Category Archives: Patient Safety

Reducing Paediatric medication errors

The use of medicines in children is a dangerous activity. Physical and physiological differences between children and adults, and the comparative lack of data for drug use in children makes decisions about dosing complex. Often specifically licensed childrens preparations are … Continue reading

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The safe dispensing of medicines

The NPSA have issued two booklets about the safe dispensing of medicines. 1. A guide to the design of the dispensing environment. 2. A guide to the design of dispensed medicines. A BMJ news report summerises the key points as: … Continue reading

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Diclofenac and cardiovascular safety

The UK’s NPC have issued guidance on the use of NSAIDs, and specifically have singled out diclofenac prescribing for attention. Pulse Magazine reports: GPs should review use of the most widely prescribed NSAID diclofenac and switch to ibuprofen or naproxen, … Continue reading

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HRT and cardiovascular risk

The BMJ has published the WISDOM Trial of HRT in postmenopausal women aged 50 to 69 years-of-age (mean age 62.8 SD 4.8). Key points: Combined hormone therapy (n=2196) was compared with placebo (n=2189): significant increase in the number of major … Continue reading

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Nine steps to Safety

The WHO have launched their nine steps to safety to combat healthcare-related injuries. Look-alike, sound-alike medication names; patient identification; communication during patient hand-overs; performance of correct procedure at correct body site; control of concentrated electrolyte solutions; assuring medication accuracy at … Continue reading

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