CLINICAL NEWS

Vitamin D threshold varies with season, study shows

Researchers from the University of Washington have identified a threshold concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D] that is associated with increased risk for major medical events and say that season-specific targets may be more appropriate than static targets when evaluating health risk. » More

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Helping your patients control persistent asthma

Working in partnership with patients and physicians, pharmacists can help ensure optimal control of this common disease.

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EDITOR’S PICK

MTM by pharmacists helps resolve medication-related problems

In the patient-centered medical home, pharmacists who are practicing at the "top of their license" should be providing medication therapy management to detect, resolve, monitor, and prevent medication-related problems across the continuum of care for patients, according to a presentation at the American Pharmacists Association 2012 annual meeting and exposition in New Orleans. » Click here.

Variation in schizophrenia treatment

Patients with schizophrenia who switched from haloperidol decanoate or fluphenazine decanoate to risperidone microspheres discontinued their treatment more frequently, according to a new study published in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. » More

Study on schizophrenia deaths makes surprising find

A unique study designed to gauge the impact of polypharmacy on schizophrenia mortality produced some surprising results: The use of antidepressants or 2 or more antipsychotics was not associated with increased deaths, but the use of  benzodiazepine was. » More

Warfarin, aspirin similar in treating heart failure

Warfarin fared no better than aspirin at reducing the combined risk of brain hemorrhage, stroke, or death for heart-failure patients in normal rhythm, according to the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. » More

Survey

With specialty drug products representing the fastest growing component of today’s drug expenditures, which of the following would you rate as the most important service a specialty pharmacy can provide in helping to optimize the quality and cost-efficiency of specialty pharmaceutical care?

a) Waste management
b) Patient risk assessment and education
c) Managing prior authorization of specialty products
d) Outcomes monitoring, reporting, and intervention
e) Helping patients navigate financial assistance programs
f) Adherence programs

Click here and see what your colleagues think, too.

Want to see the results of our last survey regarding healthcare industry trends and which one will have the most significant impact on the ability to manage pharmacy expenditures over the next 3-5 years? Click here.

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