Biomedical subjects

T L Cookson

Publications and source records attributed to T L Cookson.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Relationship between tablet splitting and compliance, drug acquisition cost, and patient acceptance.

As managed care pharmacy continues to grow and medication costs increase, pharmacy managers are continually looking for ways to reengineer distributive services to provide the most cost-effective care. In an effort to save money, the San Diego Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (SDVAHS) and other health systems have implemented tablet-splitting programs targeted at high-cost and widely prescribed medications. Despite this growing practice, published research examining the effects on compliance rates, patient acceptance, and actual cost savings is lacking. A recent computer-assisted literature search revealed only one study of tablet splitting that addressed patient compliance and acceptance. In that study, patients taking lovastatin and using a tablet splitter were mailed a questionnaire to assess their impressions of tablet splitting. A majority of the patients found tablet splitters easy to use and reported that compliance was not hindered. However, compliance was subjectively evaluated through patients' responses to questions; actual tablet counts were not performed. Furthermore, actual cost savings (if any) were not determined.

Aged↗

PubMed1993

Computer dosing program for the initiation of vancomycin therapy.

The predictive performance of a computer dosing program used for initiating vancomycin therapy was studied. Initial serum vancomycin concentrations in 31 adult patients receiving vancomycin were estimated by using a computer program (T.D.M.S.) incorporating a two-compartment open model. Sixty-two serum vancomycin concentrations at steady state (Css) were obtained before and after one-hour infusions and compared with estimated Css values. Bias and precision were evaluated by calculating median error (ME) and median absolute error (MAE), respectively. Population-based estimates of volume of distribution (V) and clearance (CL) were compared with those obtained by fitting each patient's data set by using Bayesian analysis (BA) and non-linear least-squares regression (NLLS). Median (mean +/- S.D.) bias and precision for peak Css were 7.7 (10.2 +/- 10.8) and 7.7 (10.6 +/- 10.5) mg/L, and for trough Css were 7.4 (7.7 +/- 7.6) and 7.4 (8.8 +/- 6.2) mg/L. The medians were significantly different from zero. Estimated median (mean +/- S.D.) V, CL, and half-life were 0.72 L/kg, 0.60 (0.67 +/- 0.21) mL/min/kg, and 11.59 (12.87 +/- 3.91) hours. Median (mean +/- S.D.) CL values determined by BA and NLLS were 0.86 (0.89 +/- 0.32) and 0.85 (0.92 +/- 0.34) mL/min/kg, respectively. Both CL values were significantly greater than the population-based estimate. However, median V values determined by BA and NLLS did not differ from the population-based estimate. A revised clearance model derived from Bayesian analysis of data for the first 21 patients was tested in the 10 other patients and appeared to improve the predictive performance of the a priori model.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed1987

Concentration guidelines for parenteral antibiotics in fluid-restricted patients.

A guideline for the preparation of peripherally administered antibiotics in fluid-restricted patients was developed. A maximum osmolality of 560 mOsmol/kg was selected since this corresponds to the theoretical osmolality of dextrose 5% in NaCl 0.9%, a solution commonly administered peripherally without significant incidence of phlebitis. Percentage concentrations corresponding to 560 mOsmol/kg of 26 intravenous antibiotics were calculated using sodium chloride equivalents. The antibiotics were reconstituted using sterile water, dextrose 5%, and NaCl 0.9% to provide an osmolality of 560 mOsmol/kg. The resulting solutions were measured for osmolality using a freezing-point depression osmometer. A total of 78 solutions were prepared and measured in triplicate. Of the 78 measured osmolalities, 67 (86 percent) were within 20 percent of the desired 560 mOsmol/kg. Only two osmolalities were more than 10 percent above the projected value. The percentage concentrations of 26 antibiotics in three solutions corresponding to 560 mOsmol/kg are presented. A method is also provided for tailoring concentrations to achieve desired osmolalities other than 560 mOsmol/kg.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗