Pharmacy practice management quarterly
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Pharm Pract Manag Q · Jul 1996
Selecting antibiotics based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles.
Key pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters influencing antimicrobial selection include the area under the curve (AUC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). These concepts can be integrated to describe the unique triangular relationship between the antibiotic, infecting organism, and patient. Antibiotic pharmacodynamics have been described as the ratio of AUC/MIC, maximum concentration to MIC, and time above MIC. ⋯ For example, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones have concentration-dependent killing while beta-lactams are concentration-dependent. This killing is also reflected in the post-antibiotic effect (PAE) that describes the prolonged activity even when the antibiotic levels are undetectable. These principles allow antibiotic classes to be selected and dosed via new strategies such as once daily aminoglycosides and continuous infusion beta-lactams.
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Pharm Pract Manag Q · Jul 1996
Designing drug-usage evaluation to meet Joint Commission requirements.
Strategies for influencing prescribing practices utilizing the drug-usage evaluation (DUE) process are described. Our DUE program has evolved into a collaborative program that provides significant pharmacy involvement while maintaining medical staff responsibility, as outlined by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (Joint Commission). A multidisciplinary approach is utilized to identify prescribing problems, develop prescribing criteria, and provide educational initiatives. ⋯ Physician performance compliance is incorporated into the credentialing process. Corrective measures are determined by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Subcommittee, with subsequent actions carried out by peer physicians. The net result is a positive influence on prescribing practices that improves the appropriate and effective use of drugs, while meeting Joint Commission standards.