Constipation is a common disorder in long-term care patients and can occur as it’s own bowel disorder or due to common medications such as anticholinergic agents or opioid pain medications. Previous research has shown that approximately 75% of long-term care patients are chronically taking at least one medication that can cause constipation. Bowel regimens are […]
Post Type Archives: Blog
Pfizer, BioNTech to Pursue Second Booster Shot Authorization for Older Adults
COVID-19 mRNA vaccine makers Pfizer and BioNTech are requesting authorization of a second booster shot, or fourth dose, for adults aged 65 and older. They claim that it will be necessary to improve the potential waning protection in the face of variants, putting seniors and immunocompromised populations at an increased risk of COVID-19 infection over […]
Switching to Over-the-Counter Availability of Rescue Inhalers for Asthma
This article discusses the process by which rescue inhalers, inhaled corticosteroids + long acting B2-agonists or B2 agonists alone, could become available to patients over-the-counter (OTC). Although some may be unaware, there is currently an epinephrine inhaler (Primatene Mist) that is already available OTC. This inhaler has been previously discontinued by the Food and Drug […]
A call for solutions for healthy aging through a systems-based, equitable approach to obesity
According to an article published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, many adults 60 years of age and older in the US, deal with obesity as a barrier to aging well. Being obese can lead to complications in life such as mental health problems, an increased risk of falling, a nursing home admission, and […]
Geriatric Guideline Implementation Remains Unrealistic in Most EDs
Failure to identify the presence of delirium in a geriatric patient during an emergency room visit can significantly increase these patients’ 6-month mortality rate. This article goes on to discuss important issues regarding the care of our geriatric patients in this setting, such as falls and polypharmacy. These aspects of care can be easily overlooked […]
Trial of Intensive Blood-Pressure Control in Older Patients with Hypertension
Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular events, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. The findings of studies in the past led the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines to lower the blood pressure threshold from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg. In addition, the guidelines recommend initiating antihypertensives in patients with a blood pressure between […]
Maintenance or discontinuation of antidepressants in primary care
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common health conditions in the world and is characterized by persistent feelings of hopelessness, dejection, worry, poor concentration, lack of energy, inability to sleep, and potentially suicide. In the United States, about 19% of adults over the age of are taking an antidepressant medication. In a multi-clinic, […]
The Role of Pharmacists in Reduction of Inappropriate Emergency Department Use: Solution to the Problem?
With the focus of American healthcare system recently shifting from volume-based to value-based, high healthcare costs are a substantial issue. An estimated 13-27% of emergency room visits in 2008 were deemed inappropriate, preventable with proper primary care or manageable in primary or urgent care settings. Prevention of inappropriate emergency department (ED) utilization can potentially save […]
Home Care for Cancer Patients during Pandemic: Can Disaster Management Strategies Help?
Cancer patients are considered vulnerable due to an increased risk of developing severe cases of COVID-19 disease compared with non-oncological population. Patients with advanced forms of cancer receiving palliative care at home are particularly frail. In recent article published on July 1, 2020 at the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management of the American Academy […]
Empagliflozin Trial Shows Positive Results for Reducing Risk of Cardiovascular Death or Hospitalization
Heart failure is the leading cause of hospitalization in the United States, and the risk of death in people with heart failure rises with each hospital admission. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction occurs when the heart muscle does not contract effectively, and less blood is pumped out to the body compared to a normally […]
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