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Objective: Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-up is the Professional Pharmaceutical Care Service aimed at detecting Drug-Related Problems for the prevention and resolution of negative medicine outcomes. The Dader Method is considered a clear and simple tool to develop Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-up. This research aims to analyze the evolution of the international scientific production related to Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-up and the Dader Method to show the current situation of this Professional Pharmacy Assistance Service. In addition, from the data obtained, we give a critical perspective on the implementation of the Dader Method in Community Pharmacy, considering its advantages and disadvantages based on the published scientific literature. Methods: Using bibliometrics tools, indicators were obtained to analyze the international production of scientific articles on Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-up and the Dader Method during the period (1999-2022) through the Scopus database. Results: The results showed a growth in the international scientific production of publications on Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-up, obtaining 30,287 papers, placing the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Spain as the five most productive countries. The publication of 83 papers on the Dader Method places Spain with the highest number of publications, followed by other Spanish or Portuguese speaking countries, among which Brazil and Colombia have the most prominent number of published papers in Latin America. The most frequent international journal covering the topic of Pharmacotherapeutic Follow-up was the American Journal of Health-Pharmacy (12.4%), while on the Dader Method, the journal Pharmaceutical Care Spain (21.7%) is in the first position, followed by Farmacia Hospitalaria (8.4%). Conclusion: The publications on the Dader method highlighs the greater productivity of the University of Granada and the author María José Faus Dáder. The inclusion of patients in the PTF service using the Dader Method, is more frequent in the hospital context, and is based on the presence of defined chronic pathologies (mainly diabetes), polymedication or specialized care follow-up, with elderly population being the most represented in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Antimicrobial resistance poses a major threat to human health globally and antibiotic overuse is a main driver of resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) was developed to improve the rationale use of antibiotics. The Choosing Wisely campaign was initiated to ameliorate medical practice through avoidance of unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Our objective was to give an overview on the Choosing Wisely recommendations related to AMS practices from a selection of different countries in order to define future needs. Methods: We evaluated the seven countries already analyzed for Choosing Wisely recommendations related to topics of infectious medicine before. Finally, we included five of the former countries (Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, and USA) and Germany with easily accessible recommendations and selected those related to six categories of AMS as following: diagnostics, indication, choice of antiinfective drugs, dosing, application and duration of therapy. Results: In total, 213 recommendations could be extracted related to AMS for the six countries and were matched to the chosen categories. Interestingly, no recommendations were found for the category "dosing." Topics related to indication and diagnostics were most frequently found with 85 and 78 recommendations, respectively. Perioperative prophylaxis was a frequently addressed issue – both related to application, indication and duration. Avoiding antibiotic treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria and upper respiratory tract infections were central topics of all countries. Conclusion: AMS is an important strategy to fight increasing resistance and is frequently addressed by Choosing Wisely recommendations of different countries. Similar issues are considered important in the selected countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: International patterns of antibiotic use and laboratory testing in bronchiolitis in emergency departments are unknown. Our objective is to evaluate variation in the use of antibiotics and nonindicated tests in infants with bronchiolitis in 38 emergency departments in Pediatric Emergency Research Networks in Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and Spain and Portugal. We hypothesized there would be significant variation, adjusted for patient characteristics. METHODS: We analyzed a retrospective cohort study of previously healthy infants aged 2 to 12 months with bronchiolitis. Variables examined included network, poor feeding, dehydration, nasal flaring, chest retractions, apnea, saturation, respiratory rate, fever, and suspected bacterial infection. Outcomes included systemic antibiotic administration and urine, blood, or viral testing or chest radiography (CXR). RESULTS: In total, 180 of 2359 (7.6%) infants received antibiotics, ranging from 3.5% in the United Kingdom and Ireland to 11.1% in the United States. CXR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.3; 95% confidence interval 1.6-3.2), apnea (aOR 2.2; 1.1-3.5), and fever (aOR 2.4; 1.7-3.4) were associated with antibiotic use, which did not vary across networks (P = .15). In total, 768 of 2359 infants (32.6%) had ≥1 nonindicated test, ranging from 12.7% in the United Kingdom and Ireland to 50% in Spain and Portugal. Compared to the United Kingdom and Ireland, the aOR (confidence interval) results for testing were Canada 5.75 (2.24-14.76), United States 4.14 (1.70-10.10), Australia and New Zealand 2.25 (0.86-5.74), and Spain and Portugal 3.96 (0.96-16.36). Testing varied across networks (P < .0001) and was associated with suspected bacterial infections (aOR 2.12; 1.30-2.39) and most respiratory distress parameters. Viral testing (591 of 768 [77%]) and CXR (507 of 768 [66%]) were obtained most frequently. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of antibiotic use in bronchiolitis was low across networks and was associated with CXR, fever, and apnea. Nonindicated testing was common outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland and varied across networks irrespective of patient characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The involvement of speech and language therapists (SLTs) within paediatric palliative care (PPC) settings has been recognized within the extant literature. However, there is little understanding of SLT's specific roles and practices when working with this vulnerable cohort of children and their families. As part of a larger body of work to develop consensus‐based recommendations for SLTs working in PPC, it is important to investigate demographic and caseload characteristics. Aims: This exploratory study aimed to gather previously undocumented international demographic data pertaining to SLT service provision, caseload and training in PPC. Additionally, it sought to ascertain the current treatment and assessment approaches of SLTs, and if variations exist in beliefs and practices. Methods & Procedures: An anonymous cross‐sectional survey was designed and reported according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E‐Surveys (CHERRIES). The online survey consisted of 40 items spanning four domains: (1) demographic information, (2) caseload information, (3) service provision and (4) training and education. SLTs from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and the United States were recruited using a purposive snowball sampling approach. Descriptive analysis of closed‐ended survey responses and content analysis of open‐ended responses are presented. Outcomes & Results: A total of 52 respondents completed the survey. SLTs worked in a variety of PPC settings, with patients of varying age and disease groups. Over 50% of participants reported working in PPC for ≤ 4 years. Genetic disorders (34%), oncology (27%) and neurological conditions (21%) made up a significant portion of respondents' caseloads. Reported treatments and assessment approaches used by SLTs are not unique to a PPC population. Barriers and enablers for practice were identified. A portion of participants did not feel trained and prepared to assess (19.2%) or treat (15.4%) PPC clients. Conclusions & Implications: This study confirms that SLTs internationally have a role in the management of communication and swallowing impairments in a PPC context. However, whether current training and resources adequately support SLTs in this role remains questionable. This paper helps to provide SLTs, administrators, professional associations and tertiary institutions with foundational data to help inform workforce planning, advocacy efforts and training priorities. What this paper addsWhat is already known on the subjectThe published multidisciplinary literature has identified that SLTs have a role in PPC. However, there has been no targeted research investigating the professional characteristics of clinicians in this context, nor any detailed information regarding associated clinician beliefs or management approaches.What this paper adds to existing knowledgeThis study is a snapshot of attributes, practice patterns and beliefs of SLTs who work with a PPC population. It highlights SLT perspectives of education and training, as well as meta‐perceptions of themselves within the multidisciplinary team.What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?Data presented in this paper will help to enable SLTs, organizations and associations to augment service provision and determine future professional development priorities within the field of PPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy (IDEA) collaboration aimed to evaluate whether 3 months of adjuvant chemotherapy are noninferior to 6 months. Our study objectives were to characterize medical oncologists' perspectives toward the results of the IDEA collaboration and to evaluate how IDEA impacted prescribing patterns of adjuvant FOLFOX and CAPOX in colon cancer. Materials and Methods: A list of questions developed by four medical oncologists regarding IDEA results were formulated and distributed online to gastrointestinal medical oncologists globally. Descriptive statistics and chi‐square tests were used to summarize information. Results: Of 174 responses, 145 were complete and analyzed. Responses were obtained globally from South America (53%); the U.S. and Canada (28%); Europe, Australia, and New Zealand (12%); and Asia (7%). Most clinicians (98%) were aware of the IDEA study. Prior to IDEA, clinicians preferred FOLFOX over CAPOX (81% vs. 19%). Subsequent to IDEA, 55% of clinicians preferred CAPOX over FOLFOX (odds ratio, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 3.0–8.5; p <.01 compared with pre‐IDEA). Two thirds (68%) of responders tailored duration of adjuvant therapy based on risk stratification. Most oncologists (76%) were more willing to discontinue oxaliplatin early if toxicities develop after the results of IDEA. Half of responders (50%) found that IDEA increased their confidence in decision making for adjuvant treatment; 36% were unchanged, and 15% indicated decreased confidence. Less than half (48%) were comfortable communicating the study results and the concept of a noninferiority trial with patients. Conclusion: IDEA appears to have shifted clinician preference from FOLFOX to CAPOX for adjuvant therapy, and most clinicians now use a risk‐stratified approach in determining duration of adjuvant therapy. Patient education resources may facilitate better communication of IDEA results to patients. Implications for Practice: This global survey illustrates that most gastrointestinal medical oncologists now use a risk‐stratified approach for determining the duration of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer. Clinicians are five times more likely to choose CAPOX over FOLFOX after the International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy (IDEA) collaboration results. This article reports medical oncologists' perspectives on the results of the IDEA Collaboration and assesses the real‐world update of this data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recommendations for using menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and bisphosphonates for postmenopausal osteoporosis management have changed over time. After the release of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial results in 2002, new evidence on risks and benefits of MHT became available, and newer guidelines generally specify that MHT should not be prescribed for prevention of chronic disease, including osteoporosis. This raises the question of whether bisphosphonate prescribing changed over time to compensate for the decrease in MHT use. Materials and Methods: We examined trends in dispensed prescriptions in Australia (national) and Canada (province of Manitoba) in relation to prescribing recommendations. Administrative data were used to describe dispensing patterns and changes for persons of all ages from 1996 to 2008, and for women aged 50 to ≥80 years from 2003 to 2008 in Australia and 1996 to 2008 in Canada. Results: In both geographic settings, MHT dispensing increased 1996–2001, peaked in 2001, and declined substantially thereafter (67% reduction in MHT prescriptions for Australia; 64% reduction for Manitoba, Canada to 2008). From 2003 to 2008, the number of MHT prescriptions declined among all age groups in both settings, with the highest declines among women in their 50s. Concurrently, bisphosphonate dispensing increased until 2005 (2001–2005: 260% increase in the number of prescriptions in Australia; 125% increase in Manitoba) and stabilized thereafter, in both settings. Annual bisphosphonate dispensing rates increased 4.1–10.9% for women in their 70s and 80s in Australia and Manitoba during the period studied. Conclusions: Based on dispensed prescriptions data, more recent guidelines for MHT and bisphosphonates use for postmenopausal osteoporosis, which were updated during the study period (and are still consistent with the current guidelines), appear to have been broadly adhered to in both settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess whether the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) were comparable in normal, healthy, pathology-free individuals of different age, gender, ethnicity, handedness and nationality. The purpose of this study was to establish normal population values for the HHS and OHS using an electronic data collection system.~Background~Background~317 Australian and 310 Canadian citizens with no active hip pain, injury or pathology in the ipsilateral hip corresponding to their dominant arm, were evaluated. Participants completed an electronically-administered questionnaire and were assessed clinically. Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test and Poisson regression models were used where appropriate, to investigate the association between hip scores, ethnicity, nationality, gender, handedness and age.~Methods~Methods~There was a statistically significant association between the OHS and age (p<0.0001) and the HHS and age (p = 0.0006); demonstrating that as age increased, normal hip scores decreased. There was no statistically significant association between the HHS and gender (p = 0.1389); or HSS and nationality, adjusting for age (p = 0.5698) and adjusting for gender (p = 0.6997). There was no statistically significant association between the OHS and gender (p = 0.1350). Australians reported a statistically significant 4.2% higher overall OHS value compared to Canadians (p = 0.0490). There was no statistically significant association between the OHS and nationality in age groups 18-79 years. Participants >80 years reported a statistically significant association between the OHS and nationality (p<0.0001).~Results~Results~Studies using an electronic control group should consider differences in gender, age, ethnicity and nationality when using the HHS and OHS to assess patient outcomes. This study has established an electronic, normal control group for studies using the HHS and OHS. When using the OHS, the control group should be sourced from the same country of origin. When using the HHS, the control group should be sourced from a pre-established control group within a database, without necessarily being sourced from the same country of origin.~Conclusions~Conclusions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Coping Strategies Inventory-Short Form (CSI-SF) measures four coping strategies based on 16 items: 4 items each indicating problem- vs. emotion-focused engagement or disengagement. Here we provide the first assessment of reliability and construct validity of the CSI-SF among hemodialysis patients across 13 countries.Methods: The CSI-SF was completed by patients in 9 languages in phase 4 of the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (2009-11). Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were applied to assess the factor structure of the CSI-SF by country and language. CSI-SF data were analyzed from 7201 patients (60% male; median age 62.5 [range 18-96] years).Results: Good internal consistency (α=0.56-0.80) was seen for three scales in English (US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand), German, and Swedish versions. The fourth scale was internally consistent if two items were dropped. In these countries, both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a factor structure consistent with the four CSI-SF scales. Other language versions showed a factor structure inconsistent with these four scales.Conclusion: The slightly modified English, German, and Swedish versions of the CSI-SF are reliable and valid instruments for measuring coping strategies in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Australian College of Mental Health Nurses directs that mental health nurses must 'enable cultural safety in practice, taking into account age, gender, spirituality, ethnicity and health values'. The present study is a review of the existing literature undertaken in order to identify current knowledge and knowledge gaps regarding the experience of Indigenous women in acute mental health inpatient facilities. In particular, studies that identified environments and practices promoting the development of culturally-safe healing spaces for Indigenous women, and studies that identified women's experience of seclusion, were sought. The results showed that there is little literature directly relevant to Indigenous women's experiences of inpatient mental health units in Australia. The present study consolidates existing knowledge and knowledge gaps, and advances the argument for gender-disaggregated future research. Implications for professional practice and service development are also noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To document current practice by dietitians in Australia and Canada in the nutrition management of Parkinson's disease. This will help identify priority areas for review and development of practice guidelines and direct future research. Methods Current practice in the phases of the Nutrition Care Plan was captured using an online survey distributed to Dietitians Association of Australia members and Practice-Based Evidence in Nutrition subscribers through their email newsletters. The results of the diagnosis, intervention and monitoring phases are presented here. Results Eighty-four dietitians responded. There was consistency in practice for nutrition issues that are encountered in other populations, such as malnutrition and constipation. There was more variation in practice in the nutrition issues that are more specific to Parkinson's disease, such as nutrition and meal interactions with medication. A lack of awareness of emerging treatments, such as deep brain stimulation surgery, appears to exist in the responding dietitians. Conclusions The variation in practice that was present for the nutrition issues specific to Parkinson's disease may reflect the lack of quality evidence and subsequently evidence-based guidelines in these areas. Work to provide background information about treatment options and to translate current evidence for the nutrition issues that are specific to Parkinson's disease into practice recommendations should be completed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To document and compare current practice in nutrition assessment of Parkinson's disease by dietitians in Australia and Canada in order to identify priority areas for review and development of practice guidelines and direct future research. Methods An online survey was distributed to DAA (Dietitians Association of Australia) members and PEN (Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition) subscribers through their email newsletters. The survey captured current practice in the phases of the Nutrition Care Plan. The results of the assessment phase are presented here. Results Eighty-four dietitians responded. Differences in practice existed in the choice of nutrition screening and assessment tools, including appropriate body mass index ranges. Nutrition impact symptoms were commonly assessed, but information about Parkinson's disease medication interactions was not consistently assessed. Conclusions The variation in practice related to the use of screening and assessment methods may result in the identification of different goals for subsequent interventions. Even more practice variation was evident for those items more specific to Parkinson's disease and may be due to the lack of evidence to guide practice. Further research is required to support decisions for nutrition assessment of Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite advances in management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), the risk of mortality and adverse neurological sequelae remains high. Characterizing variation in practices is a crucial step toward improved patient outcome. Objective Evaluate intensive care practices in Canada and the Australia-New Zealand region (AUS-NZ). Methods A prospective cross-sectional online survey of neonatologists was conducted. A 35-item questionnaire was developed, validated, and piloted to collect information on diagnosis, inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) practices, alternative vasodilators or cardiotropes, and echocardiography. Variation among survey respondents as well as intergroup comparison was performed. Results Data were collected from 217 respondents. Echocardiography and arterial blood gas were the most common diagnostic tests to assess the severity of PPHN. iNO administration is more frequently scrutinized in Canada (36% versus 10% [AUS-NZ], p < 0.001). Canadian physicians reported higher use of intravenous milrinone (p < 0.001), vasopressin (p = 0.02), and inhaled prostacyclin (p = 0.02), but lower use of sildenafil (p = 0.01) for refractory pulmonary hypertension. A greater proportion of neonatologists in AUS-NZ were trained to perform echocardiography (p < 0.001) to optimize treatment decisions. Conclusion Wide variation exists in the management of PPHN. There is a need to provide more guidance regarding principles of management in PPHN, while recognizing the dynamic nature of cardiopulmonary physiology in individual patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the practices of primary care physicians regarding the prescribing of antidepressants during pregnancy. An anonymous survey was administered to a group of nonrandomly selected Australian general practitioners ( n = 61 out of 77) and randomly selected Canadian family physicians ( n = 35 out of 111). Responses to a hypothetical scenario and questions regarding beliefs about the use of antidepressant medication during pregnancy were collected. Physicians from both countries feel strongly that antidepressant use during pregnancy is a decision complicated by conflicting reports of safety and risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This 2009 survey of primary care doctors in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States finds wide differences in practice systems, incentives, perceptions of access to care, use of health information technology (IT), and programs to improve quality. Response rates exceeded 40 percent except in four countries: Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. U.S. and Canadian physicians lag in the adoption of IT. U.S. doctors were the most likely to report that there are insurance restrictions on obtaining medication and treatment for their patients and that their patients often have difficulty with costs. We believe that opportunities exist for cross-national learning in disease management, use of teams, and performance feedback to improve primary care globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]