Effect of regimen complexity on patient satisfaction and compliance with warfarin therapy.

This study sought to determine patient satisfaction with anticoagulation care in a pharmacist-managed clinic and assess the effect of warfarin regimen complexity on patient satisfaction, compliance, and international normalized ratios (INRs). Retrospective chart reviews of 476 anticoagulation clinic patients were conducted. Patients were divided into groups by complexity of warfarin regimen (whole tablet, split tablet, alternating dose) for comparisons of compliance and INRs. An oral Likert scale satisfaction survey was administered to a convenience sample of 100 patients. Degree of satisfaction was compared based on warfarin regimen. Compliant patients were more likely to have therapeutic INRs (p < 0.01) and to be taking whole tablet dosage regimens (p < 0.01). Patients were generally satisfied with the pharmacist-managed clinic. There was a significantly (p < 0.025) higher score for patients on split tablet regimens, indicating a greater likelihood for agreement that alternating doses made taking their medication more difficult. A relationship exists between patient compliance and prescribed dosage regimen, as well as with therapeutic INR values.

Clinical and economic effects of pharmacy services in geriatric ambulatory clinic.

Pharmacy services were introduced in an established multidisciplinary geriatric ambulatory clinic. The pharmacist collaborated with primary care providers to optimize patients' drug regimens. Over 8 months there were 250 patient visits to the clinic. Traditional medical care was provided at 144 (57.6%) of these visits and traditional medical care plus pharmacist evaluation was provided at 106 (42.4%). The pharmacist identified 220 potential and actual drug-related problems. Acceptance of pharmacist-recommended changes in drug therapy was 98.6%. A mean reduction of 3.4 agents/patient was achieved in the intervention group (p<0.0001). Clinical outcomes of changes in drug therapy were neutral or positive in 99.5% of cases. Pharmacy services resulted in net savings of $7,788 annually.

Clinical significance of rare and benign side effects: propofol and green urine.

A 55-year-old man requiring airway protection for esophagogastroduodenoscopy was sedated with propofol. On the third day of propofol infusion his urine was dark green. Although he was afebrile and his white blood cell count was within normal limits, the green urine was suspected to be of infectious etiology. Laboratory tests were ordered and broad-spectrum antibiotics were considered. Antibiotics were avoided when propofol was recognized as a rare and benign potential cause of the green urine. Earlier recognition of this side effect may have averted unnecessary laboratory monitoring. Prompt recognition of such side effects is important in limiting medical expenditures, inordinate drug exposure, and distress among patients and clinicians.