Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy


Download PDF		 Published: April 2003

In this issue:

  • The full extent of alcoholism: A worldwide economic and social tragedy
  • Medication safety issues – 1
  • Managing cytotoxic drugs
  • Brief history and development of parenteral nutrition support
  • Awareness of hepatitis A and hepatitis B among residents in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
  • Outpatient prescription intervention activities by pharmacists in a teaching hospital

The Full Extent of Alcoholism: A Worldwide Economic and Social Tragedy

    DOI: 10.52494/SVCV8804
    by Albert I. Wertheimer and Nicole M. Chaney.
    Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: April 1, 2003
    Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

    Abstract

    Alcohol abuse affects many people directly or indirectly all over the world. Alcoholism often causes major damage and can also lead to death. It seems as though people underestimate the prevalence of alcohol abuse and the damage done by alcohol abuse. Loss of labour, birth defects, liver cirrhosis, and damage from vehicle accidents, are a small portion of the damage caused by alcohol abuse. The damage caused by alcohol abuse affects people physically, emotionally, and economically. All this damage is preventable. Treatment for this problem is available, but the effects differ among patients. Pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy are used separately or collectively. Results can vary depending upon the treatment and patient. The pharmacist plays an important role in the lives of alcoholic patients. Pharmacists can notice a patient’s behaviour, notice their prescription patterns, and most importantly, the pharmacist is a knowledgeable mentor that many patients look up to. Feeling comfortable with and trusting the pharmacist is very important for the patient. Patients may come to the pharmacist with their problems, and the pharmacist should be able to offer sound medical advice.

    Medication Safety Issues – 1

      DOI: 10.52494/EESB7558
      by David Kong Chee Ming.
      Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: April 1, 2003
      Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

      Abstract

      Preventing medical or medication errors is pivotal in quality patient care and safety. Significantly, error prevention activities are multifactorial. These include, (i) enlisting staff creativity in improving safe practices, (ii) patient education, (iii) provision of information leaflet, (iv) clarity in instructions, (v) application of failure mode and effects analysis, and (vi) care in approving access to medications.

      Managing Cytotoxic Drugs

        DOI: 10.52494/BWLZ9208
        by Amiruddin Ahmad.
        Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: April 1, 2003
        Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

        Abstract

        Cytotoxic drugs are used in the management of malignant diseases. They have been found to be carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic. There is growing concern that the handling, preparation, administration and disposal of these substances may constitute an occupational hazard. These guidelines aim to identify, and help avoid or minimize occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs and related wastes within health care establishments. It is necessary that individuals involved in the use or handling of cytotoxic drugs are made aware of associated matters relating to the safe handling of such drugs.

        Brief History And Development Of Parenteral Nutrition Support

          DOI: 10.52494/VIPX1100
          by Ahmad Fuad Shamsuddin.
          Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: April 1, 2003
          Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

          Abstract

          Patients who are unable to use their gastrointestinal system for feeding purposes are now usually started on parenteral nutrition. It is a therapeutic tool used in the clinical management of patients requiring special nutritional care both in the hospital, and at home (home parenteral nutrition). The idea of providing nutrients intravenously in humans was first realised when Sir Christopher Wren injected wine and ale in dogs way back in the middle of the 17th century. The historic experiment initiated further investigation and studies on this novel approach to nutrition. Better understanding of the metabolic and pharmacological properties of the macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and lipid), the micronutrients (trace elements, and vitamins), and the electrolytes have made it possible to administer parenteral nutrition safely to all types of patients where it is indicated. Continuous development and improvement in the pharmaceutical presentations of these nutrients have helped to minimise the metabolic problems seen in the early days of parenteral nutrition administration. Production of the single- or multilayered parenteral nutrition bags using materials which are inert and capable of reducing oxygen permeability such as the combination of ethylenevinylacetate-polyvinylidine chloride has ensured better stability of the parenteral nutrition admixture. The multicompartmental bag has provided a much more simpler and convenient way of initiating parenteral nutrition. The increase in knowledge, development and improvement in parenteral nutrition support has made it possible to provide parenteral nutrition support at home.

          Awareness of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B among Residents in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor

            DOI: 10.52494/TQWM8592
            by Ho Chiew Lim and Hesham Rashwan.
            Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: April 1, 2003
            Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

            Abstract

            A survey was carried out to assess the level of knowledge and vaccination coverage of hepatitis A and B among 753 subjects (>12 years of age) from rural areas, town areas, undergraduates and healthcare workers. The main objective of the study was to assess the relationship between the extent of hepatitis A and B knowledge and vaccination status of the participants. A questionnaire was distributed and completed by the subjects. The results showed that the overall level of knowledge among the public was low compared to healthcare workers and undergraduates. The hepatitis A vaccination coverage was very low among all the groups (<8%). The hepatitis B vaccination coverage was generally low among the groups of non- healthcare workers (<35%) and higher among healthcare workers (65.6%). There was a strong correlation between the extent of knowledge of hepatitis A and B and the status of vaccination among the participants (p<0.01). The study concluded that health education on hepatitis A and B should be provided and vaccination programmes should be held more frequently among the public, especially in rural areas.

            Outpatient Prescription Intervention Activities by Pharmacists in a Teaching Hospital

              DOI: 10.52494/HJPB1043
              by Chua Siew Siang, Kuan Mun Ni and Mohamed Noor bin Ramli.
              Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: April 1, 2003
              Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

              Abstract

              Prescriptions with prescribing errors received by an outpatient pharmacy of a teaching hospital were sampled. The types of pharmacist interventions on problematic prescriptions and its outcome were identified and documented. From a total of 6340 prescriptions processed by the outpatient pharmacy in a one-week period, 43 prescriptions (0.68%) required interventions by the pharmacy staff. These included 54% of the prescriptions that were incomplete or inadequately written (errors of omission) and 46% that contained the wrong drug, dose regimen, strength and dosage form (errors of commission). A total of 62 types of action were taken by the pharmacy staff to resolve the 43 problematic prescriptions. These include contacting the prescribers concerned (24.2%), clarifying with the patient or his/her representative (19.4%), contacting the prescriber’s nurse (17.7%) and checking the patient’s appointment or identity card (4.8%). Of the 43 problematic prescriptions, 48.8% were clarified without any change and dispensed while 32.6% were changed and dispensed. The study reinforces the importance of prescription screening and interventions by pharmacists in minimising preventable adverse events attributed to medication errors. It also emphasizes the necessity of interdisciplinary communication and cooperation in identifying and resolving prescribing errors and irregularities in order to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes for the patient.