Faculty Bibliography

Objective: Warfarin is a high risk medication whose safety can be greatly improved by patient education. This study was designed to evaluate patients' understanding of their warfarin medication instructions and evaluate readability of the FDA's Warfarin Medication Guide. Methods: Qualitative structured interviews were conducted with 50 patients prescribed warfarin within the last year at two hospital-based outpatient clinics. 19 questions were asked to examine (1) patient understanding of specific sections in the medication guide, (2) prior provision of warfarin medication instructions, (3) numeracy issues specific to warfarin, (4) general medication management, and 5) patient recommendations for better ways to present warfarin information. The study was approved by the IRB at both institutions. Patients were given an incentive that included a tote bag, medicine box, medical ID bracelet, and brochures about the Poison Center. Results: Of the 50 patients who were surveyed, 49 responses were included for analysis. There were slightly more female respondents than male (53.1% vs. 46.9% respectively). 70% of the patients were between 36-64 years old and reported taking 1-18 medications daily. Most patients (75%) had received information about warfarin when they were first prescribed the medi- cine, 65% were given written information, and 48% discussed the medication with their doctors. Only 12% of patients spoke with the pharmacist about their warfarin. When asked to identify specific content in the medication guide, 16% had difficulty with information about diet, and 21% were not able to identify when to call their provider. Numeracy analysis showed that 19% had trouble with both dosing and interpretation of their INR. Patients' suggested alternative ways to present warfarin information including more graphics, in-person counseling, DVD instructional videos, and multilingual translations of the warfarin medication guide. Conclusion: About 20% of patients were unable to identify key messages in the !

PURPOSE: Appropriate therapies for commonly encountered poisonings, medication overdoses, and other toxicological emergencies are reviewed, with discussion of pharmacists' role in ensuring their ready availability and proper use. SUMMARY: Poisoning is the second leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in the United States, with more than 2.4 million toxic exposures reported each year. Recently published national consensus guidelines recommend that hospitals providing emergency care routinely stock 24 antidotes for a wide range of toxicities, including toxic-alcohol poisoning, exposure to cyanide and other industrial agents, and intentional or unintentional overdoses of prescription medications (e.g., calcium-channel blockers, beta-blockers, digoxin, isoniazid). Pharmacists can help reduce morbidity and mortality due to poisonings and overdoses by (1) recognizing the signs and symptoms of various types of toxic exposure, (2) guiding emergency room staff on the appropriate use of antidotes and supportive therapies, (3) helping to ensure appropriate monitoring of patients for antidote response and adverse effects, and (4) managing the procurement and stocking of antidotes to ensure their timely availability. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists can play a key role in reducing poisoning and overdose injuries and deaths by assisting in the early recognition of toxic exposures and guiding emergency personnel on the proper storage, selection, and use of antidotal therapies.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States. Research has shown that proper use of a CO detector in the home can reduce morbidity and mortality related to unintentional CO exposure. The authors evaluated three CO education workshops that included distribution of free CO detectors for home use, and their intervention reached 133 participants. Pretest surveys and follow-up calls evaluated change in knowledge and behavior factors. Results showed that statistically significant increases were found on three out of five knowledge-based items and 91% of respondents (N = 80) reported installing CO detectors in their home. Follow-up calls provided an opportunity to clarify information and provide tailored information to participants