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Biomedical subjects

J A Soon

Publications and source records attributed to J A Soon.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1985

Assessment of an adverse drug reaction monitoring program in nursing homes.

An adverse drug reaction monitoring program was developed in ten geriatric nursing care facilities with a population of 826 patients. Over a two year period, the incidence of moderate to severe adverse reactions was decreased from 27 to 20 percent. Digitalis glycosides, antipsychotics, sedatives and hypnotics, diuretics, and anti-inflammatory agents were responsible for more than three quarters of the reactions. Elderly females receiving large numbers of drugs and patients having a history of a previous reaction were found to be at high risk of experiencing an adverse effect. A substantial reduction in the number of drug-related acute care hospital admissions and a decrease in drug consumption demonstrated the cost effectiveness of the program. The response of other health care professionals to the program was excellent. A Patient Assessment Form was developed to assist in the quarterly review of patient medications. Guidelines for monitoring adverse drug reactions in nursing care facilities are suggested to aid other pharmacists in the implementation of similar clinical services.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Developing an adverse drug reaction program in nursing homes.

The study of 826 geriatric nursing home patients was undertaken by a pharmacist to determine the incidence of adverse reactions to drugs. A formalized adverse drug reaction reporting program was used as the basis for the detection of unwanted drug effects. Approximately 27% of patients experienced a moderate to severe adverse effect. Five groups of drugs accounted for three-quarters of the reactions detected. The majority of these reactions were predictable and preventable. Females over the age of 70 on large quantities of drugs were significantly more susceptible to experiencing an adverse reaction. Physicians implemented 76% of pharmacist initiated recommendations for the treatment of adverse effects and were appreciative of increased pharmacy involvement. The implementation of such recommendations was felt to have substantially reduced the incidence of drug-induced acute hospitalizations. Although the information was generated in nursing homes, it may be generalized to other geriatric specialty areas such as medical wards and extended care units. Several recommendations are provided on how other pharmacists can implement similar clinical services in their areas of professional practice.

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