A Report on the Distribution of "Lethal Dose/Pharmaceutical Product Strength” in High-Risk Drugs / 医薬品情報学

Objective: This study assessed the distribution of "lethal dose/pharmaceutical product strength" in high-risk drugs.Methods: In 707 pharmaceutical products (312 ingredients) that had been defined as high-risk drugs in Japan, we collected acute toxicity information from these products on single dose toxicity studies conducted in mice, including median lethal dose (LD50) and approximate lethal dose (aLD). The LD50 and aLD were then divided by the strength (quantity of active ingredients) of the pharmaceutical product, after which the LD50or aLD values having an inequality sign was excluded.Results: We collected data on the acute lethal dose of 707 products (312 ingredients) from high-risk drugs. Data with an inequality sign, which was 143 of 495 products (28.9%) in tablets and capsules, then 43 of 212 items (20.3%) in injections, were excluded from the analysis. As observed, median (Q1, Q3) of "LD50/pharmaceutical product strength" and "aLD/pharmaceutical product strength" for tablets or capsules was 36.8 tablet/kg (11.5 tablet/kg, 144 tablet/kg) and 16.7 tablet/kg (6.9 tablet/kg, 65 tablet/kg), respectively. However, median (Q1, Q3) of "LD50/pharmaceutical product strength" and "aLD/pharmaceutical product strength" for injections were 1.3 bottle/kg (0.6 bottle/kg, 4.7 bottle/kg) and 0.8 bottle/kg (0.4 bottle/kg, 15 bottle/kg), respectively. In both cases, injections were distributed at a lower value than oral products.Conclusion: From this study, the distribution of "lethal dose/pharmaceutical product strength" in high-risk drugs was clarified. This information will therefore help pharmacists assess risks associated with individual pharmaceutical products.

Relationship between the Psychological Stress Responses and Self-Efficacy in Pharmacy Students during Hospital Practical Training / 医薬品情報学

<b>Objective: </b>Pharmacy students are considered to experience various forms of stress during long-term practical training in the 6-year pharmacy education.  This study examined relationships between psychological stress responses and self-efficacy involving 77 subjects who consented to join this study in practical training conducted at Teikyo University Hospital (2010-2011FY).<br><b>Methods: </b>This study used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) for evaluating the psychological response, and an assessment form consisted of 20 items including interpersonal relationships, contents of practical training and health/life/stress coping for self-efficacy before, during, and after the training.<br><b>Results: </b>In the POMS, only the state of ‘vigor’ showed a significant difference in a comparison among before, during, and after the training; however, no significant change was observed in other mood states.  These results suggested that the students were under mild stress during the training.  Their self-efficacy was increased after the training in all 20 items except “contacting university instructors during the training”.  The results also showed that there was an association between self-efficacy and psychological stress responses.<br><b>Conclusions: </b>It is considered important that instructors and pharmacy technicians involved in pharmacy practice should understand the levels of individual stress responses or interpersonal communication skills to utilize them for coaching and maintaining students’ mental health.

Use Situation of Supplement and Health Food for Pediatrics Patients in Teikyo University Hospital Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic / 医薬品情報学

  We require our students in the 4th grade to take an on-site pediatric outpatient clinic course at the Teikyo University Hospital as part of a 4-week on-site training program.  This year, 64 trainees divided into groups of 3 or 4 students took the course between June and August.  In the morning, trainees were asked to conduct clinical interviews with 287 patients’ guardians in the presence of trainers.  This was followed by the observation of consultation and treatment services provided to patients.  In the afternoon, students reported the findings obtained in medical interviews, participated in group discussions, and received supplementary lectures from trainers.  After completing the course, students were asked to fill in a questionnaire.  When asked whether they were satisfied with the course, 62.5% and 37.5% of students said “very satisfied” and “satisfied,” respectively, while 64.1%, 29.7%, and 6.2% of students said the observation of consultation and treatment services was “very good,” “good,” and “cannot say which,” respectively.  About the medical interviews, 64.1% and 34.4% said that it is “very good” and “good” to conduct them, while 1.5% said “cannot say which.”  All students said they could determine the problems faced by guardians regarding drugs in the medical interview.  The on-site pediatric outpatient care course was found to be “very useful” and “useful” by 62.5% and 35.9% of patients, respectively, while 1.6% said “cannot say which.”  In conclusion, most students were greatly satisfied with the medical interview with guardians using a questionnaire and said that it made it possible for them to closely communicate with guardians.  This result was thought to be attributable to the use of the techniques of the medical interview OSCE which the students learned prior to conducing medical interviews with guardians.