Even though 34 percent of medical expenditures come from seniors, more than half of U.S. clinical trials exclude the elderly, according to a new study out of the University of Michigan.
The study found that more than 50 percent of clinical trials published in major medical journals did not include seniors or people with age-related illnesses. The remaining studies also excluded frail participants and individuals with cognitive problems.
To learn more, click here.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Recalls Mislabeled Medications
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals has announced that it is recalling specific lots of hydrocodone bitartrate and aacetaminophen tablets and phenobarbital tablets. The recall comes after a 60-count bottle of hydrocodone bitartrate and aacetaminophen tablets was found incorrectly labeled as phenobarbital tablets.
This mislabeling could cause patients to unintentionally ingest hydrocodone and aacetaminophen tablets instead of the intended dose of phenobarbital. This mix-up could lead to serious adverse events. Patients who accidentally ingest hydrocodone could experience respiratory depression, central nervous system (CNS) depression, coma and death. The risks are especially high for opioid naive patients and those who are on other CNS depressants. Unintentionally ingesting acetaminophen could lead to liver toxicity in patients who are taking other acetaminophen-containing medications, patients with liver dysfunction and people who consume three or more alcoholic drinks a day. Missing doses of phenobarbital could result in loss of seizure control.
Affected lots of the medications were distributed to wholesale and retail pharmacies between September 21, 2010 and December 29, 2010. To learn more and view affected lot numbers, click here.
This mislabeling could cause patients to unintentionally ingest hydrocodone and aacetaminophen tablets instead of the intended dose of phenobarbital. This mix-up could lead to serious adverse events. Patients who accidentally ingest hydrocodone could experience respiratory depression, central nervous system (CNS) depression, coma and death. The risks are especially high for opioid naive patients and those who are on other CNS depressants. Unintentionally ingesting acetaminophen could lead to liver toxicity in patients who are taking other acetaminophen-containing medications, patients with liver dysfunction and people who consume three or more alcoholic drinks a day. Missing doses of phenobarbital could result in loss of seizure control.
Affected lots of the medications were distributed to wholesale and retail pharmacies between September 21, 2010 and December 29, 2010. To learn more and view affected lot numbers, click here.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Study: Many Medicare Enrollees Not Receiving Recommended RA Drugs
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that more than one-third of the 93,000 Medicare recipients who receive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) did not receive recommended disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or DMARDs.
Additionally, blacks, men, people living in poorer areas and residents of the Middle and South Atlantic regions are less likely to receive DMARDs. The study's lead author called this disparity "unacceptable."
To learn more, click here.
Additionally, blacks, men, people living in poorer areas and residents of the Middle and South Atlantic regions are less likely to receive DMARDs. The study's lead author called this disparity "unacceptable."
To learn more, click here.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Our New DC's First Order
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Congratulations, Sandy King!
"Sandy not only consistently has a great attitude, but she is also a dedicated employee who really works hard to do her job well," said Director of Employee and HR Relations Amy Gollan. "She has made many improvements to the department since she came on board and is always willing to go the extra mile."
When we asked Sandy why she enjoys being a member of Team ProMed, she said, “I really like the people I work with. I have made some good friends here. I also enjoy my job!"
As the Employee Spotlight Award winner, Sandy will be able to proudly display the Torch of Excellence trophy at her desk for the month of February. She was also given a $100 cash award.
Congratulations, Sandy!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
ProMed Closed Due to Blizzard
Due to the blizzard in the Midwest, Professional Medical is closed today. We will open again at full capacity as soon as possible and apologize for any inconvenience this might cause.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
KAHCF: F-441 Citations on the Rise
According to an article in the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities' Members Only newsletter, there has been a trend in F-441 (Infection Control) citations. F-441 requires that facilities "establish and maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and help prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection," according to the article.
The article adds that the most frequently cited deficient practice was failure to perform appropriate hand-washing and observe proper glove use. Other cited deficiencies included:
The article adds that the most frequently cited deficient practice was failure to perform appropriate hand-washing and observe proper glove use. Other cited deficiencies included:
- A CNA making contact with three residents without sanitizing his/her hands and then helping residents with their meals
- Staff members performing dressing changes and then placing a soiled brief over the new dressing
- Failing to disinfect a glucometer before and after use with multiple residents
- Applying creams or ointments with soiled hands
- Touching items in a resident's room with soiled gloved hands after performing wound or incontinence care
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