have recently started using cannabis. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for future research to better understand the issues faced by Australians regarding the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and how they may be meaningfully addressed. Particular focus should be placed toward older, unemployed males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:The aim of the study was to explore how home-dwelling elderly who use fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) perceive their fall risk and how they relate this to their drug use. Design, setting and subjects:A qualitative study with 14 home-dwelling elderly FRID users between 65 and 97 years in Central Norway participating in semi-structured individual interviews. The data were analyzed thematically by using systematic text condensation. Results:The main finding was that the informants did not necessarily perceive the use of FRIDs to be a prominent risk factor for falls. Some informants said they did not reflect upon drug use whatsoever and said they fully trusted their physician’s choices. When either experiencing dizziness, fall episodes or by reading the patient information leaflet the informants said to either adjust their drug use or to contact their physician. Some felt rejected due to not getting their point across or their wish to alter the drug was not granted by the physician. Conclusions:Elderly FRID users did not necessarily relate their drug use to fall risk or struggled to present their perceived drug-related problems. Physicians need to regularly inform, monitor and assess the drug treatment when treating elderly with FRIDs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

MobilePDR is a platform and mobile application from the Physicians' Desk Reference. Specifically focusing on diagnostic care, mobilePDR houses a collection of pharmaceutical and drug information. This article will explore the functionality and usability of the mobilePDR platform including how to access, browse, and search for pharmaceutical information. It will discuss management of privacy and data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate current knowledge of the impact of non-medical switching on clinical and economic outcomes, resource utilization and medication-taking behavior.Methods: The literature was searched (Medline and Web of Science, January 2000-November 2015) to identify United States' studies evaluating ≥25 patients and measuring the impact of non-medical switching of drugs (switching to a chemically distinct but similar medication for reasons other than lack of clinical efficacy/response, side effects or poor adherence) on ≥1 clinical, economic, resource utilization or medication-taking behavior outcome. The direction of association between non-medical switching and outcomes was classified as negative or positive if a statistically significant worsening or improvement was reported, or neutral if no significant difference was observed.Results: Twenty-nine studies contributed 96 outcomes (60.4% clinical; 21.9% resource utilization; 13.5% economic; 4.2% medication-taking behavior) within six disease categories (cardio-metabolic, immune-mediated, acid suppression, psychiatric, hormone replacement therapy and pain). The direction of association was more frequently negative (33.3%) or neutral (55.2%) than it was positive (11.5%). Stratified by outcome type, non-medical switching was negatively associated with clinical, economic, healthcare utilization and medication-taking behavior outcomes in 20.7%, 69.2%, 38.1% and 75.0% of cases, respectively; and positively in only 4.8%-17.2% of outcomes subgroups. Of 32 outcomes in patients demonstrating stable/well controlled disease, 68.8% and 31.3% had a negative and neutral direction of association. In patients without demonstrated disease stability, outcomes were negatively, neutrally and positively impacted by non-medical switching in 15.6%, 67.2% and 17.2% of 64 outcomes.Limitations: Our inability to evaluate specific disease state categories and studies/outcomes received equal weight regardless of sample size or magnitude of effect.Conclusions: Non-medical switching was more often associated with negative or neutral effects than positive effects on an array of important outcomes. Among patients with stable/well controlled disease, non-medical switching was associated with mostly negative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstracts of articles related to medical topics are presented including "An Analysis of Altmetrics in Emergency Medicine" by David Barbic, Michelle Tubman and Henry Lam et al, "Creative Collaborations to Serve Consumers In An Academic Health Science Center Library" by Margaret Ansell and "Native Voices: A Journey Toward Improved Knowledge of Indigenous Health and Wellness" by Gail Kouame and Samanthi Hewkapuge.

The article explores on the interim regulations in the management of Internet drug information services business in China. Topics discussed include the supervision of the Internet drug information services, the commercial and noncommercial drug information services and the conduct of commercial-type Internet drug information services.

Natural Medicines is a subscription-based database of complementary and alternative medicine information, building on the information previously available within Natural Standard and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Natural Medicines offers several special features including an Interaction Checker and Effectiveness Checker, as well as tools focused on Nutrient Depletion, Pregnancy & Lactation, and Adverse Effects. This column features a sample search of Natural Medicines, along with descriptions of the special features and how they might be used in practice by health care providers and health sciences information professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses importance of trustworthiness and trusting relationships between patient-participants and research professionals in medical research. it mentions impact of withholding payment from research participants. it mentions effects of intentional and unintentional misleading responses are the same. It also mentions payment will be withheld from those who provide inaccurate information could have a positive effect by encouraging casual responders' truth.

This study investigated respondent preferences on how best to display patient medication information (PMI) that accompanies prescription medications to promote comprehension and appropriate usage. The authors identified 30 individuals diagnosed with select immune disorders, 30 with other chronic diseases, and 30 from the general public and had them review one of two PMI handouts that varied by format, organization, and content. The authors explored preferences for the PMI handout using one-on-one interviews. The authors analyzed the qualitative data to identify relevant themes and patterns using NVivo9 qualitative software. The majority of respondents noted that the formats of the two PMI handouts were more informative than those they currently receive from the pharmacist, with a preference for the 2-column, segmented design. However, respondent PMI preferences varied by age, education, and health status. Patients need simpler and more concise drug information to make better decisions about their health. Current PMI handouts are dense and complex, which can be confusing and not reader friendly. To improve PMI understandability and usefulness, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working with stakeholders, consumer advocates, and academics. Findings from this study may help inform future development of more user-friendly PMI. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective. To investigate whether tailored evidence-based drug information (EBDI) to general practitioners (GPs) can change the proportion of ACE inhibitor prescriptions more effectively than EBDI provided as usual three and six months after the intervention. Design. Randomized controlled trial. Setting. GPs in southern Sweden working at primary health care centres (PHCCs) in seven drug and therapeutic committee areas. Intervention. EBDI tailored to motivational interviewing (MI) technique and focused on the benefit aspect was compared with EBDI provided as usual. Subjects. There were 408 GPs in the intervention group and 583 GPs in the control group. Main outcome measures. Change in proportion of ACE inhibitor prescriptions relative to the sum of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, three and six months after the intervention. Results. The GPs' average proportions of prescribed ACE inhibitors increased in both groups. No statistically significant differences in the change of proportions were found between intervention and control groups. Information was provided to 29% of GPs in both groups. Conclusion. This study could not prove that specially tailored EBDI using MI implements guidelines more effectively than EBDI provided as usual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphones have changed the way that consumers search for information. Consumers can search for information virtually anywhere and have their information needs met immediately. This piece examines a variety of drug information apps for the smartphone in both Apple and Android formats and highlights some of the interesting and useful features of each. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Many free Web sites provide drug information, but it can be difficult to determine if these sites are trustworthy and correct.PharmGuide(http://goo.gl/f14Me) is an online directory of Web sites providing accurate, authoritative, and free information about prescription and over-the-counter drugs. It was created and is maintained by the Pharmacy and Drug Information Section of the Medical Library Association. Nine criteria are used to assess Web sites, ensuring that selected sites are current, unbiased, and authoritative. Intended for use by librarians, health care professionals, and consumers, PharmGuide provides annotations describing the content and navigation of free drug information Web sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the results of a survey of library patrons conducted by librarians and information technology specialists at the Health Science Center Libraries at the University of Florida. The purpose of the survey was to learn if and how library patrons were using smartphones to perform their work-related tasks and how patrons felt the library could support smartphone use at the Health Science Center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative preconceived beliefs about the benefits of morphine use are frequently seen in hospitalized patients and may be associated with reports of severe pain, poor patient satisfaction, impaired rehabilitation, and possibly more chronic postsurgical pain. In some patients, providing information through instructive leaflets may modify negative beliefs that limit proper medication use. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the morphine-related information provided through leaflets during the postoperative period led to increased use of morphine and lower pain scores in patients using patient-controlled analgesia. One hundred patients scheduled for surgery were randomly assigned to the experimental ( n == 53) or control group ( n == 38). Patients included in the former group received detailed information on morphine; those in the latter group received only general information on postoperative acute pain. The results indicated that during the immediate postoperative period, morphine use was directly associated with pain intensity and satisfaction with pain management and inversely related with side effects. These results show that pain intensity is the most relevant issue in the decision to use morphine. Information leaflets did not change morphine consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates source selection in prescription drug information seeking and influencing factors on selection and seeking behaviors applying a modified Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking in an American context. Survey results suggest consumers engage in prescription drug information search before and after visiting a doctor, but search is not extensive. Consumers turn to the Internet, pharmacists, and doctors most frequently for prescription drug information. Information-seeking behaviors are rather universal across demographic and health-related characteristics; however, higher income consumers are more likely to search. Although our study shows some support for the modified Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking, the results indicate influencing factors vary by information source types examined, suggesting the model is more complex than predicted. The study advances research on health communication, information-seeking behaviors, and prescription drug decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV/AIDS has associated cultural and social meanings which shape communication. The disease is closely linked to the concepts of life and death. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has brought hope and life, but its success is heavily dependent on strict adherence. Research has shown that patients and health professionals often find it difficult to talk about these topics. However, there is little research available which focuses on health professionals' and patients' discussion of ART. This paper thus presents some exploratory discussion of extracts from pharmacy interactions in an HIV context which illustrate how pharmacists talk about antiretrovirals (ARVs) with patients with particular reference to the concepts of life and death. Data are taken from 26 video pharmacist-patient interactions recorded in a South African HIV/AIDS pharmacy. A hybrid qualitative analytic approach enabled identification of three types of references to ART, including the need to take ART 'for the rest of your life', ART as 'saving your life' and ART as 'making you better'. Explicit references to death were infrequent. These references were often emphatic and there are several potential reasons for this. The pharmacists' communication appears to be influenced by the urgency of the disease, a desire to give patients hope and a need to 'normalise' discussions of death and HIV. The importance of ensuring understanding of ARV dosage instructions and discouraging patients from seeking traditional healing also appears to affect communication. The disease, societal and cultural contexts are thus shown to be significant influences which shape discussions of ART. This study has a number of practical implications, which are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are increasingly using online pharmacies, but these sites may not provide an adequate level of security with the consumers' personal data. There is a gap in this research addressing the problems of security vulnerabilities in this industry. The objective is to identify the level of web application security vulnerabilities in online pharmacies and the common types of flaws, thus expanding on prior studies. Technical, managerial and legal recommendations on how to mitigate security issues are presented. The proposed four-step method first consists of choosing an online testing tool. The next steps involve choosing a list of 60 online pharmacy sites to test, and then running the software analysis to compile a list of flaws. Finally, an in-depth analysis is performed on the types of web application vulnerabilities. The majority of sites had serious vulnerabilities, with the majority of flaws being cross-site scripting or old versions of software that have not been updated. A method is proposed for the securing of web pharmacy sites, using a multi-phased approach of technical and managerial techniques together with a thorough understanding of national legal requirements for securing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines community responses to the marketing of prescription medicines. Historically, debates about such marketing have focused on alleged unscrupulousness of pharmaceutical companies and on the quality of information provided. Six focus groups were conducted in Sydney, Australia, three with older and three with younger community members. Analysis examined interactions between group members, the positions participants took up, conflicting arguments, and explanations for variation. Participants argued specifically rather than generally about consumer marketing of medicines. Neither the moral purpose of corporations nor the quality of information in advertisements was particularly important. Instead, pharmaceutical marketing was assessed in relation to vulnerabilities that existed in individual consumers, in doctors, in the contexts of illness, and as a result of medications being potentially dangerous. The critical ethical issue in prescription medicine marketing may be the existence of vulnerabilities and the responsibilities they may generate. We outline three possible policy responses suggested by these participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Drug Information Portal is a free Web resource from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) that provides a user-friendly gateway to current information for more than 15,000 drugs. The site guides users to related resources of NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies. Current drug-related information regarding consumer health, clinical trials, AIDS, MeSH pharmacological actions, MEDLINE/PubMed biomedical literature, and physical properties and structure is easily retrieved by searching on a drug name. A varied selection of focused topics in medicine and drugs is also available from displayed subject headings. This column provides background information about the Drug Information Portal, as well as search basics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall provision of National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan, amidst the nation's changing chronic disease patterns and an increasing awareness of health-related matters, have induced Taiwanese to more actively pursue higher quality health care. Pharmacists have to ideally seek to eliminate human errors and provide optimal pharmaceutical care. However, there remain barriers, such as education, practice environment, incentives, influence and support from pharmacy organizations. Through reviewing aspects of the health care system and attending pharmacy practice, this article provides information on the scope and extent of pharmacy practices and recommends two levels of solutions that might help to extend the pharmacy practice environment in Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of the internet and digital photography has opened the doors for the use of telemedicine. Teledermatology has not yet become a routine part of medical practice. This is despite the fact that dermatology is ideally suited to this form of consultation. This article outlines the practicalities of teledermatology, barriers to its widespread uptake and ways in which these can be overcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosby's Nursing Consult is a recent Elsevier product that may appeal to nurses as well as some allied health professionals involved in direct patient care. Nursing Consult includes tabs for browsing select reference books, patient education materials, drug information, and some evidence-based resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the proliferation of electronic information products, contemporary biomedical libraries must carefully evaluate and choose among the many available databases, including a variety of drug information resources. This article evaluates three standalone drug databases: eFacts Online, Epocrates Rx Online™, and Clinical Pharmacology™. Within this article the authors compare and outline the relative strengths and weaknesses of these three drug resources, taking into account u list of specific criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prescription drugs is a topic on the minds of many people these days. With soaring costs for consumers, the politicians see the discussion as a major campaign issue. People on fixed incomes must often choose between purchasing medications or other essential commodities. The managed care industry applies additional pressure with the constantly changing mix of drugs that are covered under health benefits. It is no surprise that discount prescription services that offer a multitude of choices are “springing up” on the Internet. Unfortunately, as with any service accessible through the Internet, there is a wide range of quality-from excellent, reliable providers to very questionable sources. This article will review the types of prescription suppliers that are available on the Web and the variety of services that the sites include. Assessing the authenticity of the suppliers will briefly be discussed, and a selected list of sites providing prescription-ordering services are profiled. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nursing homes provide two types of services: long term care for people with chronic disabling illnesses whose needs exceed the care that can be provided in the community, and rehabilitation or convalescent care for those recovering from an illness or injury. While the decision to enter a nursing home is a difficult one, it is important to remember that people in nursing homes can lead meaningful lives despite their diseases and disabilities. This article lists and describes numerous resources on the Web that can facilitate the process of selecting a nursing home. It also presents basic information about nursing homes and about the elements of the decision-making process so that an informed, personalized choice can be made. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]