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TAG Mail 2015 (July - December) Cumulative Listing of Reports, Publications, Medication Safety Information and Papers of Interest TAG Mail – 16 December 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **NPS MedicineWise - Some over-the-counter medicines no longer PBS-subsidised in 2016 http://www.nps.org.au/publications/consumer/medicinewise-living/2015/some-otc-medicines-losepbs-subsidy - NPS Direct - December 2015 http://www.nps.org.au/health-professionals/e-newsletters/nps-direct/2015/december **NSW Health - NSW Framework and Standard Operating procedure for HIV Point of Care Testing http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/gl/2015/GL2015_015.html - Medical Research Support Program – Application Guidelines and Program Details 2016-2020 http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/ohmr/Pages/mrsp-2016-2020-application-guidelines.aspx - Alignment of NSW Healthy Food Provision Policy with the Health Star Rating System http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/heal/Pages/health-star-rating-system.aspx **AIHW - Health expenditure Australia 2013-14: analysis by sector http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553112 - Australia’s mother and babies 2013 – in brief http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553770 - Web pages update: Eye health http://www.aihw.gov.au/eye-health/ - Mental health services in Australia – in brief 2015 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553703 ** TGA - Safety advisory: ‘100% healthy food for men’ tablets contain undeclared sildenafil http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/100-healthy-food-men-tablets REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **NICE -- Guidance - Intravenous fluid therapy in children and young people in hospital (NG29) http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng29 - Restless legs syndrome: Oxycodone/naloxone prolonged release http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm67/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence **FDA - Uridine triacetate (VistogardTM) approved for the emergency treatment of adults and children who receive an overdose of fluorouracil or capecitabine, or who develop severe or life-threatening toxicities within four days of receiving these. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm476919.htm - Alectinib (AlecensaTM) approved to treat people with advanced (metastatic) ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has worsened after, or who could not tolerate treatment with crizotinib. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm476926.htm - Pink Bikini dietary supplement (Lucy’s weight loss system) has been found positive for diclofenac after FDA sampling and testing. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/uc m476499.htm - FDA recommends that no baclofen API from Taizhou Xinyou Pharmaceutical & Chemical Co., Limited (Taizhou) Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China be used to manufacture or compound any injectable drugs. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/uc m476514.htm **AHRQ Patient Safety Network - The vulnerabilities of computerized physician order entry systems: a qualitative study http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/13/jamia.ocv135 **CADTH - Acetic acid for wound care: Clinical effectiveness and guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/dec2015/RB0945%20Acetic%20Acid%20for%20Wo unds%20Final.pdf **GOV.UK - Thalidomide: reduced starting dose in patients older than age 75 years https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/thalidomide-reduced-starting-dose-in-patients-older-thanage-75-years - Mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid: new pregnancy –prevention advice for women and men https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/mycophenolate-mofetil-mycophenolic-acid-new-pregnancyprevention-advice-for-women-and-men - Bisphosphonates: very rare reports of osteonecrosis of the external auditory canal https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/bisphosphonates-very-rare-reports-of-osteonecrosis-of-theexternal-auditory-canal - Antiretroviral medicines: updated advice on body-fat changes and lactic acidosis https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/antiretroviral-medicines-updated-advice-on-body-fatchanges-and-lactic-acidosis MEDICATION SAFETY **MHRA - Drug Safety Update, Volume 9, Issue 5, December 2015: Thalidomide; Mycophenolate; Bisphosponates; Antiretroviral medications https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/485099/Drug_Safe ty_Update_Dec_2015.pdf **Health Canada - Health Canada warns of potential for serious allergic reactions to over-the-counter topical acne products http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2015/56268a-eng.php PAPERS OF INTEREST **AJHP - Safety and tolerability of eribulin mesylate in patients with pretreated metastatic breast cancer http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/24/2150 **Age and Ageing - Efficacy and safety of apixaban compared with aspirin in the elderly: a subgroup analysis from the AVERROES trial http://ageing.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/19/ageing.afv156.abstract?papetoc **Arthritis and Rheumatology - Risk of Incident Diabetes Associated with Dose and Duration of Oral Glucocorticoid Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.39537/abstract **BMC Geriatrics - Detection of potentially inappropriate prescribing in the very old: cross-sectional analysis of the data from the BELFRAIL observational cohort study http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2318/15/156 - Risk of hip fracture among older people using antihypertensive drugs: a nationwide cohort study http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2318/15/153 **BMJ - Do heads of government age more quickly? Observational study comparing mortality between elected leaders and runners-up in national elections of 17 countries http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h6424 **BMJ Quality and Safety - Supporting adherence for people starting a new medication for a long-term condition through community pharmacies: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial of the New Medicine Service http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/12/08/bmjqs-2015004400.short?g=w_qs_ahead_tab - Beyond clinical engagement: a pragmatic model for quality improvement interventions, aligning clinical and managerial priorities http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/12/08/bmjqs-2015-004453.full - Statistical process control and interrupted time series: a golden opportunity for impact evaluation in quality improvement http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/24/12/748.full.pdf+html - Development of the Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS): a tool for critical appraisal of quality improvement intervention publications http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/24/12/796.full.pdf+html ** BMJ Open - Interventions to improve the appropriate use of polypharmacy in older people: a Cochrane systematic review http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/12/e009235.short?g=w_open_current_tab **British Journal of Pharmacology Pharmacological treatment of cardiac glycoside poisoning http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12814/abstract **Circulation - Establishing international blood pressure references among non-overweight children and adolescents aged 6-17 years http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/12/15/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.017936.abstract?papet oc **Cochrane Review - Different magnesium sulphate regimens given to mothers to prevent preterm labour http://www.cochrane.org/CD011200/PREG_different-magnesium-sulphate-regimens-given-mothersprevent-preterm-labour **JAMA - Maintenance Therapy With Tumor-Treating Fields Plus Temozolomide vs Temozolomide Alone for Glioblastoma http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2475463 **JAMA Intern Med - Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Inhibitors for Treatment of High Cholesterol Levels: Effectiveness and Value http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2474398 **MJA - Risk factors and burden of acute Q fever in older adults in New South Wales: a prospective cohort study https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/11/risk-factors-and-burden-acute-q-fever-older-adultsnew-south-wales-prospective - Christmas competition winner: The psychopathology of James Bond and its implications for the revision of the DSM-(00)7 https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/11/psychopathology-james-bond-and-its-implicationsrevision-dsm-007 **Respirology - Randomized controlled trial of the effect of regular paracetamol on influenza infection http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/resp.12685/abstract **The Lancet Psychiatry - Comparative evaluation of quetiapine plus lamotrigine combination versus quetiapine monotherapy (and folic acid versus placebo) in bipolar depression (CEQUEL): a 2 × 2 factorial randomised trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(15)00450-2/fulltext - Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of augmentation pharmacotherapy with aripiprazole for treatmentresistant depression in late life: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)00308-6/abstract **Thrombosis and Haemostasis - Early time courses of recurrent thromboembolism and bleeding during apixaban or enoxaparin/warfarin therapy: A sub-analysis of the AMPLIFY trial http://th.schattauer.de/en/contents/ahead-of-print/december-102015/manuscript/25351/show.html CONSULTATIONS **TGA - Public submissions on scheduling matters referred to the ACMS #15 , August 2015 http://www.tga.gov.au/scheduling-submission/public-submissions-scheduling-matters-referredacms-15-august-2015 - Proposed amendments to the poisons standard (codeine) The TGA is seeking further advice/submissions about proposed changes to the scheduling of codeine Closes: 29 January 2016 http://www.tga.gov.au/consultation-invitation/consultation-proposed-amendments-poisonsstandard-codeine - Consultations on adoption of European Union guidelines in Australia Closes 1 February 2016 http://www.tga.gov.au/consultation/consultations-adoption-european-union-guidelines-australia OTHER NEWS Nil UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course, 18-29 January, 2016, Mysore, India http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf ** Health Chain Supply Management, 14 – 18 Feb 2016, Dubai http://www.pamsteele.co.uk/courses/health-supply-chain-management-hscm-dubai-2016/ - Supply Chain Capacity Development; 21- 25 Feb 2016, Dubai http://www.pamsteele.co.uk/courses/supply-chain-capacity-development-sccd-dubai-2016/ - Managing Human Resources in Health and Humanitarian Supply Chains; 21-25 Feb 2016, Dubai <http://www.pamsteele.co.uk/courses/managing-hr-in-health-and-humanitarian-supply-chains-strategiestools-and-techniques-dubai-2016/ **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists) ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’, 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria http://www.eahp.eu/congresses **International Association of Risk Management in Medicine “IARMM General Assembly 2016” jointly with "5th World Congress of Clinical Safety (5WCCS)", 21 23 September 2016, Harvard University Medical School Boston, USA http://www.iarmm.org/5WCCS/(poster)5WCCS_2016.pdf **EUFEPS - European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences 2016 Meeting “Clinical Outcome and Regulatory Approaches for Advanced Drug Delivery Products”, 13-15 June 2016, Istanbul Turkey www.eufepsannualmeeting.org **IHI - Breakthrough Series College, March 29–31, 2016 , Cambridge, MA, USA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/BreakthroughSeriesCollege/March2016BTSCollege/Pages/defa ult.aspx?utm_campaign=BTSC+March+2016&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2329 7166&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8OZ9FlsGQcddH1o-ZNv6O1HroyFhMRkGGNJGguLz6tVMFNzzDnfEnD27lS_AvTGX8l9wNb0ItEXMdDxKH86r4Nb2f1A&_hsmi=23297166 - Patient Safety Executive Development Program March 3-9, 2016 Cambridge, MA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/PatientSafetyExecutive/PatientSafetyExecutiveDevelopmentM arch2016/Pages/default.aspx?utm_campaign=2016+March+PSO&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email &utm_content=23544167&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93OUZyfrSpkxcCiEMBnZJ1H7xK3GHpQESS91qc89pkN1_5QGSKD6EGuewKQ4lmkVym2oaQKK029gb3_Gu-RRumC9EWw&_hsmi=23544167 **National Medicines Symposium 2016 (NMS 2016), 18–20 May 2016, Canberra. “Making wise decisions about medicines, tests and technologies: co-designing policy, practice and priorities” Abstract submission closes: Monday, 29 February 2016 http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/national-medicines-symposium-2016-yourchance-to-be-a-part-of-the-program **Australian Disease Management Association 12th Annual National Conference, 20-12 October 2016, Melbourne “Person Centred Healthcare: Achievements & Challenges” Abstract submission closes 27 May 2016 http://www.adma.org.au/images/ConferenceFlyer_2016.pdf **The Laboratory of Innovative Practices on Polypharmacy and Health 3rd International Short Film and Photography Festival, May 2016 The participants' short films and photos should cover one of the following issues: - Primary health care understood as the essential health care accessible to all individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them, with their full participation and at an affordable cost to the community. -Safe, appropriate and prudent use of medicines understood as the absence of unnecessary actual or potential harm associated with medicines use. -Medicalization of life understood as the process by which events of everyday life are converted into health problems; and from that perspective they are addressed and treated by different health professionals. Entries close 30 April 2016 http://polimedicado.org TAG Mail – 9 December 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **CEC - Medication Safety Self-Assessment for Australian Hospitals 2015 Resources http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/programs/mssa **NPS Medicinewise - RADAR is going digital http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/nps-radar/2015/december-2015/editorialradar-is-going-digital **NSW Health - Oral Health Fee for service of Fees 2016 http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/ib/2015/IB2015_063.html - NSW HIV Strategy 2016-2020 http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/ib/2015/IB2015_062.html - Cord Blood – Public and Provate Cord Blood Banking http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2015/PD2015_048.html - OHMR Innovator – Issue 3 http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/ohmr/Pages/ohmr-innovator-issue3.aspx ** TGA - Reasons for scheduling delegates' final decisions (Joint ACMS-ACCS), December 2015 https://www.tga.gov.au/scheduling-decision-final/reasons-scheduling-delegates-final-decisions-jointacms-accs-december-2015 - Additions to the list of designated orphan drugs: Lonoctogoc alpha for the treatment in adults and children with haemophilia A (congenital FVIII deficiency) Tremelimumab for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. http://www.tga.gov.au/updates-list-designated-orphan-drugs **AIHW - More hospitalisations for musculoskeletal conditions http://www.aihw.gov.au/media-release-detail/?id=60129553775 - Arthritis, osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions http://www.aihw.gov.au/arthritis-and-musculoskeletal-conditions/ REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **NICE -- Guidance - Type 2 diabetes in adults: management (NG28) http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng28 -- Quality Standards - Acute heart failure: diagnosis and management in adults (QS103) http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs103 - Gallstone disease http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs104 --Evidence Summary: new medicine - Diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2: insulin glargine biosimilars (Abasaglar) (ESNM64) http://www.nice.org.uk/advice?type=esnm - Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: high-strength insulin glargine 300 units/ml (Toujeo) (ESNM65) http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm65/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence - External genetal and perianal warts: green tea (Camellia sinesis) leaf extract 10% ointment (ESNM66) http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm66/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence **FDA - FDA approves sebelipase alfa (KanumaR) as the first treatment for patients with lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) deficiency. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm476013.htm - FDA approves recombinant von Willebrand factor (VonvendiR) for use in adults 18 years of age and older who have von Willebrand disease (VWD). http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm476065.htm **CADTH - Switching from Innovator to Biosimilar (Subsequent Entry) Infliximab: Clinical Effectiveness, CostEffectiveness, and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/nov2015/RB0939%20Infliximab%20Switching%20Update%20 Final.pdf **UKMi - What are the risks of using antiplatelet agents in combination with the Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with atrial fibrillation, and how should the potential risks be managed? http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/getdocument.aspx?pageid=802641 MEDICATION SAFETY **TGA - Safety advisory – Varenicline and risks of psychiatric symptoms and potential interaction with alcohol http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/varenicline-champix - Safety advisory – VMAX herbal tablets contain the undeclared substance sildenafil http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/v-max-herbal-tablets **FDA - SGLT2 Inhibitors: Drug Safety Communication - Labels to include warnings about ketoacidosis, urosepsis and pyelonephritis http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/uc m475553.htm - Insulet Corporation Issues Field Safety Notification of OmniPod Insulin Management System, due to a slight increase in the reported cases in which the Pod’s needle mechanism failed to deploy or there was a delay in the deployment of the needle mechanism. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm475099.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm _source=govdelivery - Recall: Lipo EsculturaR capsules found to contain sibutramine and diclofenac. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/uc m475610.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery PAPERS OF INTEREST **AJHP - Ceftolozane–tazobactam: A new-generation cephalosporin http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/24/2135.abstract **BMJ - Association between use of warfarin with common sulfonylureas and serious hypoglycemic events: retrospective cohort analysis http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h6223 **BMJ Open Bisphosphonates and evidence for association with esophageal and gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/12/e007133.short?g=w_open_current_tab **EJHP - Impact of clinical pharmacist intervention on length of stay in an acute admission unit: a cluster randomised study http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/12/01/ejhpharm-2015-000767.short?g=w_ejhp_ahead_tab - Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to implementing electronic systems for the prescribing, dispensing and administration of medicines in hospitals: a systematic review http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/6/358.full **European Heart Journal - Negative statin-related news stories decrease statin persistence and increase myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality: a nationwide prospective cohort study http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/sites/default/files/pdf/ehv641.pdf **Harvard Business Review Getting rid of "never events" in hospitals https://hbr.org/2015/10/getting-rid-of-never-events-in-hospitals **JAMA Intern Med β-Blocker–Associated Risks in Patients With Uncomplicated Hypertension Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2451281 **JAMIA - Rising drug allergy alert overrides in electronic health records: an observational retrospective study of a decade of experience http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/17/jamia.ocv143 ** Journal of Clinical Oncology - Randomized Double-Blind Trial of Pregabalin Versus Placebo in Conjunction With Palliative Radiotherapy for Cancer-Induced Bone Pain http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/12/07/JCO.2015.63.8221.abstract - Randomized Trial of Low-Dose Morphine Versus Weak Opioids in Moderate Cancer Pain http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/12/07/JCO.2015.61.0733.abstract ** The Lancet Oncology - Cancer drugs in 16 European countries, Australia, and New Zealand: a cross-country price comparison study http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(15)00449-0/abstract **NEJM - A Multinational Trial of Prasugrel for Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Events http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1512021?query=featured_home **Can Pharm J - Pharmacists’ duty of care. Ross T. Tsuyuki http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3676214/ - Relationship between personality traits and pharmacist performance in a pharmacy practice research trial http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4530355/ - Responsibility and confidence: Identifying barriers to advanced pharmacy practice. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23795200 **Circulation A Randomized Trial of the Effect of Pharmacist Prescribing on Improving Blood Pressure in the Community: The Alberta Clinical Trial in Optimizing Hypertension (RxACTION) http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/06/10/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.015464.abstract ** BMJ Open Pharmacist intervention for glycaemic control in the community (the RxING study) http://www.epicore.ualberta.ca/Documents/RxEACH/RxING%20study.pdf ** Journal of Interprofessional Care “Just working in a team was a great experience…” – Student perspectives on the learning experiences of an interprofessional education program http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/13561820.2013.769093 CONSULTATIONS **TGA - Proposed amendments to the poisons standard: Closes 10 December 2015 https://www.tga.gov.au/consultation-invitation/consultation-proposed-amendments-poisonsstandard-acms-meeting-march-2016 OTHER NEWS **Pharmacy Board of Australia - New guidelines for dose administration aids and staged supply of dispensed medicines come into effect 7 December 2015 http://www.pharmacyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines.aspx ** Heart Foundation - The Heart Foundation has announced that they will be retiring the “Tick” program from food package labelling. http://heartfoundation.org.au/news/thank-you-tick UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course, 18-29 January, 2016, Mysore, India http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists) ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’, 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria http://www.eahp.eu/congresses **International Association of Risk Management in Medicine “IARMM General Assembly 2016” jointly with "5th World Congress of Clinical Safety (5WCCS)", 21 23 September 2016, Harvard University Medical School Boston, USA http://www.iarmm.org/5WCCS/(poster)5WCCS_2016.pdf **EUFEPS - European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences 2016 Meeting “Clinical Outcome and Regulatory Approaches for Advanced Drug Delivery Products”, 13-15 June 2016, Istanbul Turkey www.eufepsannualmeeting.org **IHI - Breakthrough Series College, March 29–31, 2016 , Cambridge, MA, USA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/BreakthroughSeriesCollege/March2016BTSCollege/Pages/defa ult.aspx?utm_campaign=BTSC+March+2016&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2329 7166&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8OZ9FlsGQcddH1o-ZNv6O1HroyFhMRkGGNJGguLz6tVMFNzzDnfEnD27lS_AvTGX8l9wNb0ItEXMdDxKH86r4Nb2f1A&_hsmi=23297166 - Patient Safety Executive Development Program March 3-9, 2016 Cambridge, MA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/PatientSafetyExecutive/PatientSafetyExecutiveDevelopmentM arch2016/Pages/default.aspx?utm_campaign=2016+March+PSO&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email &utm_content=23544167&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93OUZyfrSpkxcCiEMBnZJ1H7xK3GHpQESS91qc89pkN1_5QGSKD6EGuewKQ4lmkVym2oaQKK029gb3_Gu-RRumC9EWw&_hsmi=23544167 **National Medicines Symposium 2016 (NMS 2016), 18–20 May 2016, Canberra. “Making wise decisions about medicines, tests and technologies: co-designing policy, practice and priorities” Abstract submission closes: Monday, 29 February 2016 http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/national-medicines-symposium2016-your-chance-to-be-a-part-of-the-program **Australian Disease Management Association 12th Annual National Conference, 20-12 October 2016, Melbourne “Person Centred Healthcare: Achievements & Challenges” Abstract submission closes 27 May 2016 http://www.adma.org.au/images/ConferenceFlyer_2016.pdf **The Laboratory of Innovative Practices on Polypharmacy and Health 3rd International Short Film and Photography Festival, May 2016 The participants' short films and photos should cover one of the following issues: - Primary health care understood as the essential health care accessible to all individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them, with their full participation and at an affordable cost to the community. -Safe, appropriate and prudent use of medicines understood as the absence of unnecessary actual or potential harm associated with medicines use. -Medicalization of life understood as the process by which events of everyday life are converted into health problems; and from that perspective they are addressed and treated by different health professionals. Entries close 30 April 2016 http://polimedicado.org TAG Mail – 2 December 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **AIHW - The health of Australia’s prisoners 2015 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553527 - Australia’s registered health professions workforce http://www.aihw.gov.au/workforce-data/ **ACSHC - Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/atlas/ **TGA - Updates to the list of designated orphan drugs: Alectinib for the treatment of patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small cell lung cancer. Sebelipase Alfa for the treatment of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) deficiency https://www.tga.gov.au/updates-list-designated-orphan-drugs - AusPAR added : Apremilast (OtezlaR) approved for the treatment of signs and symptoms of active psoriatic arthritis in adult patients, and the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-apremilast - AusPAR added: Regorafenib (StivargaR) extension of indication approved, for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) who progressed on or are intolerant to prior treatment with imatinib and sunitinib. https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-regorafenib-0 - AusPAR added: Certolizumab pegol (CimziaR) extension of indication. Approved for rheumatoid arthritis “Cimzia has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of joint damage as measured by Xray, when given in combination with MTX.” https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-certolizumab-pegol-rbe - AusPAR added : Apixaban (Eliquis) extension of indication. Approved for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in adult patients and for the prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adult patients. https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-apixaban-1 - AusPAR added: Anakinra (Kineret) extension of indication. Approved for the treatment of active Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA). Anakinra may be used alone or in combination with DMARDs’. https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-anakinra - AusPAR added: Rifaximin (Xifaxan) extension of indication. Approved for the treatment of adult patients with travellers’ diarrhoea caused by non-invasive enteric bacteria. https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-rifaximin-0 **NPS Medicinewise - Atlas shines a light on healthcare variation http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/atlas-shines-a-light-on-healthcarevariation - Medicinal cannabis: the evidence and the challenges http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/medicinal-cannabis-theevidenceand-the-challenges - National Medicines Symposium 2016 http://www.nps.org.au/about-us/what-we-do/campaigns-events/national-medicinessymposium/nms-2016-making-wise-decisions-about-medicines-tests-and-technologies - NPS Direct - November 2015 http://www.nps.org.au/health-professionals/e-newsletters/nps-direct/2015/november - NPS RADAR December 2015 http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/nps-radar/2015/december-2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **CADTH - Treatment of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema: Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/nov2015/RB0938%20Icatibant%20for%20Angioede ma%20Final.pdf - Bismuth Salts for Gastrointestinal Issues: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/nov2015/RC0720%20Bismuth%20Subsalicylate%20 Final.pdf **FDA - Necitumumab (PortrazzaR) approved to treat patients with advanced (metastatic) squamous nonsmall cell lung cancer (in combination with two forms of chemotherapy) who have not previously received medication specifically for treating their advanced lung cancer. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm474131.htm - FDA approves FluadR, the first seasonal influenza vaccine containing an adjuvant. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm474295.htm - Elotuzumab (EmplicitiR) approved to treat patients with multiple myeloma (in combination with two other therapies) who have received one to three prior medications. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm474684.htm **EMA - Risk minimisation strategy for high-strength and fixed-combination insulin products http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Regulatory_and_procedural_guideline/2015/11/W C500196980.pdf - Good practice guide on recording, coding, reporting and assessment of medication errors http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Regulatory_and_procedural_guideline/2015/11/W C500196979.pdf - Good practice guide on risk minimisation and prevention of medication errors http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Regulatory_and_procedural_guideline/2015/11/W C500196981.pdf **NICE -- Guidance - Dementia, disability and frailty in later life – mid-life approaches to delay or prevent onset http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng16 - Transition between inpatient hospital settings and community or care home settings for adults with social care needs http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng27 MEDICATION SAFETY **TGA - Medicines Safety update volume 6 number 6 December 2015 https://www.tga.gov.au/publication-issue/medicines-safety-update-volume-6-number-6-december2015 **GOV.UK - Drug Safety Update – November 2015 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/drug-safety-update-monthly-newsletter PAPERS OF INTEREST **Australian Journal of Primary Health - Medication-taking behaviour in New South Wales patients with type 2 diabetes: an observational study http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/261/paper/PY14062.htm **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - Proton Pump Inhibitor Associated Hypomagnasaemia - A Cause for Concern? http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12846/abstract - Beating the odds: efficacy and toxicity of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase-driven adaptive dosing of 5-FU in patients with digestive cancer http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12790/abstract - Evidence for the changing regimens of acetylcysteine http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12789/full **BMJ - Methylphenidate for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: Cochrane systematic review with meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses of randomised clinical trials http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5203 **EJHP - Optimal dosing of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and β-blockers for acute coronary syndrome: up-titration remains a challenge http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/11/27/ejhpharm-2015-000783.short?g=w_ejhp_ahead_tab **JAMA Effect of Metformin Added to Insulin on Glycemic Control Among Overweight/Obese Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2473492 **JAMIA The impact of real-time alerting on appropriate prescribing in kidney disease: a cluster randomized controlled trial http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/27/jamia.ocv159 **Journal of Clinical Oncology - Effect of Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor on Prevention and Treatment of Invasive Fungal Disease in Recipients of Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation: A Prospective Multicenter Randomized Phase IV Trial http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/33/34/3999.abstract **Journal for healthcare quality Medication Discrepancies During Transitions of Care: A Comparison Study http://journals.lww.com/jhqonline/Abstract/2015/11000/Medication_Discrepancies_During_Transiti ons_of.1.aspx **Clinics in Geriatric Medicine Long-term Toxicity of Cancer Treatment in Older Patients http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749069015000737 CONSULTATIONS **TGA - Proposed amendments to the poisons standard: Closes 10 December 2015 https://www.tga.gov.au/consultation-invitation/consultation-proposed-amendments-poisonsstandard-acms-meeting-march-2016 OTHER NEWS Nil UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course, 18-29 January, 2016, Mysore, India http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists) ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’, 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria http://www.eahp.eu/congresses **International Association of Risk Management in Medicine “IARMM General Assembly 2016” jointly with "5th World Congress of Clinical Safety (5WCCS)", 21 23 September 2016, Harvard University Medical School Boston, USA http://www.iarmm.org/5WCCS/(poster)5WCCS_2016.pdf **EUFEPS - European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences 2016 Meeting “Clinical Outcome and Regulatory Approaches for Advanced Drug Delivery Products”, 13-15 June 2016, Istanbul Turkey www.eufepsannualmeeting.org **IHI - Breakthrough Series College, March 29–31, 2016 , Cambridge, MA, USA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/BreakthroughSeriesCollege/March2016BTSCollege/Pages/defa ult.aspx?utm_campaign=BTSC+March+2016&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2329 7166&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8OZ9FlsGQcddH1o-ZNv6O1HroyFhMRkGGNJGguLz6tVMFNzzDnfEnD27lS_AvTGX8l9wNb0ItEXMdDxKH86r4Nb2f1A&_hsmi=23297166 - Patient Safety Executive Development Program March 3-9, 2016 Cambridge, MA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/PatientSafetyExecutive/PatientSafetyExecutiveDevelopmentM arch2016/Pages/default.aspx?utm_campaign=2016+March+PSO&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email &utm_content=23544167&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93OUZyfrSpkxcCiEMBnZJ1H7xK3GHpQESS91qc89pkN1_5QGSKD6EGuewKQ4lmkVym2oaQKK029gb3_Gu-RRumC9EWw&_hsmi=23544167 **The Laboratory of Innovative Practices on Polypharmacy and Health 3rd International Short Film and Photography Festival, May 2016 The participants' short films and photos should cover one of the following issues: - Primary health care understood as the essential health care accessible to all individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them, with their full participation and at an affordable cost to the community. -Safe, appropriate and prudent use of medicines understood as the absence of unnecessary actual or potential harm associated with medicines use. -Medicalization of life understood as the process by which events of everyday life are converted into health problems; and from that perspective they are addressed and treated by different health professionals. Entries close 30 April 2016 http://polimedicado.org TAG Mail – 25 November 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **AIHW - Emergency department care 2014-15: Australian hospital statistics http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553619 - Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease—Australian facts: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553629 **NPS Medicinewise - Call for ‘cultural shift’ on antibiotic use http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/call-for-cultural-shift-on-antibioticuse - Medicine schedules & availability http://www.nps.org.au/topics/how-to-be-medicinewise/regulation-clinical-trials/medicineschedules-availability **NSW Health - Annual Report 2014-15 http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/annualreport/Pages/default.aspx **TGA - Updating medicine ingredient names – list of affected ingredients http://www.tga.gov.au/updating-medicine-ingredient-names-list-affected-ingredients - Expert review of medicines and medical devices regulation – second report released http://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/expert-review-medicines-and-medical-devices-regulation - Final decisions and reasons of decisions by a delegate (Medicines) of the Secretary to the Department of Health – November 2015 http://www.tga.gov.au/scheduling-decision-final/final-decisions-and-reasons-decisions-delegatemedicines-secretary-department-health-november-2015 - Submissions and TGA response: cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine and ranitidine: corrected advisory statement for medicines http://www.tga.gov.au/submissions-and-tga-response-cimetidine-famotidine-nizatidine-andranitidine-corrected-advisory-statement-medicines REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **OECD - OECD Reviews of Health Care Quality: Australia 2015 http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/social-issues-migration-health/oecd-reviews-of-health-care-qualityaustralia-2015_9789264233836-en **GOV.UK - Drug Safety Update November 2015 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/476693/pdf_Nov_ 2015.pdf - Sapphire multi-therapy and epidural pumps – update to instructions for use https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/sapphire-multi-therapy-and-epidural-pumps-update-toinstructions-for-use - Viral haemorrhagic fever: ACDP algorithm and guidance on management of patients https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/viral-haemorrhagic-fever-algorithm-and-guidance-onmanagement-of-patients - JCVI statement on HPV vaccination of men who have sex with men https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jcvi-statement-on-hpv-vaccination-of-men-who-havesex-with-men - JCVI interim statement on adult pneumococcal vaccination https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jcvi-interim-statement-on-adult-pneumococcalvaccination - LA-MRSA: information for people who work with livestock https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/la-mrsa-information-for-people-who-work-withlivestock **NICE -- Guidance - Blood transfusion http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng24 - Vortioxetine for treating major depressive episodes http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta367 - Pembrolizumab for advanced melanoma not previously treated with ipilimumab http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta366 - Ombitasvir – paritaprevir – ritonavir with or without dasabuvir for treating chronic hepatitis C http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta365 - Ledipasvir – sofosbuvir for treating chronic hepatitis C http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta363 - Daclatasvir for treating chronic hepatitis C http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta364 - Apremilast for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta368 -- Key points from the evidence - Coronary revascularisation: Cangrelor (ESNM63) http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm63/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence **FDA - Daratumumab (DarzalexR) approved to treat patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least three prior treatments. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm472875.htm - Naloxone Hydrochloride nasal spray (NarcanR) approved. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm473505.htm - Ixazomib (NinlaroR) approved in combination with two other therapies to treat people with multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior therapy. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm473771.htm - Nivolumab (Opdivo) approved to treat patients with advanced (metastatic) renal cell carcinoma http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm473971.htm - New indication for Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (BiothraxR) to prevent disease following suspected or confirmed exposure to Bacillus anthracis http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm474027.htm **EMA - HPV vaccines: EMA confirms evidence does not support that they cause CRPS or POTS http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/11/news_deta il_002436.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 **CADTH - Plerixafor for Patients Failing Stem Cell Mobilization: Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/nov-2015/RA0818%20Plerixafor%20Final.pdf - Sufentanil for Palliative Pain Relief: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/nov-2015/RC0728%20Sufentanil%20Final.pdf **ISMP - Managing hospitalized patients with ambulatory pumps: Findings from an ISMP survey–Part 1 http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=125 ** The Antimicrobial Resistance Review 'Safe, Secure and Controlled: Managing the Supply Chain of Antimicrobials' http://amr-review.org/sites/default/files/SafeSecureandControlledShortPaper.pdf MEDICATION SAFETY **FDA - FDA Drug Safety Communication: Docetaxel may cause symptoms of alcohol intoxication after treatment http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm401752.htm **BNF - Clarity around the new editions of the BNF Publications http://www.bnf.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Clarity-around-the-new-edition-ofBNF-Publications-for-bnf-org.pdf PAPERS OF INTEREST **Am J Cardiovasc Drugs - Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants: New Choices for Patient Management in Atrial Fibrillation http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26055615 **AJHP - Development of an opioid reduction protocol in an emergency department http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/23/2080 - Comparison and alignment of an academic medical center’s strategic goals with ASHP initiatives http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/23/2065 **Annals of Internal Medicine - HIV Salvage Therapy Does Not Require Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors: A Randomized, Controlled TrialHIV Salvage Therapy Does Not Require NRTIs http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2471595 **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - Pharmacological management of anticholinergic delirium - theory, evidence and practice http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12839/abstract **BMC Pulmonary Medicine - Mortality and drug therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a network metaanalysis http://www.be-md.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4642642/ **BMJ Open - Fluoroquinolones and collagen associated severe adverse events: a longitudinal cohort study http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/11/e010077.short?g=w_open_current_tab **BMJ Quality and Safety - Computerised prescribing for safer medication ordering: still a work in progress http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/10/29/bmjqs-2015-004677 - An embedded checklist in the Anesthesia Information Management System improves preanaesthetic induction setup: a randomised controlled trial in a simulation setting http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/11/20/bmjqs-2015004707.short?g=w_qs_ahead_tab **Curr Opin Infect Dis - New Era of Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infection: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26203851 **EJHP - Taking stock: UK national antidote availability increasing, but further improvements are required http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/10/28/ejhpharm-2015000802.short?g=w_ejhp_ahead_tab **European Heart Journal - Correlates of pre-hospital morphine use in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients and its association with in-hospital outcomes and long-term mortality: the FAST-MI (French Registry of Acute ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction) programme http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/16/eurheartj.ehv567.abstract?papetoc **Healthcare Informatics Research Role of Computerized Physician Order Entry Usability in the Reduction of Prescribing Errors http://synapse.koreamed.org/DOIx.php?id=10.4258/hir.2013.19.2.93 ** JAMA - Panretinal Photocoagulation vs Intravitreous Ranibizumab for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2469891 - Effect of Clopidogrel and Aspirin vs Aspirin Alone on Migraine Headaches After Transcatheter Atrial Septal Defect Closure: The CANOA Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2469193 **JAMIA - Medication-indication knowledge bases: a systematic review and critical appraisal http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/6/1261 - Indication-based prescribing prevents wrong-patient medication errors in computerized provider order entry http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/20/3/477 - Overrides of medication-related clinical decision support alerts in outpatients http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/21/3/487 **Journal of Surgical Research - We thought we would be perfect: medication errors before and after the initiation of Computerized Physician Order Entry http://www.journalofsurgicalresearch.com/article/S0022-4804(15)00222-X/pdf **Journal of Internal Medicine - Benefits and risks of antihypertensive medications in the elderly http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joim.12446/full **Lancet - Spironolactone versus placebo, bisoprolol, and doxazosin to determine the optimal treatment for drug-resistant hypertension (PATHWAY-2): a randomised, double-blind, crossover trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)00257-3/abstract CONSULTATIONS **TGA - Proposed amendments to the poisons standard: Closes 10 December 2015 https://www.tga.gov.au/consultation-invitation/consultation-proposed-amendments-poisonsstandard-acms-meeting-march-2016 OTHER NEWS **CEC - Ian O'Rourke Scholarship in Patient Safety http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/about/scholarships#navigation **National survey of palliative care health professionals: The Listen, Acknowledge, Respond (LAR) project has launched its national survey for health care professionals working with people living with advanced chronic and terminal illness. The survey will measure the existing skills and knowledge of primary health, allied health and aged care workers to address mental health issues in those living with dying. The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and will be available from November 2015 to January 2016 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LARbaseline UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) ** Clinical Audit Improvement Conference : Embedding the National Standards into Everyday Practice November - 2 December 2015 , The Grace Hotel Sydney 30 http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/clinical-audit-improvementconference ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) - ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **SHPA - Medicines Management 2015 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course, 18-29 January, 2016, Mysore, India http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists) ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’, 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria http://www.eahp.eu/congresses **International Association of Risk Management in Medicine “IARMM General Assembly 2016” jointly with "5th World Congress of Clinical Safety (5WCCS)", 21 - 23 September 2016, Harvard University Medical School Boston, USA http://www.iarmm.org/5WCCS/(poster)5WCCS_2016.pdf **EUFEPS - European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences 2016 Meeting “Clinical Outcome and Regulatory Approaches for Advanced Drug Delivery Products”, 13-15 June 2016, Istanbul Turkey www.eufepsannualmeeting.org **IHI - Breakthrough Series College, March 29–31, 2016 , Cambridge, MA, USA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/BreakthroughSeriesCollege/March2016BTSCollege/Pages/defa ult.aspx?utm_campaign=BTSC+March+2016&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2329 7166&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8OZ9FlsGQcddH1o-ZNv6O1HroyFhMRkGGNJGguLz6tVMFNzzDnfEnD27lS_AvTGX8l9wNb0ItEXMdDxKH86r4Nb2f1A&_hsmi=23297166 - Patient Safety Executive Development Program March 3-9, 2016 Cambridge, MA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/PatientSafetyExecutive/PatientSafetyExecutiveDevelopmentM arch2016/Pages/default.aspx?utm_campaign=2016+March+PSO&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email &utm_content=23544167&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93OUZyfrSpkxcCiEMBnZJ1H7xK3GHpQESS91qc89pkN1_5QGSKD6EGuewKQ4lmkVym2oaQKK029gb3_Gu-RRumC9EWw&_hsmi=23544167 **The Laboratory of Innovative Practices on Polypharmacy and Health 3rd International Short Film and Photography Festival, May 2016 The participants' short films and photos should cover one of the following issues: - Primary health care understood as the essential health care accessible to all individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them, with their full participation and at an affordable cost to the community. -Safe, appropriate and prudent use of medicines understood as the absence of unnecessary actual or potential harm associated with medicines use. -Medicalization of life understood as the process by which events of everyday life are converted into health problems; and from that perspective they are addressed and treated by different health professionals. Entries close 30 April 2016 http://polimedicado.org TAG Mail – 18 November 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **AIHW - Radiotherapy in Australia: report on a pilot data collection 2013-14 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553437 - Australian hospital peer groups http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553446 **NPS Medicinewise - Antibiotics: Take a bite out of resistance http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/nps-news/2015/antibiotics-for-skininfections - Now is the time to handle antibiotics with care: Antibiotic Awareness Week 2015 http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/now-is-the-time-to-handleantibiotics-with-care-antibiotic-awareness-week-2015 **TGA Submissions and TGA response: Review of cardiovascular safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and safety review of diclofenac. https://www.tga.gov.au/submissions-and-tga-response-review-cardiovascular-safety-non-steroidal-antiinflammatory-drugs-and-safety-review-diclofenac REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **NICE - Menopause: diagnosis and management http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23 - Effects of lithium on kidney, thyroid and parathyroid function https://arms.evidence.nhs.uk/resources/hub/1047939/attachment - Using antipsychotics in pregnancy https://arms.evidence.nhs.uk/resources/hub/1047945/attachment -Integrated Care Clinical Pharmacist for Frail Older People: Case Management and Enhanced Rapid Response http://www.nice.org.uk/sharedlearning/integrated-care-clinical-pharmacist-for-frail-older-peoplecase-management-and-enhanced-rapid-response **AHRQ -Trends in Potentially Preventable Inpatient Hospital Admissions and Emergency Department Visits https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb195-Potentially-Preventable-Hospitalizations.jsp **CADTH - Intravenous Magnesium Sulphate for the Treatment of Pre-Eclampsia and Eclampsia in the PreHospital Setting: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/nov2015/RB0929%20MgSO4%20for%20Eclampsia %20Final.pdf - Concurrent Probiotic and Antibiotic Use for In-Patients: A Review of the Clinical and CostEffectiveness https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/nov2015/RC0727%20Concurrent%20Pro%20and% 20Antibiotic%20Use%20Final.pdf **FDA - Osimertinib (TagrissoR) approved for patients whose tumors have a specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation (T790M) and whose disease has progressed after treatment with other EGFR-blocking therapy. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm472525.htm - Cobimetinib (CotellicR) approved to be used in combination with vemurafenib to treat advanced melanoma http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm471934.htm -Approval of modified antihemophilic factor for hemophilia A http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm472643.htm **NHS - Continuous improvement of patient safety - The case for change in the NHS http://www.health.org.uk/sites/default/files/ContinuousImprovementPatientSafety.pdf -Antimicrobial Stewardship Hub https://www.prescqipp.info/antimicrobial-stewardship/projects/antimicrobialstewardship?utm_source=PrescQIPP%20Bulletin%20List&utm_campaign=b559ff5514PrescQIPP_EAAD_Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_009717c01d-b559ff5514338305081 **National Institute for Health Research - Procalcitonin testing to guide antibiotic therapy for the treatment of sepsis in intensive care settings and for suspected bacterial infection in emergency department settings: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis http://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/volume-19/issue-96#abstract **OECD Health at a Glance 2015 – OECD indicators http://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/social-issues-migration-health/health-at-a-glance-2015_health_glance2015-en **Royal Pharmaceutical Society -Working in GP practice hub http://www.rpharms.com/landing-pages/working-in-gp-practices-hub.asp MEDICATION SAFETY **GOV.UK - Crizotinib (Xalkori): risk of cardiac failure https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/crizotinib-xalkori-risk-of-cardiac-failure - Vemurafefenib (Zelboraf): risk of potentiation of radiation toxicity https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/vemurafenib-zelboraf-risk-of-potentiation-of-radiationtoxicity **FDA - Iodine-containing Contrast Agents for Medical Imaging: Rare cases of underactive thyroid in infants http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/uc m472995.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery - Drug safety labelling changes http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm471840.htm?source=govdelivery&ut m_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery PAPERS OF INTEREST ** Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases - Clinical and radiographic outcome of a treat-to-target strategy using methotrexate and intraarticular glucocorticoids with or without adalimumab induction: a 2-year investigator-initiated, double-blinded, randomised, controlled trial (OPERA) http://ard.bmj.com/content/early/2015/11/07/annrheumdis-2015-208166.long **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - Clinically important drug–drug interactions in poly-treated elderly outpatients: a campaign to improve appropriateness in general practice http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12754/abstract **BMC Medicine -'Trust but verify' - five approaches to ensure safe medical apps http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12916-015-0451-z **BMJ - Maternal vaccination against H1N1 influenza and offspring mortality: population based cohort study and sibling design http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5585 - Stroke and recurrent haemorrhage associated with antithrombotic treatment after gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation: nationwide cohort study http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5876 **BMJ Open - Feedback on SMS reminders to encourage adherence among patients taking antipsychotic medication: a cross-sectional survey nested within a randomised trial http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/11/e008574.short?g=w_open_current_tab - Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists versus standard androgen suppression therapy for advanced prostate cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/11/e008217.short?g=w_open_current_tab -Informed shared decision-making programme on the prevention of myocardial infarction in type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/11/e009116.short?g=w_open_current_tab **BMJ Quality and Safety -The ongoing saga of randomised trials in quality improvement http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/11/05/bmjqs-2015-004862.full.pdf+html **Heart Effective components of nurse-coordinated care to prevent recurrent coronary events: a systematic review and meta-analysis http://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2015/11/13/heartjnl-2015-308050.short?g=w_heart_ahead_tab **JAMA - Early AdministrationBritish Journal of Azithromycin and Prevention of Severe Lower Respiratory Tract Illnesses in Preschool Children with a History of Such Illnesses: A Randomized Clinical TrialPharmacology http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2470445 - Comparative Risk of Anaphylactic Reactions Associated With Intravenous Iron Products http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2470447 -Panretinal Photocoagulation vs Intravitreous Ranibizumab for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2469891 **JAMIA - Rising drug allergy alert overrides in electronic health records: an observational retrospective study of a decade of experience http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/17/jamia.ocv143 - Risks and benefits of speech recognition for clinical documentation http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/17/jamia.ocv152 - The vulnerabilities of computerized physician order entry systems: a qualitative study http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/13/jamia.ocv135 - Effects of health information technology on patient outcomes: a systematic review http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/13/jamia.ocv138 **Journal of Clinical Oncology - Pan Canadian Rash Trial: A Randomized Phase III Trial Evaluating the Impact of a Prophylactic Skin Treatment Regimen on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor–Induced Skin Toxicities in Patients With Metastatic Lung Cancer http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/11/16/JCO.2015.62.3918.abstract **Kidney International -Comparison of low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide with oral mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of lupus nephritis http://www.nature.com/ki/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ki2015318a.html **MJA - General practitioners’ prescribing of lipid-lowering medications for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, 2001–2013 https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/10/general-practitioners-prescribing-lipid-loweringmedications-indigenous-and-non?utm_source=MJA+news+alerts&utm_campaign=4383d04f26MJA_news_vol_203_Issue_10_16_Nov_201511_13_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8c7e7 0a099-4383d04f26-31331781 -Do teleoncology models of care enable safe delivery of chemotherapy in rural towns? https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/10/do-teleoncology-models-care-enable-safe-deliverychemotherapy-rural-towns?utm_source=MJA+news+alerts&utm_campaign=4383d04f26MJA_news_vol_203_Issue_10_16_Nov_201511_13_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8c7e7 0a099-4383d04f26-31331781 -Exploring the value of interprofessional student-led clinics for chronic disease patients https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/10/exploring-value-interprofessional-student-led-clinicschronic-disease-patients?utm_source=MJA+news+alerts&utm_campaign=4383d04f26MJA_news_vol_203_Issue_10_16_Nov_201511_13_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8c7e7 0a099-4383d04f26-31331781 **NEJM - Andexanet Alfa for the Reversal of Factor Xa Inhibitor Activity http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1510991 -A Randomized Trial of Intensive versus Standard Blood-Pressure Control http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1511939 **The Lancet -Effects of intensive blood pressure lowering on cardiovascular and renal outcomes: updated systematic review and meta-analysis http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)00805-3/abstract **UKMi - Hypersalivation – can glycopyrronium be used to treat it? www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/getDocument.aspx?pageId=801437 CONSULTATIONS - TGA: Revised edition of the uniform recall procedure for therapeutic goods. Closes 23 November 2015. http://www.tga.gov.au/consultation/consultation-revised-edition-uniform-recall-proceduretherapeutic-goods -Proposed amendments to the poisons standard Closes 10 December 2015 https://www.tga.gov.au/consultation-invitation/consultation-proposed-amendments-poisonsstandard-acms-meeting-march-2016 OTHER NEWS **BNF - The dosage information for erythromycin in the printed version of BNF 70 and BNF for children (2015-2016) is incorrect. http://www.bnf.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Correction-for-BNF-70-BNFCErythromycin.pdf UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) ** Clinical Audit Improvement Conference : Embedding the National Standards into Everyday Practice November - 2 December 2015 , The Grace Hotel Sydney 30 http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/clinical-audit-improvementconference ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) - ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **SHPA - Medicines Management 2015 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course, 18-29 January, 2016, Mysore, India http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists) ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’, 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria http://www.eahp.eu/congresses **International Association of Risk Management in Medicine “IARMM General Assembly 2016” jointly with "5th World Congress of Clinical Safety (5WCCS)", 21 23 September 2016, Harvard University Medical School Boston, USA http://www.iarmm.org/5WCCS/(poster)5WCCS_2016.pdf **EUFEPS - European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences 2016 Meeting “Clinical Outcome and Regulatory Approaches for Advanced Drug Delivery Products”, 13-15 June 2016, Istanbul Turkey www.eufepsannualmeeting.org **IHI - Breakthrough Series College, March 29–31, 2016 , Cambridge, MA, USA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/BreakthroughSeriesCollege/March2016BTSCollege/Pages/defa ult.aspx?utm_campaign=BTSC+March+2016&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2329 7166&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8OZ9FlsGQcddH1o-ZNv6O1HroyFhMRkGGNJGguLz6tVMFNzzDnfEnD27lS_AvTGX8l9wNb0ItEXMdDxKH86r4Nb2f1A&_hsmi=23297166 - Patient Safety Executive Development Program March 3-9, 2016 Cambridge, MA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/PatientSafetyExecutive/PatientSafetyExecutiveDevelopmentM arch2016/Pages/default.aspx?utm_campaign=2016+March+PSO&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email &utm_content=23544167&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93OUZyfrSpkxcCiEMBnZJ1H7xK3GHpQESS91qc89pkN1_5QGSKD6EGuewKQ4lmkVym2oaQKK029gb3_Gu-RRumC9EWw&_hsmi=23544167 **The Laboratory of Innovative Practices on Polypharmacy and Health 3rd International Short Film and Photography Festival, May 2016 The participants' short films and photos should cover one of the following issues: - Primary health care understood as the essential health care accessible to all individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them, with their full participation and at an affordable cost to the community. -Safe, appropriate and prudent use of medicines understood as the absence of unnecessary actual or potential harm associated with medicines use. -Medicalization of life understood as the process by which events of everyday life are converted into health problems; and from that perspective they are addressed and treated by different health professionals. Entries close 30 April 2016 http://polimedicado.org TAG Mail – 11 November 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **NPS MedicineWise - Managing benzodiazepine dependence in primary care http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/health-newsevidence/2015/benzodiazepine-dependence - Osteoporosis warning: under-recognised and under-treated in Australian men http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/osteoporosis-warning-underrecognised-and-under-treated-in-australian-men **NSW Health - NSW Opioid Treatment Program Clinical Guidelines – Changes Regarding Takeaway Doses http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/ib/2015/IB2015_060.html **AIHW - Radiotherapy in Australia: report on pilot data collection 2013-14 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/ **TGA - New edition of the Poisons Standard - SUSMP No.9 http://www.tga.gov.au/publication/poisons-standard-susmp REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **NICE - Coronary revascularisation: Cangrelor http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm63/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence **GOV.UK - Widening the availability of Naloxone https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/widening-the-availability-of-naloxone **FDA -From our perspective: The importance of the physical characteristics of generic drugs http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/ucm471446.htm -Mepolizumab (NucalaR) approved for use with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of asthma in patients age 12 years and older. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm471031.htm - GenvoyaR (a fixed-dose combination tablet containing elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) approved as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm471300.htm **AHRQ -Hospital-Acquired Conditions Reduced by 17% from 2010 to 2013 http://www.ahrq.gov/news/hac.html - Venous thromboembolism in adults admitted to hospital: reducing the risk. http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=49437 - Australian guidelines for the treatment of acute stress disorder & posttraumatic stress disorder. http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=49219#Section434 - Evaluation of perioperative medication errors and adverse drug events. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/resources/resource/29498/evaluation-of-perioperative-medication-errorsand-adverse-drug-events - "SWARMing" to improve patient care: a novel approach to root cause analysis. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/resources/resource/29489/swarming-to-improve-patient-care-a-novelapproach-to-root-cause-analysis - Two sides of the safety coin? How patient engagement and safety climate jointly affect error occurrence in hospital units. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/resources/resource/29322/two-sides-of-the-safety-coin-how-patientengagement-and-safety-climate-jointly-affect-error-occurrence-in-hospital-units **CADTH - Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sodium-glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors: A Review of the Clinical Evidence https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/nov-2015/RC0719%20SGLT2%20Cardio%20Outcomes%20Final.pdf - Tramadol Plus Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) for the Management of Pain in Adult Patients: Clinical Effectiveness https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/nov2015/RB0927%20Tramacet%20for%20Geriatric%20Patients%20Final.pdf **EMA - Review concludes evidence does not support that HPV vaccines cause CRPS or POTS http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/11/news_deta il_002429.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - EMA releases guidance on methods to be used in the design and conduct of post authorisation efficacy studies http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/11/news_deta il_002430.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 **MHRA - MHRA is working with industry to make the packaging of medicines used in Alzheimer’s disease more user-friendly https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-is-working-with-industry-to-make-the-packaging-ofmedicines-used-in-alzheimers-disease-more-user-friendly MEDICATION SAFETY **TGA - Safety Review of Andrographis paniculata and anaphylactic/allergic reactions http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/safety-review-andrographis-paniculata-and-anaphylacticallergicreactions - Counterfeit Medicines and Medical Devices http://www.tga.gov.au/counterfeit-medicines-and-medical-devices **ISMP - Key vulnerabilities in the surgical environment: Container mix-ups and syringe swaps http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=123 - Warning: Don’t confuse idarucizumab with IDArubicin http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=124 **FDA Clopidogrel Drug Safety Communication - Long-term Treatment Does Not Change Risk of Death http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/uc m471531.htm PAPERS OF INTEREST **BMC Health Services Research - Actions following adverse drug events – how do these influence uptake and utilisation of newer and/or similar medications? http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/15/498 **Cochrane - Safety of topical corticosteroids in pregnancy http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007346.pub3 **JAMIA - A method for systematic discovery of adverse drug events from clinical notes http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/6/1196 - Recommendations to improve the usability of drug-drug interaction clinical decision support alerts http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/6/1243 - Medication-indication knowledge bases: a systematic review and critical appraisal http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/6/1261 **Lancet - Prophylactic antibiotics after acute stroke for reducing pneumonia in patients with dysphagia (STROKE-INF): a prospective, cluster-randomised, open-label, masked endpoint, controlled clinical trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)00126-9/abstract **NEJM - A Randomized Trial of Intensive versus Standard Blood-Pressure Control http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1511939?query=featured_home **American Journal Health-System Pharmacists - Empagliflozin: A sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor for treatment of type 2 diabetes http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/22/1943 - Acetylcysteine for treatment of autism spectrum disorder symptoms http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/22/1956 - Major publications in the critical care pharmacotherapy literature: January–December 2014 http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/22/1974 - Achieving blood pressure control among renal transplant recipients by integrating electronic health technology and clinical pharmacy services http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/22/1987 **Annals of Internal Medicine - Sofosbuvir With Velpatasvir in Treatment-Naive Noncirrhotic Patients With Genotype 1 to 6 Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Randomized Trial http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2468806 - Sofosbuvir Plus Velpatasvir Combination Therapy for Treatment-Experienced Patients With Genotype 1 or 3 Hepatitis C Virus Infection http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2468807 **BMJ - Examining variations in prescribing safety in UK general practice: cross sectional study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5501 ** BMJ Open - Bad apples or spoiled barrels? Multilevel modelling analysis of variation in high-risk prescribing in Scotland between general practitioners and between the practices they work in http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/11/e008270.short?g=w_open_current_tab - Ranolazine for the treatment of chronic stable angina: a cost-effectiveness analysis from the UK perspective http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/11/e008861.short?g=w_open_current_tab **Journal of Clinical Oncology - Impact of Precision Medicine in Diverse Cancers: A Meta-Analysis of Phase II Clinical Trials http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/33/32/3817.abstract **Arthritis and Rheumatology - 2015 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.39480/abstract **BMJ Quality and Safety - The prevalence of medical error related to end-of-life communication in Canadian hospitals: results of a multicentre observational study http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/11/08/bmjqs-2015004567.short?g=w_qs_ahead_tab **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - Which non-technical skills do junior doctors require to prescribe safely? A systematic review http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12735/abstract - Activated charcoal for acute overdose: a reappraisal http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12793/full - A systematic review of the emerging definition of ‘deprescribing’ with network analysis: implications for future research and clinical practice. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12732/abstract **Circulation - Varenicline for Smoking Cessation in Hospitalised Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/11/07/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.019634.abstract CONSULTATIONS - TGA: Revised edition of the uniform recall procedure for therapeutic goods. Closes 23 November 2015. http://www.tga.gov.au/consultation/consultation-revised-edition-uniform-recall-proceduretherapeutic-goods OTHER NEWS **Frusemide 40mg/4mL shortage: Sanofi anticipate an impending shortage for Frusemide (Lasix) 40mg/4mL injection due to an unforseen manufacturing issue that has delayed their next shipment. Be advised that this is only a short term OOS as Sanofi expect a full return to normal supply at the distributor level by mid-December 15. **Toujeo Toujeo™ product familiarisation program– a new formulation of insulin glargine PFP participation extends into the community as GPs and Private Endocrinologists will also be able to register suitable patients. Initial awareness materials available to assist nursing/medical staff to distinguish Lantus™ from Touejo™. (Contact NSW TAG for tools; also see email discussion) ** EviQ - Oral Antineoplastic Drugs: Education module for Community Pharmacists now available online. Useful for all pharmacists whether community or hospital-based. This module will provide information on: General principles in cancer treatment Handling oral antineoplastic drugs and related wastes Oral antineoplastic prescriptions and protocols Adverse effects and supportive therapies Drug interactions Patient education https://www.eviq.org.au - Translated downloadable fact sheets for community pharmacists now available. These provide information on chemotherapy safety at home, common questions about chemotherapy, and how to manage a range of side effects during cancer treatments. https://www.eviq.org.au/PatientInformationSheetsTranslated.aspx UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **The Centre of Research Excellence in Patient Safety (Monash University) - Quality improvement: Measurable and Immeasurable, challenges for the Generalist" seminar Friday 13th November, Melbourne. http://www.med.monash.edu.au/assets/docs/creps/2015/2015qigeneralistflyer-nov20.pdf **ACSQHC - Handle antibiotics with care: Antibiotic Awareness Week 16-22 November 2015 http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/media_releases/24156 ** Clinical Audit Improvement Conference : Embedding the National Standards into Everyday Practice November - 2 December 2015 , The Grace Hotel Sydney 30 http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/clinical-audit-improvement-conference ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) - ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’ 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **SHPA - Medicines Management 2015 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course 18-29 January, 2016, Mysore, India http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists) ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria http://www.eahp.eu/congresses **International Association of Risk Management in Medicine “IARMM General Assembly 2016” jointly with "5th World Congress of Clinical Safety (5WCCS)" 21 - 23 September 2016, Harvard University Medical School Boston, USA http://www.iarmm.org/5WCCS/(poster)5WCCS_2016.pdf **EUFEPS - European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences 2016 Meeting “Clinical Outcome and Regulatory Approaches for Advanced Drug Delivery Products” 13-15 June 2016, Istanbul Turkey www.eufepsannualmeeting.org **IHI - Breakthrough Series College March 29–31, 2016 , Cambridge, MA, USA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/BreakthroughSeriesCollege/March2016BTSCollege/Pages/defa ult.aspx?utm_campaign=BTSC+March+2016&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=2329 7166&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8OZ9FlsGQcddH1o-ZNv6O1HroyFhMRkGGNJGguLz6tVMFNzzDnfEnD27lS_AvTGX8l9wNb0ItEXMdDxKH86r4Nb2f1A&_hsmi=23297166 - PATIENT SAFETY EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM March 3-9, 2016 Cambridge, MA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/PatientSafetyExecutive/PatientSafetyExecutiveDevelopmentM arch2016/Pages/default.aspx?utm_campaign=2016+March+PSO&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email &utm_content=23544167&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93OUZyfrSpkxcCiEMBnZJ1H7xK3GHpQESS91qc89pkN1_5QGSKD6EGuewKQ4lmkVym2oaQKK029gb3_Gu-RRumC9EWw&_hsmi=23544167 **The Laboratory of Innovative Practices on Polypharmacy and Health 3rd International Short Film and Photography Festival, May 2016 Anyone over 18 years old may participate. The participants' short films and photos should cover one of the following issues: - Primary health care understood as the essential health care accessible to all individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them, with their full participation and at an affordable cost to the community. -Safe, appropriate and prudent use of medicines understood as the absence of unnecessary actual or potential harm associated with medicines use. -Medicalization of life understood as the process by which events of everyday life are converted into health problems; and from that perspective they are addressed and treated by different health professionals. Entries close 30 April 2016 http://polimedicado.org TAG Mail – 4 November 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **AIHW - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework 2014 - New South Wales, Northern Territory, and Victoria http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553306 - National key performance indicators for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care: results from December 2014 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553390 **TGA - Ampicillin and Amoxycillin Injection – Information regarding expected return of supply http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/ampicillin-injection-and-amoxycillin-injection-medicine-shortages - Medical Devices Safety Update, Volume 3, Number 6, November 2015 https://www.tga.gov.au/publication-issue/medical-devices-safety-update-volume-3-number-6-november-2015 - ausPAR added: ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) genotype 1 infection in adults. http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-ledipasvir-sofosbuvir REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **Cochrane - Interventions for preventing postpartum constipation http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011625.pub2/full - Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011448.pub2/full - Ketamine and other glutamate receptor modulators for depression in adults http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011612.pub2/full - Ketamine and other glutamate receptor modulators for depression in bipolar disorder in adults http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011611.pub2/full - Glycerin laxatives for prevention or treatment of feeding intolerance in very low birth weight infants http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010464.pub2/full - Gonadotrophins for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010290.pub2/full - Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a network metaanalysis http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011381.pub2/full - Interventions for heartburn in pregnancy http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011379.pub2/full **GOV.UK - All batches of Marcain Polyamp Steripack 0.5% (bupivacaine hydrochloride) – error on carton and ampoule label about administration https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/all-batches-of-marcain-polyamp-steripack-0-5-bupivacainehydrochloride-error-on-carton-and-ampoule-label-about-administration **NICE - Idelasib for treating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta359 - Paclitaxel as albumin-bound nanoparticles in combination with gemcitabine for previously untreated metastic pancreatic cancer http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta360 - Coronary revascularisation: Cangrelor http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm63/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence **Prescrire in English Newsletter November 2015 -New products, Adverse effects, reviews, Outlook http://english.prescrire.org/en/SummaryDetail.aspx?Issueid=165 -"Adaptive licensing" or "adaptive pathways" http://english.prescrire.org/en/79/207/46302/4548/4089/SubReportDetails.aspx **FDA - FDA approves ipilimumab (YervoyR) as adjuvant therapy for patients with stage III melanoma, to lower the risk that the melanoma will return following surgery. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm469944.htm - FDA approves talimogene laherparepvec (ImlygicR), an oncolytic virus therapy, for the treatment of melanoma lesions in the skin and lymph nodes. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm469571.htm **EMA - EPAR added: isavuconazole (Cresemba) for patients with invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. For mucormycosis, isavuconazole is used when amphotericin B is inappropriate. http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR__Summary_for_the_public/human/002734/ WC500196131.pdf **CADTH - Use of Antipsychotics and/or Benzodiazepines as Rapid Tranquilization in In-Patients of Mental Facilities and Emergency Departments: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/oct2015/RC0718%20Antipsychotics%20for%20rapid%20tran q%20Final.pdf **Health Canada - Health Product InfoWatch October 2015 http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/bulletin/hpiw-ivps_2015-10-eng.php#a2.1 **Health and Social Care Information Centre - Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) - 2014-15 http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB18887 MEDICATION SAFETY **TGA - Safety advisory: Longue jambe frères (Brother long legs) tablets contain undeclared sildenafil http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/longue-jambe-freres-brother-long-legs-tablets - Safety advisory: BASCHI quick slimming capsules contain undeclared sibutramine http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/baschi-quick-slimming-capsules - Hazard alert: Risk of liver abscess with EndoBarrier duodenal-jejunal bypass liner http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/endobarrier-duodenal-jejunal-bypass-liner-delivery-system **FDA - Auvi-Q (epinephrine injection, USP): Recall - Potential Inaccurate Dosage Delivery http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm470010. htm **Health Canada - Safety information for antipsychotic drug Abilify and risk of certain impulse-control behaviours http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2015/55668a-eng.php PAPERS OF INTEREST **American Heart Journal - A systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between quality of hospital care and readmission rates in patients with heart failure http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002870315004494 **Annals of Internal Medicine - Evaluation of Patients with Suspected Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Best Practice Advice from the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians Evaluation of Patients With Suspected Acute Pulmonary Embolism http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2443959 **BMJ - Liraglutide in people treated for type 2 diabetes with multiple daily insulin injections: randomised clinical trial (MDI Liraglutide trial) http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5364 - Is researching adverse events in hospital deaths a good way to describe patient safety in hospitals: a retrospective patient record review study http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/7/e007380.abstract **BMJ Quality and Safety - Tall Man lettering and potential prescription errors: a time series analysis of 42 children's hospitals in the USA over 9 years http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/11/03/bmjqs-2015-004562.abstract - Why evaluate ‘common sense’ quality and safety interventions? http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/10/07/bmjqs-2015-004755 **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - Incidence and risk of severe infections associated with aflibercept in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12758/abstract - Calcium channel and beta-blocker antagonist antidotes and adjunct therapies http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12763/full - Pharmacological treatment of organophosphorus insecticide poisoning: the old and the (possible) new http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12784/full - Does celecoxib improve the efficacy of chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer? http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12757/abstract - Classifying ADRs – does dose matter http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12749/abstract **Circulation - Eligibility and Disqualification Recommendations for Competitive Athletes with Cardiovascular Abnormalities: Task Force 7: Aortic Diseases, Including Marfan Syndrome: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/11/02/CIR.0000000000000247.full.pdf%20html **EJHP - Therapeutic enquiries about biological agents as a tool to identify safety aspects and patterns of use http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/10/28/ejhpharm-2015-000770.abstract -Medication reconciliation of patients with hip fracture by clinical pharmacists http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/11/02/ejhpharm-2015-000741.abstract ** European Heart Journal - Efficacy of losartan vs. atenolol for the prevention of aortic dilation in Marfan syndrome: a randomized clinical trial http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/10/29/eurheartj.ehv575 - 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/36/41/2793.full?etoc **Hypertension - Cost-Effectiveness of a Physician–Pharmacist Collaboration Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure Control http://hyper.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/11/02/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.06023.abstract?papetoc **International Journal of Clinical Practice - Medication reconciliation at admission and discharge: an analysis of prevalence and associated risk factors http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijcp.12701/abstract;jsessionid=6705E0DBC19038C38B614113DC9C 11E4.f04t04 **JAMA - Efavirenz-Based Antiretroviral Therapy Among Nevirapine-Exposed HIV-Infected Children in South Africa: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2467551 **JAMA Internal Medicine - Association of Off-Label Drug Use and Adverse Drug Events in an Adult Population http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2467782 - Contamination of Health Care Personnel during Removal of Personal Protective Equipment http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2457400 **Journal of Clinical Oncology - Obesity, Aspirin, and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Carriers of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Investigation in the CAPP2 Study http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/33/31/3591.abstract - Adjuvant Imatinib for High-Risk GI Stromal Tumor: Analysis of a Randomised Trial http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/10/26/JCO.2015.62.9170.abstract - Antiemetics: American Society of Clinical Oncology Focused Guideline Update http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/10/26/JCO.2015.64.3635.abstract ** Lancet - Osteogenesis imperfecta http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)00728-X/abstract **Lancet Psychiatry - Effect of age, family history of diabetes, and antipsychotic drug treatment on risk of diabetes in people with psychosis: a population-based cross-sectional study http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221503661500276X - Long-term effect of lithium maintenance therapy on estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with affective disorders: a population-based cohort study http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215036615003168 **Osteoporosis Int - Treatment of osteoporosis after alendronate or risedronate http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00198-015-3334-4 **Pediatrics - Prescription Opioids in Adolescence and Future Opioid Misuse http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/5/e1169 **UKMi - Drug-induced hypersalivation - what treatment options are available? www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/GetDocument.aspx?pageid=801724 CONSULTATIONS - TGA: Revised edition of the uniform recall procedure for therapeutic goods. Closes 23 November 2015. http://www.tga.gov.au/consultation/consultation-revised-edition-uniform-recall-procedure-therapeutic-goods OTHER NEWS ** Medication Shortage Notification - Prostin E2 (dinoprostone) Vaginal Gel UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **The Centre of Research Excellence in Patient Safety (Monash University) - Quality improvement: Measurable and Immeasurable, challenges for the Generalist" seminar Friday 13th November Melbourne. http://www.med.monash.edu.au/assets/docs/creps/2015/2015qigeneralistflyer-nov20.pdf **ACSQHC - Handle antibiotics with care: Antibiotic Awareness Week 16-22 November 2015 http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/media_releases/24156 ** Clinical Audit Improvement Conference : Embedding the National Standards into Everyday Practice November - 2 December 2015 The Grace Hotel Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/clinical-audit-improvement-conference ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting 28 November- 2 December 2015 Hobart Abstract submission deadline: Friday 11 September 2015. http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ 30 **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) - ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’ 1-4 December 2015 Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **SHPA - Medicines Management 2015 3-6 December 2015 Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course 18-29 January, 2016 Mysore, India Applications due by 1st October 2015. http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists) ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ 16-18 March 2016 Vienna, Austria http://www.eahp.eu/congresses **International Association of Risk Management in Medicine “IARMM General Assembly 2016” jointly with "5th World Congress of Clinical Safety (5WCCS)" 21 - 23 September 2016 Harvard University Medical School Boston Massachusetts, USA http://www.iarmm.org/5WCCS/(poster)5WCCS_2016.pdf **EUFEPS - European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences 2016 Meeting “Clinical Outcome and Regulatory Approaches for Advanced Drug Delivery Products” 13-15 June 2016 Istanbul Turkey www.eufepsannualmeeting.org **IHI - Breakthrough Series College March 29–31, 2016 Cambridge, MA http://www.ihi.org/education/InPersonTraining/BreakthroughSeriesCollege/March2016BTSCollege/Pages/d efault.aspx?utm_campaign=BTSC+March+2016&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content= 23297166&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8OZ9FlsGQcddH1o-ZNv6O1HroyFhMRkGGNJGguLz6tVMFNzzDnfEnD27lS_AvTGX8l9wNb0ItEXMdDxKH86r4Nb2f1A&_hsmi=23297166 **The Laboratory of Innovative Practices on Polypharmacy and Health 3rd International Short Film and Photography Festival, May 2016 Anyone over 18 years old may participate. The participants' short films and photos should cover one of the following issues: - Primary health care understood as the essential health care accessible to all individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them, with their full participation and at an affordable cost to the community. -Safe, appropriate and prudent use of medicines understood as the absence of unnecessary actual or potential harm associated with medicines use. -Medicalization of life understood as the process by which events of everyday life are converted into health problems; and from that perspective they are addressed and treated by different health professionals. First prize € 1500 Second prize € 1000 The Audience Award € 500 Award for Best Photograph € 250 Award for Best Photograph 250 € (Public) Entries close 30 April 2016 http://polimedicado.org/wp-login.php?action=register TAG Mail – 28 October 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA ** AIHW -Breast cancer in young women: key facts about breast cancer in women in their 20s and 30s http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553359 **NPS MedicineWise -Choosing Wisely Australia Update http://www.elabs12.com/functions/message_view.html?mid=908725&mlid=20420&siteid=2012000746&uid=8 ea55ec8a2&hq_e=el&hq_m=908725&hq_l=1&hq_v=8ea55ec8a2 **TGA - Recall Update: Children’s medicines supplied in bottles that may be faulty – multiple brands. Additional products affected: - Amcal children’s paracetamol elixir for 1 to 5 years; Amcal children’s paracetamol suspension for 6 to 12 years; - Amcal ibuprofen suspension for children and Amcal cetirizine oral solution http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/amcal-childrens-paracetamol-ibuprofen-cetirizine-oral-solution-products - Guardian children’s paracetamol elixir for 1 to 5 years http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/guardian-childrens-paracetamol-elixir-1-5-years - Pharmacy Care ibuprofen suspension for children and Pharmacy Care cetirizine oral solution http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/pharmacy-care-ibuprofen-suspension-children-and-pharmacy-care-cetirizine-oralsolution - ausPAR added: Etanercept (EnbrelR) extension of indication for treatment of adults with active nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis with objective signs of inflammation, as indicated by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence, who have had an inadequate response to NSAIDs. http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-etanercept-1 - ausPAR added: Secukinumab (Cosentyx / Zafrez) for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or photo therapy http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-secukinumab - ausPAR added: Sevelamer carbonate (RenvelaR, Sevelamer Carbonate Winthrop, Sevelamer Carbonate Sanofi) for the management of hyperphosphataemia in adult patients with Stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease. http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-sevelamer-carbonate - ausPAR added: Carglumic acid (CabagluR) for the treatment of hyperammonaemia due to N-acetylglutamate synthase primary deficiency, and organic acidaemias such as isovaleric acidaemia, methymalonic acidaemia and propionic acidaemia http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-carglumic-acid - Addition to the designated orphan drug list: Equine Antithymocyte Immunoglobulin (ATGAMR) for the treatment of aplastic anaemia http://www.tga.gov.au/orphan-drugs#orphan-710610 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **AHRQ - A prospective controlled trial of an electronic hand hygiene reminder system https://psnet.ahrq.gov/resources/resource/29359/a-prospective-controlled-trial-of-an-electronic-handhygiene-reminder-system - Use of a human factors classification framework to identify causal factors for medication and medical devicerelated adverse clinical incidents https://psnet.ahrq.gov/resources/resource/29281/use-of-a-human-factors-classification-framework-toidentify-causal-factors-for-medication-and-medical-device-related-adverse-clinical-incidents -Transitional Care Interventions To Prevent Readmissions for People With Heart Failure http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/search-for-guides-reviews-andreports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productID=2134 -Psychosocial and Pharmacologic Interventions for Disruptive Behavior in Children and Adolescents http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/search-for-guides-reviews-andreports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productID=2133 **EMA -Updated advice on body fat changes and lactic acidosis with HIV medicines http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/10/news_detail_002419 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - Recommendation to authorise talimogene laherparepvec (Imlygic R) for the treatment of adults with unresectable melanoma that is regionally or distantly metastatic (Stage IIIB, IIIC and IVM1a) with no bone, brain, lung or other visceral disease http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Summary_of_opinion__Initial_authorisation/human/002771/WC500195907.pdf **FDA - Orphan drug designation granted: Irinotecan liposome injection (Onivyde) in combination with fluorouracil and leucovorin, to treat patients with advanced (metastatic) pancreatic cancer who have been previously treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm468654.htm - Trabectedin (YondelisR) approved for the treatment of patients with unresectable or advanced (metastatic) liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma, previously treated with an anthracycline. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm468832.htm - Asfotase alfa (StrensiqR) approved for treatment of patients with perinatal, infantile and juvenile-onset hypophosphatasia (HPP). http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm468836.htm - Coagulation Factor X (Human), CoagadexR approved for patients with hereditary Factor X (10) deficiency http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm468038.htm - Patiromer (Veltassa) oral powder for solution, approved for the treatment of hyperkalemia. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/2015/205739Orig1s000ltr.pdf **ISMP - Trissel had it right: Re-emphasis on pharmaceutics testing needed http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=122 ** London Medicines Evaluation Network - Answers to commonly asked questions about biosimilar versions of insulin glargine http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/en/Communities/NHS/SPS-E-and-SE-England/LNDG/London-WideReviews/Answers-to-commonly-asked-questions-about-biosimilar-versions-of-insulin-glargine/ **NHS Evidence - What naloxone doses should be used in adults to reverse urgently the effects of opioids or opiates? http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/Search?q=%22What+naloxone+doses+should+be+used+in+adults+to+reverse+urg ently+the+effects+of+opioids+or+opiates%22 **Review on Antimicrobial Resistance - Rapid diagnostics: Stopping Unnecessary Use Of Antibiotics http://amr-review.org/sites/default/files/Paper-Rapid-Diagnostics-Stopping-Unnecessary-Prescription-LowRes.pdf **SIGN - SIGN Guideline Development Programme Autumn 2015 http://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/development/index.html **NICE - Type 1 diabetes mellitus in adults: high-strength insulin glargine 300 units/ml (Toujeo) http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm62/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence - Orthostatic hypotension due to autonomic dysfunction: midrdrine http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm61/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence -NICE Quality Standard QS102 Bipolar disorder, psychosis and schizophrenia in children and young people https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs102 **UK Medicines Information In use product safety assessment report for toujeo® and abasaglar http://www.ukmi.nhs.uk/filestore/ukmiaps/InsulinglarginesOct-2015_1.pdf MEDICATION SAFETY **BNF and BNFC Update http://pharmaceuticalpress.cmail2.com/t/ViewEmail/y/058DD72C6A2F21F2/0E4E62F199F26CAF9E794568BD2 14575 **Cochrane - Safety of topical corticosteroids in pregnancy http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007346.pub3 **Health Quality and Safety Commission NZ - Medication Safety Watch http://www.hqsc.govt.nz/assets/Medication-Safety/Watch-Updates/Medication-Safety-Watch-15-October2015.pdf **FDA - FDA requires drug interaction studies with potassium-lowering drug sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm468035.htm - FDA warns that hepatitis C treatments Viekira Pak (fixed-dose combination of dasabuvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir used with or without ribavirin) and Technivie (a fixed-dose combination of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, used in combination with ribavirin) can cause serious liver injury mostly in patients with underlying advanced liver disease. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm468634.htm -Entacapone: FDA Review Found No Increased Cardiovascular Risks http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm469162. htm **EMA - Updated advice on body fat changes and lactic acidosis with HIV medicines http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/10/news_detail_002419 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - Updated recommendations to minimise the risk of the rare brain infection PML with dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/10/news_detail_002423 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - Recommendation for additional measures to prevent use of mycophenolate in pregnancy http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/10/news_detail_002418 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - Suspension of dibotermin alfa (Inductos) in the EU http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/10/news_detail_002422 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 **Health Canada - Strontium health products: New restrictions to address possible heart and circulatory-related risks http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2015/55524a-eng.php **NHS England: Patient Safety Alert Support to minimise the risk of distress and detah from inappropriate doses of naloxone https://www.cas.dh.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=102378 PAPERS OF INTEREST **Age and Ageing -Cognition and mortality in older people: the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study http://ageing.oxfordjournals.org/content/44/6/1049.abstract?etoc -Predictive performance of four frailty measures in an older Australian population http://ageing.oxfordjournals.org/content/44/6/967.abstract **AJHP - Evaluation of a bedside scoring system for predicting clinical cure and recurrence of Clostridium difficile infections http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/21/1871 - Nivolumab for second-line treatment of metastatic squamous non-small-cell lung cancer http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/21/1851.abstract?etoc **BMC Health Services Research -The influence of context on the effectiveness of hospital quality improvement strategies: a review of systematic reviews http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12913-015-0906-0 **BMJ - The risk of fall and fracture with the initiation of a prostate-selective α antagonist: a population based cohort study http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5398 **BMJ Open - Comparative safety and effectiveness of long-acting inhaled agents for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/10/e009183.short?g=w_open_current_tab -Impact of provision of cardiovascular disease risk estimates to healthcare professionals and patients: a systematic review http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/10/e008717.short?g=w_open_current_tab -Multimorbidity in elderly hospitalised patients and risk of Clostridium difficile infection: a retrospective study with the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/10/e009316.short?g=w_open_current_tab **BMJ Quality and Safety -How to build up the actionable knowledge base: the role of ‘best fit’ framework synthesis for studies of improvement in healthcare. http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/24/11/700.full.pdf+html **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - Pharmacological treatment of acquired QT prolongation and torsades de pointes http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12726/abstract -Pharmacokinetics in neonatal prescribing: evidence base, paradigms and the future http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12741/abstract **Circulation -Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibition A New Therapeutic Mechanism for Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/132/17/1648.abstract **European Heart Journal - Morphine delays and attenuates ticagrelor exposure and action in patients with myocardial infarction: the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled IMPRESSION trial http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/10/20/eurheartj.ehv547 ** European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy -Drug information leaflets improve parental knowledge of their child's treatment at paediatric emergency department discharge http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/10/26/ejhpharm-2015-000776.abstract -Medicines wastage evaluation and prescription management in homecare medicines in Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/6/369.abstract -Potential benefit of repeated MDI inhalation technique counselling for patients with asthma http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/6/318.abstract **Internal Medicine Journal - Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome treated with the complement inhibitor eculizumab: the experience of the Australian compassionate access cohort http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1111/imj.12864/ **International Journal for Quality in Health Care -Predictors and outcomes of unplanned readmission to a different hospital http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzv082 **JAMA Intern Med - Rates of Deintensification of Blood Pressure and Glycemic Medication Treatment Based on Levels of Control and Life Expectancy in Older Patients With Diabetes Mellitus http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2466632 - Appropriate Prescribing for Patients With Diabetes at High Risk for Hypoglycemia-National Survey of Veterans Affairs Health Care Professionals http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2466631 **JAMA Neurology -Treatment and Outcome of Thrombolysis-Related Hemorrhage: A Multicenter Retrospective Study http://archneur.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2464103 **NEJM - A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1 **PLOS ONE - Access to Orphan Drugs: A Comprehensive Review of Legislations, Regulations and Policies in 35 Countries http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0140002 **The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology -Ramipril versus placebo in kidney transplant patients with proteinuria: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(15)00368-X/abstract -Management of advanced medullary thyroid cancer http://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/landia/PIIS2213-8587(15)00337-X.pdf **The Lancet Psychiatry -Anorexia nervosa: aetiology, assessment, and treatment http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(15)00356-9/abstract **Therap Drug Monit. -Pharmacogenetic biomarkers predictive of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of immunosuppressive drugs http://journals.lww.com/drugmonitoring/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=9000&issue=00000&article=99224&type=abstract **Thorax -Efficacy and safety of long-acting β-agonist/long-acting muscarinic antagonist combinations in COPD: a network meta-analysis http://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2015/10/21/thoraxjnl-2014-206732.abstract CONSULTATIONS - TGA: Revised edition of the uniform recall procedure for therapeutic goods. Closes 23 November 2015. http://www.tga.gov.au/consultation/consultation-revised-edition-uniform-recall-procedure-therapeutic-goods OTHER NEWS ** CIAP Survey Following continuing requests from NSW Health clinicians, CIAP is investigating a state-wide licence for UpToDate Anywhere. Your feedback to assess the value of UpToDate in terms of content, authoritativeness and relevance to the NSW Health setting is sought through a short survey running in October. Benefits of a state-wide subscription to UpToDate include stability and equity of access from multiple locations and devices. Responses to the survey will remain confidential. The survey will be available on the CIAP website until 30 October. **Medstopper – a parody of the Beatles song Da y Tripper https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XXMcDtOO7NI UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **CEC - 2015 NSW Rural Health & Research Congress, Armidale, 4 - 6 November 2015 https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=129216& **The Centre of Research Excellence in Patient Safety (Monash University) Quality improvement: Measurable and Immeasurable, challenges for the Generalist" seminar, Friday 13th November, Melbourne. http://www.med.monash.edu.au/assets/docs/creps/2015/2015qigeneralistflyer-nov20.pdf **ACSQHC - Handle antibiotics with care: Antibiotic Awareness Week , 16-22 November 2015 http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/media_releases/24156 ** Clinical Audit Improvement Conference : Embedding the National Standards into Everyday Practice November - 2 December 2015, The Grace Hotel Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/clinical-audit-improvement-conference ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting, 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart Abstract submission deadline: Friday 11 September 2015. http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ 30 **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) - ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **SHPA - Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course, Mysore, India, 18-29 January, 2016. Applications due by 1st October 2015. http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists), 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria. ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ http://www.eahp.eu/congresses **International Association of Risk Management in Medicine “IARMM General Assembly 2016” jointly with "5th World Congress of Clinical Safety (5WCCS)" 21 - 23 September 2016, Harvard University Medical School Boston, Massachusetts, USA http://www.iarmm.org/5WCCS/(poster)5WCCS_2016.pdf TAG Mail – 21 October 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **NPS Medicinewise - NPS Direct October 2015 http://www.nps.org.au/health-professionals/e-newsletters/nps-direct/2015/october ** TGA - AIVC recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccine for Australia in 2016 https://www.tga.gov.au/aivc-recommendations-composition-influenza-vaccine-australia-2016 **AIHW - Deaths data http://www.aihw.gov.au/deaths/ - Prevalence of type 1 diabetes among children aged 0-14 in Australia 2013 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553224 - Elective surgery waiting times 2014-15: Australian hospital statistics http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129553174 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **FDA - FDA approves first Factor X concentrate to treat patients with rare hereditary bleeding disorder http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm468038.htm - FDA approves idarucizumab (PraxbindR), the first reversal agent for the anticoagulant dagibatran (Pradaxa R) http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm467300.htm **CADTH - Long-term Nabilone Use: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness and Safety https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/oct-2015/RC0715%20Longterm%20Nabilone%20Use%20Final.pdf **SIGN - Patient education booklets: --Depression http://www.sign.ac.uk/patients/publications/114/index.html --Schizophrenia http://www.sign.ac.uk/patients/publications/131/index.html **OECD - Antimicrobial Resistance in G7 Countries and Beyond: Economic Issues, Policies and Options for Action http://www.oecd.org/health/health-systems/antimicrobial-resistance.htm **The Commonwealth Fund - U.S. Health Care from a Global Perspective: Spending, Use of Services, Prices, and Health in 13 Countries http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2015/oct/us-health-care-from-a-globalperspective **The King’s Fund - Measuring the performance of local health systems – a review for the Department of Health http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/articles/measuring-performance-local-health-systems MEDICATION SAFETY **GOV.UK - Mirabegron (Betmiga): risk of severe hypertension and associated cerebrovascular and cardiac events https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/mirabegron-betmiga-risk-of-severe-hypertension-and-associatedcerebrovascular-and-cardiac-events - Drug Safety Update October 2015 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/467949/Drug_Safety_Update _-_October_2015_pdf.pdf **UKMi - In use product safety assessment report for Toujeo and Abasaglar (insulin glargines) http://www.ukmi.nhs.uk/filestore/ukmiaps/InsulinglarginesOct-2015_1.pdf **FDA - Acetaminophen Tablets by Medline Industries: Recall - Mislabeling with Incorrect Strength http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm467076. htm PAPERS OF INTEREST **JAMA - Naproxen With Cyclobenzaprine, Oxycodone/Acetaminophen, or Placebo for Treating Acute Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2463257 **JAMA Intern Med - Treatment of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2422066 - Effect of Discontinuation of Antihypertensive Treatment in Elderly People on Cognitive Functioning—the DANTE Study Leiden: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2429535 **Pediatrics - Dexamethasone Therapy for Septic Arthritis in Children http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/4/e776.abstract - Implementation of a Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Weaning Protocol: A Multicenter Cohort Study http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/4/e803.abstract - Reasons for Rehospitalization in Children Who Had Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/4/e811.abstract **NEJM - Emergency Department Visits for Adverse Events Related to Dietary Supplements http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1504267?query=featured_home#t=abstract **The Lancet Neurology - Prolonged-release oxycodone–naloxone for treatment of severe pain in patients with Parkinson's disease (PANDA): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(15)00243-4/abstract **Cochrane - Adverse events associated with single dose oral analgesics for acute postoperative pain in adults - an overview of Cochrane reviews http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011407.pub2 - Additional behavioural support as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009670.pub3 **JAMIA - Associations between healthcare quality and use of electronic health record functions in ambulatory care http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/4/864 **BMJ - Impact of proton pump inhibitor treatment on gastrointestinal bleeding associated with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug use among post-myocardial infarction patients taking antithrombotics: nationwide study http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5096 **BMJ Quality and Safety - Underlying risk factors for prescribing errors in long-term aged care: a qualitative study http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/10/14/bmjqs-2015-004589.short?g=w_qs_ahead_tab - Differing perceptions of safety culture across job roles in the ambulatory setting: analysis of the AHRQ Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/10/14/bmjqs-2014-003914.short?g=w_qs_ahead_tab ** Circulation - Sex Disparities in Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Pharmacologic Treatment Initiation and Adherence http://circoutcomes.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/10/13/CIRCOUTCOMES.115.001987.abstract **The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology - Allergy immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis effectively prevents asthma: Results from a large retrospective cohort study http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(15)01101-X/abstract ** Journal of Clinical Oncology - Role of Chemoradiotherapy in Elderly Patients With Limited-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/10/19/JCO.2015.62.4270.abstract CONSULTATIONS **ACSQHC Version 2 of the NSQHS Standards http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/accreditation-and-the-nsqhs-standards/currentconsultations/#Version-2-of-the-NSQHS-Standards OTHER NEWS ** CIAP Survey Following continuing requests from NSW Health clinicians, CIAP is investigating a state-wide licence for UpToDate Anywhere. Your feedback to assess the value of UpToDate in terms of content, authoritativeness and relevance to the NSW Health setting is sought through a short survey running in October. Benefits of a state-wide subscription to UpToDate include stability and equity of access from multiple locations and devices. Responses to the survey will remain confidential. The survey will be available on the CIAP website until 30 October. UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 **CEC - 2015 NSW Rural Health & Research Congress, Armidale, 4 - 6 November 2015 https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=129216& **The Centre of Research Excellence in Patient Safety (Monash University) Quality improvement: Measurable and Immeasurable, challenges for the Generalist" seminar, Friday 13th November, Melbourne. http://www.med.monash.edu.au/assets/docs/creps/2015/2015qigeneralistflyer-nov20.pdf **ACSQHC - Handle antibiotics with care: Antibiotic Awareness Week , 16-22 November 2015 http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/media_releases/24156 ** Clinical Audit Improvement Conference : Embedding the National Standards into Everyday Practice 30 November - 2 December 2015, The Grace Hotel Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/clinical-audit-improvement-conference ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting, 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart Abstract submission deadline: Friday 11 September 2015. http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) - ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **SHPA - Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course, Mysore, India, 18-29 January, 2016. Applications due by 1st October 2015. http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists), 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria. ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ http://www.eahp.eu/congresses **International Association of Risk Management in Medicine “IARMM General Assembly 2016” jointly with "5th World Congress of Clinical Safety (5WCCS)" 21 - 23 September 2016, Harvard University Medical School Boston, Massachusetts, USA http://www.iarmm.org/5WCCS/(poster)5WCCS_2016.pdf TAG Mail – 14 October 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **NPS Medicinewise - Be Medicinewise Week 2015: Too many medicines mistakes in children. Jimmy Rees launches Be Medicinewise Week http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/too-many-medicines-mistakes-in-childrenjimmy-rees-launches-be-medicinewise-week **NSW Health - Infants and children: Initial Management of Fever/Suspected Sepsis in Oncology/Transplant Patients http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/gl/2015/GL2015_013.html ** TGA Orphan drug added: Methoxsalen for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following allogeneic HSC transplantation http://www.tga.gov.au/orphan-drugs#orphan-710215 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **GOV.UK - Shingles: questions and answers for healthcare professionals https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vaccination-against-shingles-for-adults-qas-for-healthcareprofessionals **NICE - Pembrolizumab for treating advanced melanoma after disease progression with ipilimumab http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta357 - Orthostatic hypotension due to autonomic dysfunction: midodrine http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm61/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence - Type 1 diabetes mellitus in adults: high-strength insulin glargine 300 units/ml http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm62/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence **EMA - EPAR added: Guanfacine (IntunivR) for treatment of ADHD in children http://www.ema.europa.eu:80/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/medicines/003759/human_med_ 001910.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058001d124 **CADTH - Ondansetron for gastroenteritis: clinical effectiveness and guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/ondansetron-gastroenteritis-clinical-effectiveness-and-guidelines ** Academy of Medical Science - Use of neuraminidase inhibitors in influenza http://www.acmedsci.ac.uk/snip/uploads/561595082cd83.pdf MEDICATION SAFETY **Reformulation of Frusemide (Lasix) 10mg/mL Oral Solution 30mL contains 10% ethanol. Previous formulation had approx. 0.04% ethanol. **Astra Zeneca Marcain 0.5% Spinal Heavy solution: in response to the increased number of case reports of incomplete/failed spinal blocks with the Astra Zeneca Marcain 0.5% Spinal Heavy solution, the TGA is now monitoring the situation. The TGA should be notified if unsatisfactory spinal blocks are experienced with this product. http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems **TGA - Recall Update - Children's medicines supplied in bottles that may be faulty – additional products affected https://www.tga.gov.au/alert/childrens-medicines-supplied-bottles-may-be-faulty-multiple-brands - Products containing andrographis paniculata – risk of allergic reactions http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/products-containing-andrographis-paniculata **FDA - Recall of All Lots of Rhino 7 3000 and Rhino 7 Platinum 3000 Capsules due to Undeclared Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm466502.htm - Drug Safety Labelling Changes – September 2015 http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm465836.htm **ISMP - Severe harm and death associated with errors and drug interactions involving low-dose methotrexate http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=121 ** All Wales Medicines Strategy Group - Guidance to support the safe use of long-term oral bisphosphonate therapy http://www.awmsg.org/docs/awmsg/medman/Guidance%20to%20Support%20the%20Safe%20Use%20of%20L ong-term%20Oral%20Bisphosphonate%20Therapy.pdf **UKMi - Is topical glyceryl trinitrate for anal fissure compatible with breastfeeding? PAPERS OF INTEREST **MJA - Safety of opioid patch initiation in Australian residential aged care https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/7/safety-opioid-patch-initiation-australian-residential-aged-care - Trends and characteristics of accidental and intentional codeine overdose deaths in Australia https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/7/trends-and-characteristics-accidental-and-intentional-codeineoverdose-deaths ** Annals of Internal Medicine - Effects on Clinical Outcomes of Adding Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors Versus Sulfonylureas to Metformin Therapy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2456123 ** British Journal of Psychiatry - Incidence of antipsychotic use in relation to diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease among community-dwelling persons http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/early/2015/09/10/bjp.bp.114.162834 **Circulation - Drug-Coated Balloon Versus Standard Balloon for Superficial Femoral Artery In-Stent Restenosis: The Randomized Femoral Artery In-Stent Restenosis (FAIR) Trial http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/10/07/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.017364.abstract ** EJHP - Reducing the degree of colonisation of venous access catheters by continuous passive disinfection http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/10/11/ejhpharm-2015000732.short?g=w_ejhp_ahead_tab **JAMA - Effect of a Buffered Crystalloid Solution vs Saline on Acute Kidney Injury Among Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: The SPLIT Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2454911 **JAMA Neurology - Association of Vitamin D Levels With Multiple Sclerosis Activity and Progression in Patients Receiving Interferon Beta-1b http://archneur.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2451334 **The Lancet - Erythropoietin in traumatic brain injury (EPO-TBI): a double-blind randomised controlled trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)00386-4/abstract **The Lancet Psychiatry - Long-term effect of lithium maintenance therapy on estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with affective disorders: a population-based cohort study http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(15)00316-8/abstract **Paediatrics - Nebulized Hypertonic Saline for Acute Bronchiolitis: A Systematic Review http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/4/687 CONSULTATIONS **ACSQHC Version 2 of the NSQHS Standards http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/accreditation-and-the-nsqhs-standards/currentconsultations/#Version-2-of-the-NSQHS-Standards OTHER NEWS ** CIAP Survey Following continuing requests from NSW Health clinicians, CIAP is investigating a state-wide licence for UpToDate Anywhere. Your feedback to assess the value of UpToDate in terms of content, authoritativeness and relevance to the NSW Health setting is sought through a short survey running in October. Benefits of a state-wide subscription to UpToDate include stability and equity of access from multiple locations and devices. Responses to the survey will remain confidential. The survey will be available on the CIAP website until 30 October. UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **Cancer Institute NSW -2015 Innovations in Cancer Treatment and Care Conference, 15 October 2015 http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/events/i/2015-innovations-in-cancer-treatment-and-care-conference **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 **CEC - 2015 NSW Rural Health & Research Congress, Armidale, 4 - 6 November 2015 https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=129216& **ACSQHC - Handle antibiotics with care: Antibiotic Awareness Week , 16-22 November 2015 http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/media_releases/24156 ** Clinical Audit Improvement Conference : Embedding the National Standards into Everyday Practice November - 2 December 2015, The Grace Hotel Sydney 30 http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/clinical-audit-improvement-conference ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting, 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart Abstract submission deadline: Friday 11 September 2015. http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) - ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **SHPA - Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course, Mysore, India, 18-29 January, 2016. Applications due by 1st October 2015. http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists), 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria. ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ http://www.eahp.eu/congresses TAG Mail – 7 October 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **AIHW - Leading cause of premature mortality in Australia fact sheets http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129552722 -Trends in methylamphetamine availability, use and treatment, 2003–04 to 2013–14 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129552818 **NPS MedicineWise - Changes to the National Cervical Screening Program http://www.nps.org.au/publications/consumer/medicine-update/2015/national-cervical-screening-programchanges - Drugs of addiction – reform and the future http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/drugs-of-addiction-reform-and-the-future - Osteoporosis: preventing bone fractures http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/nps-news/2015/osteoporosis ** TGA -Proposal for re-scheduling of codeine products – interim decision and call for submissions http://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/proposal-re-scheduling-codeine-products - Reasons for the scheduling delegate’s interim decision and invitation for further comment for the ACMS October 2015 http://www.tga.gov.au/scheduling-decision-interim/reasons-scheduling-delegates-interim-decision-andinvitation-further-comment-acms-october-2015 ** Public Health Research and Practice - Using Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data for pharmacoepidemiological research: challenges and approaches http://www.phrp.com.au/issues/september-2015-volume-25-issue-4/using-australian-pharmaceutical-benefitsscheme-data-for-pharmacoepidemiological-research-challenges-and-approaches/ REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **AHRQ - Preventing Hospital-Acquired Venous Thromboembolism: A Guide for Effective Quality Improvement http://www.ahrq.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg/professionals/quality-patient-safety/patient-safetyresources/resources/vtguide/vteguide.pdf **CADTH - Antibiotic Impregnated Cement for Primary Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Review of the Clinical and CostEffectiveness https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/sep2015/RC0702%20Antibiotic%20Impregnated%20Cement %20Final.pdf **EMA - EPAR added: Ceftolozane/tazobactam (ZerbaxaR) for complicated bacterial infections. http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR__Summary_for_the_public/human/003772/ WC500194597.pdf - EPAR added: Ferric citrate coordination complex (FexericR) to control hyperphosphataemia. http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR__Summary_for_the_public/human/003776/ WC500194874.pdf - EPAR added: Sufentil sublingual tablets (ZalvisoR) for post- operative pain control http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR__Summary_for_the_public/human/002784/ WC500194967.pdf **FDA - FDA approves pembrolizumab (KeytrudaR) for advanced non-small cell lung cancer http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm465444.htm - FDA approves an expanded indication for the OptuneR device to treat patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (as adjunct therapy with temozolomide). http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm465744.htm - FDA approves IV aripiprazole lauroxil (AristadaR) to treat schizophrenia http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm465801.htm **NICE - Orthostatic hypotension due to autonomic dysfunction: midodrine http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm61/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence ** Therapeutics Initiative - Antipsychotics should not be used for non-psychotic depression http://ti.ubc.ca/sites/ti.ubc.ca/files/95.pdf **WHO - Guideline on when to start antiretroviral therapy and on pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/186275/1/9789241509565_eng.pdf?ua=1 MEDICATION SAFETY **UK GOV Deaths linked to consumption of DNP (2,4-dinitrophenol) in slimming aids and body building products https://www.cas.dh.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=102373 **TGA - Ustekinumab (StelaraR) and serious skin conditions http://www.tga.gov.au/publication-issue/medicines-safety-update-volume-6-number-5-october2015#ustekinumab - Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and diabetic ketoacidosis http://www.tga.gov.au/publication-issue/medicines-safety-update-volume-6-number-5-october-2015#sodium - Safety review- Codeine use in children and ultra-rapid metabolisers http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/safety-review-codeine-use-children-and-ultra-rapid-metabolisers **CEC - Medication Safety and Quality Newsletter – September 2015 http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/285008/MSQ-Connect-NewsletterSeptember-2015.pdf **HQSCNZ - South Island DHBs Collaborate to Reduce Opioid-Related Harm http://www.sialliance.health.nz/CDF_ModuleNews/Display/Details/164?NewsSetId=32&PageId=22806 PAPERS OF INTEREST ** Annals of Internal Medicine Cumulative Incidence of Cancer Among Persons With HIV in North America: A Cohort Study http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2450214 **BMC Health Services Research - Understanding nurses' and physicians' fear of repercussions for reporting errors: clinician characteristics, organization demographics, or leadership factors? http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/15/326 ** British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - Use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and the heart rate corrected QT interval in a real-life setting: the population-based Rotterdam Study http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12681/abstract - Pregnancy outcome after TNF-α inhibitor therapy during the first trimester: a prospective multicentre cohort study http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12642/abstract - Social media and pharmacovigilance: A review of the opportunities and challenges http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12717/full - Adverse drug reactions in special populations – the elderly http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12596/full - Adverse drug reactions in neonates and infants: a population-tailored approach is needed http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12430/abstract **BMJ - Association between guideline recommended drugs and death in older adults with multiple chronic conditions: population based cohort study http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4984 **Cochrane - Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a network metaanalysis http://www.cochrane.org/CD011381/MS_immunomodulators-and-immunosuppressants-relapsing-remittingmultiple-sclerosis-network-meta-analysis **EJHP - Pharmacist transcribing of drug histories to drug charts: a UK study http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/09/30/ejhpharm-2015-000665.short?g=w_ejhp_ahead_tab - Person-centred pharmaceutical care reduces emergency readmissions http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/10/01/ejhpharm-2015-000736.short?g=w_ejhp_ahead_tab **European Heart Journal - Efficacy and safety of ticagrelor for long-term secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events in relation to renal function: insights from the PEGASUS-TIMI 54 trial http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/10/05/eurheartj.ehv482 ** Internal Medicine Journal - Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome treated with the complement inhibitor eculizumab: the experience of the Australian compassionate access cohort http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1111/imj.12864/ - Pre-treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.12818/abstract - Ipilimumab-induced hypophysitis in melanoma patients: an Australian case series http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.12819/abstract - Managing a nosocomial outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: an early Australian hospital experience http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.12863/abstract **Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety - A Medical Resident–Pharmacist Collaboration Improves the Rate of Medication Reconciliation Verification at Discharge http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jcaho/jcjqs/2015/00000041/00000010/art00004 **JAMA Intern Med - Treatment of Vitamin D Insufficiency in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2422066 - Effect of Discontinuation of Antihypertensive Treatment in Elderly People on Cognitive Functioning—the DANTE Study Leiden: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2429535 **JAMA Oncology - Intermittent vs Continuous Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis http://oncology.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2436836 **Lancet - Adjuvant bisphosphonate treatment in early breast cancer: meta-analyses of individual patient data from randomised trials http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)60908-4/fulltext - Aromatase inhibitors versus tamoxifen in early breast cancer: patient-level meta-analysis of the randomised trials http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)61074-1/fulltext **MJA - Safety of opioid patch initiation in Australian residential aged care https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/7/safety-opioid-patch-initiation-australian-residential-aged-care - Trends and characteristics of accidental and intentional codeine overdose deaths in Australia https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/7/trends-and-characteristics-accidental-and-intentional-codeineoverdose-deaths - Catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy resulting in life-threatening funnel-web spider envenoming https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/7/catecholamine-induced-cardiomyopathy-resulting-lifethreatening-funnel-web-spider **NEJM - Acetaminophen for Fever in Critically Ill Patients with Suspected Infection http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1508375?query=featured_home CONSULTATIONS **ACSQHC Version 2 of the NSQHS Standards http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/accreditation-and-the-nsqhs-standards/currentconsultations/#Version-2-of-the-NSQHS-Standards ** TGA - Reasons for the scheduling delegate’s interim decision and invitation for further comment for the ACMS October 2015 (closes 15 October 2015) http://www.tga.gov.au/scheduling-decision-interim/reasons-scheduling-delegates-interim-decision-andinvitation-further-comment-acms-october-2015 - Consultation – cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine and ranitidine: Corrected advisory statement for medicines (closes 29 October 2015) http://www.tga.gov.au/consultation-cimetidine-famotidine-nizatidine-and-ranitidine-corrected-advisorystatement-medicines OTHER NEWS Nil UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **Cancer Institute NSW -2015 Innovations in Cancer Treatment and Care Conference, 15 October 2015 http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/events/i/2015-innovations-in-cancer-treatment-and-care-conference **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 **CEC - 2015 NSW Rural Health & Research Congress, Armidale, 4 - 6 November 2015 https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=129216& **ACSQHC - Handle antibiotics with care: Antibiotic Awareness Week , 16-22 November 2015 http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/media_releases/24156 ** Clinical Audit Improvement Conference : Embedding the National Standards into Everyday Practice November - 2 December 2015, The Grace Hotel Sydney 30 http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/clinical-audit-improvement-conference ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting, 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart Abstract submission deadline: Friday 11 September 2015. http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) - ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **SHPA - Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course, Mysore, India, 18-29 January, 2016. Applications due by 1st October 2015. http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists), 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria. ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ http://www.eahp.eu/congresses TAG Mail – 1 October 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **AIHW -BreastScreen Australia monitoring report 2012-2013 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129552866 **Bureau of Health Information -Healthcare in Focus 2014: How does NSW compare? http://www.bhi.nsw.gov.au/publications/annual_performance_report_series/healthcare_in_focus_2014 -The Insights Series: Healthcare performance across the life span, Volume 1, Utilisation and experiences of care of people aged 55 years and over http://www.bhi.nsw.gov.au/publications/the_insights_series/healthcare_performance_across_the_life_span_v olume_1 **NSW Health - Changes to Section 100 co-payments in NSW http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/ib/2015/IB2015_058.html - HealthStats NSW: Privacy Issues and the Reporting of Small Numbers http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/hsnsw/Pages/privacy-small-numbers.aspx **NPS MedicineWise - Now is the time for a national conversation about appropriate healthcare http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/now-is-the-time-for-a-national-conversationabout-appropriate-health-care - Fit for surgery: managing iron deficiency http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/health-news-evidence/2015/iron-deficiency-andsurgery **TGA - Recall: Ircal and Refresh Night Time eye ointments – potential for particle contamination http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/ircal-and-refresh-night-time-eye-ointments REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **AHRQ -Patient Safety Primer on High-Reliability Organisations http://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer.aspx?primerid=31 **Centre for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy - The State of the World's Antibiotics, 2015 http://cddep.org/publications/state_worlds_antibiotics_2015 **Health Canada - Becton-Dickinson - Disposable Syringes and Reduced Drug Potency Issues http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2015/55044a-eng.php **York Health Economics consortium/School f Pharmacy, University of London -Evaluation of the Scale, Causes and Costs of Waste Medicines: Final Report http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1350234/1/Evaluation_of_NHS_Medicines_Waste__web_publication_version.pdf ** FDA - FDA approves two new drug treatments for diabetes mellitus: Tresiba (insulin degludec injection) and Ryzodeg 70/30 (insulin degludec/insulin aspart injection). http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm464321.htm **EMA - EPAR added: asfotase alfa (Strensiq) to treat patients with hypophosphatasia http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/medicines/003794/human_med_00 1901.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058001d124 - Carfilzomib (Kyprolis) recommended under accelerated assessment for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/09/news_detail_002400 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 -Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) – New medicine to treat heart failure recommended for approval http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/09/news_detail_002401 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - EMA fast-tracks antidote: Idarucizumab (PraxbindTM) to reverse anticoagulant effect of dabigatran in lifethreatening or emergency situations. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/09/news_detail_002399 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 ** National Institute for Health Research -The Clots in Legs Or sTockings after Stroke (CLOTS) 3 trial: a randomised controlled trial to determine whether or not intermittent pneumatic compression reduces the risk of post-stroke deep vein thrombosis and to estimate its cost-effectiveness http://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/volume-19/issue-76#abstract ** UK Gov - Enteral syringe pumps P500, P700 and P900 – recall due to invalid CE marking https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/enteral-syringe-pumps-p500-p700-and-p900-recall-due-to-invalid-cemarking - Drug misuse and dependence: UK guidelines on clinical management https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/drug-misuse-and-dependence-uk-guidelines-on-clinicalmanagement **NICE - Edoxaban for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta355 - Ruxolitinib for treating polythaemia vera (terminated appraisal) http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta356 - Cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid modification http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs100 - Excessive daytime sleepiness in Parkinson’s disease: modafinil http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esuom48/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence MEDICATION SAFETY **ISMP - Avoid using the error-prone abbreviation, TPA http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=120 - QuarterWatch™ 2014 Annual Report :Signals for TNF blocking agents, anticoagulants, Lipitor, growth hormone http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=119 **Health Canada -Fingolomid: product monograph update to include new safety information on the risk of skin cancer, as well as a rare brain infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2015/55160a-eng.php PAPERS OF INTEREST **Annals of Internal Medicine -Content, Consistency, and Quality of Black Box Warnings: Time for a Change http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2443960 **BMJ - Use of HLA-B*58:01 genotyping to prevent allopurinol induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions in Taiwan: national prospective cohort study http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4848 -Calcium intake and bone mineral density: systematic review and meta-analysis http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4183 -Calcium intake and risk of fracture: systematic review http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4580 -Producing better evidence on how to improve randomised controlled trials http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4923 **BMJ Open -Cost-effectiveness and budget impact of empirical vitamin D therapy on unintentional falls in older adults in the UK http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/9/e007910.short?g=w_open_current_tab **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology -The impact of pharmaceutical care interventions for medication underuse in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12657/abstract -Statins are associated with a reduced risk of cholangiocarcinoma: a population-based case–control study http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12641/abstract -Special themed issue: Adverse Drug reactions http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.v80.4/issuetoc ** Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes -Improving Anticoagulation Measurement: Novel Warfarin Composite Measure http://circoutcomes.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/09/29/CIRCOUTCOMES.115.001789.abstract **Current Opinion Cardiology -The role of antiplatelet therapy in patients with peripheral artery disease and lower extremity peripheral artery revascularization http://journals.lww.com/cocardiology/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2015&issue=09000&article=00011&type=abstract ** European Heart Journal -Efficacy of Antiarrhythmic Drugs Short-Term Use After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation (EAST-AF) trial http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/09/27/eurheartj.ehv501.abstract -Atrial fibrillation in heart failure: what should we do? http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/ehj/early/2015/09/28/eurheartj.ehv513.full.pdf **Heart Vessels -Antiplatelet therapy in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: does it improve cardiovascular outcomes during index event http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00380-015-0729-2 **Journal of the American College of Cardiology -Usual Blood Pressure and Risk of New-Onset Diabetes: Evidence From 4.1 Million Adults and a Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109715046951 **J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry -Antipsychotic medications for the treatment of delirium: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/09/04/jnnp-2015-311049.abstract CONSULTATIONS **ACSQHC Version 2 of the NSQHS Standards http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/accreditation-and-the-nsqhs-standards/currentconsultations/#Version-2-of-the-NSQHS-Standards OTHER NEWS Dr Jenny Curnow, President of the Australasian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ASTH) has encouraged use of ASTH resources which can be obtained by emailing [email protected] UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **AHRQ - Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research conference, 4–6 October, 2015, Crystal City, Virginia USA Health care research and policy sessions on improving quality, safety, access and value in health care http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/conference/index.html **ISQUA - Building Quality and Safety into the Healthcare System, 4-7 October 2015, Doha, Qatar. http://www.isqua.org/conference/doha-2015/registration-2015?utm_source=Conference++Registration+Open+-+March+2015&utm_campaign=Conference+-+Reg+Open++March+2015&utm_medium=email **Cancer Institute NSW -2015 Innovations in Cancer Treatment and Care Conference, 15 October 2015 http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au/events/i/2015-innovations-in-cancer-treatment-and-care-conference **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 **CEC - 2015 NSW Rural Health & Research Congress, Armidale, 4 - 6 November 2015 https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=129216& **ACSQHC - Handle antibiotics with care: Antibiotic Awareness Week ,16-22 November 2015 http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/media_releases/24156 ** Clinical Audit Improvement Conference : Embedding the National Standards into Everyday Practice 30 November - 2 December 2015, The Grace Hotel Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/clinical-audit-improvement-conference ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting, 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart Abstract submission deadline: Friday 11 September 2015. http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) - ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **SHPA - Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO Collaborating Centre for International Drug Monitoring) and JSS University, Asia Pacific Pharmacovigilance Training Course, Mysore, India, 18-29 January, 2016. Applications due by 1st October 2015. http://jsspharma.org/sites/default/files/downloads/Asia_Pacific_Pharmacovigilance.pdf **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists), 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria. ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ http://www.eahp.eu/congresses TAG Mail 16 September 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **AIHW Tobacco Indicators Baseline Data: Reporting under the National Tobacco Strategy 2012-2018 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129552715 **Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) - An update and presentations from the Medication Reconciliation Workshop - 14 August 2015 http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/programs/continuity-of-medication-management/medicationreconciliation-workshop#navigation **NPS MedicineWise - Pharmacists – need to catch up on CPD? http://www.nps.org.au/media-centre/media-releases/repository/pharmacists-need-to-catch-up-on-cpd - Fit for surgery: managing iron deficiency http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/health-news-evidence/2015/iron-deficiency-andsurgery - Kids, CT scans and radiation risks: resources for everyone http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/health-news-evidence/2015/kids-ct-scans-andradiation-risks **NSW Health - Data collections – Disclosure of Unit Record Data for Research or Management of Health Services http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2015/PD2015_037.html - Privacy Management Plan http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2015/PD2015_036.html **TGA - Submissions received: Draft OTC medicine monographs for bromhexine hydrochloride; dextromethorphan hydrobromide; docusate sodium and/or sennosides; hand sanitisers https://www.tga.gov.au/submissions-received-draft-otc-medicine-monographs-bromhexine-hydrochloridedextromethorphan-hydrobromide-laxatives-docusate-sodium-andor-sennosides-hand-sanitisers REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL ** AHA -Infective Endocarditis in Adults: Diagnosis, Antimicrobial Therapy, and Management of Complications: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/09/15/CIR.0000000000000296.abstract -Infective Endocarditis in Childhood: 2015 Update: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/09/15/CIR.0000000000000298 **AHRQ - Utilising pharmacy students in transitions-of-care services http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29308 **CADTH - Fondaparinux versus Enoxaparin for Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Review of the Comparative Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness https://www.cadth.ca/fondaparinux-vs-enoxaparin-acute-coronary-syndromes **Cochrane -Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists for the prevention of shivering following general anaesthesia http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011107.pub2/full -Blood pressure lowering efficacy of dual alpha and beta blockers for primary hypertension http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007449.pub2/full -Combined oral contraceptives: the risk of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011054.pub2/full -Immunosuppressants for the prophylaxis of corneal graft rejection after penetrating keratoplasty http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007603.pub2/full **EMA - EPAR added: Panobinostat (FarydakR) for multiple myeloma http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR__Summary_for_the_public/human/003725/ WC500193301.pdf **International Pharmaceutical Federation - From Basel to Bangkok - updating FIP Statements on Future of Hospital Pharmacy http://fip.org/files/fip/FIP_BASEL_STATEMENTS_ON_THE_FUTURE_OF_HOSPITAL_PHARMACY_2015.pdf **NICE Draft Guidance -Gastric cancer (metastatic) - ramucirumab (after chemotherapy) http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-tag500/consultation/gastric-cancer-metastaticramucirumab-after-chemotherapy-id741-appraisal-consultation -Multiple myeloma - panobinostat (post 1 prior therapy) http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-tag477/consultation/multiple-myeloma-panobinostatpost-1-prior-therapy-id663-appraisal-consultation **National Institutes of Health -Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial http://www.nih.gov/news/health/sep2015/nhlbi-11.htm MEDICATION SAFETY **AHRQ - Examining the attitudes of hospital pharmacists to reporting medication safety incidents using the theory of planned behaviour http://psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29195 -Patient Safety primers-High reliability organisations http://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer.aspx?primerID=31 **FDA - Drug safety labelling changes http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm460662.htm - Canagliflozin (InvokanaR): Bone fracture risk and decreased bone mineral density http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm461876. htm - FDA modifies monitoring for neutropenia associated with schizophrenia medicine clozapine http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm461853.htm PAPERS OF INTEREST ** Arthritis and Rheumatology - Opioid use and risk of non-vertebral fractures in adults with rheumatoid arthritis: A nested case-control study using administrative databases http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.39422/abstract **AJHP - Safety and efficacy of intranasally administered medications in the emergency department and prehospital settings http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/18/1544.abstract **Annals of Internal Medicine -The Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC): Results From a Multispecialty Panel Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2436759 **Circulation -Drug Therapy for Heart Valve Diseases http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/132/11/1038.extract **EJHP - Implementation of automated dispensing cabinets for management of medical devices in an intensive care unit: organisational and financial impact http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/09/08/ejhpharm-2014-000604.abstract **JAMA Internal Medicine -Mediterranean Diet and Invasive Breast Cancer Risk Among Women at High Cardiovascular Risk in the PREDIMED Trial: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2434738 -Diarrhea With Clostridium difficile–Positive Stool—Trick or Treat http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2434739 **JAMA Neurology -Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes of Necrotizing Autoimmune Myopathy http://archneur.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2398134 **Journal of Clinical Oncology -Fulvestrant 500 mg Versus Anastrozole 1 mg for the First-Line Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer: Overall Survival Analysis From the Phase II FIRST Study http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/09/14/JCO.2015.61.5831.abstract -Improving Prospects for Targeting RAS http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/09/14/JCO.2015.62.1052.abstract -Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor–Associated Cardiovascular Toxicity in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/09/14/JCO.2015.62.4718.abstract **NEJM - Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Epilepsy http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1407304?query=featured_home - Bivalirudin or Unfractionated Heparin in Acute Coronary Syndromes http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1507854 - Cyclosporine before PCI in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1505489 **The Lancet - Arsenic trioxide and all-trans retinoic acid treatment for acute promyelocytic leukaemia in all risk groups (AML17): results of a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(15)00193-X/abstract - Protease inhibitor monotherapy for long-term management of HIV infection: a randomised, controlled, openlabel, non-inferiority trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhiv/article/PIIS2352-3018(15)00176-9/abstract -Ofatumumab maintenance versus observation in relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (PROLONG): an open-label, multicentre, randomised phase 3 study http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(15)00143-6/abstract -Long-term effects of lifestyle intervention or metformin on diabetes development and microvascular complications over 15-year follow-up: the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study http://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(15)00291-0/abstract CONSULTATIONS **ACSQHC Consultation of the draft version 2 of the NSQHS Standards: TAG and TAGNet members are welcome and encouraged to provide comments to NSW TAG for TAG’s submission. Please email [email protected] with feedback. Further information is at: http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/accreditation-and-the-nsqhsstandards/current-consultations/#Version-2-of-the-NSQHS-Standards OTHER NEWS Dr Jenny Curnow, President of the Australasian Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ASTH) has encouraged use of ASTH resources which can be obtained by emailing [email protected] TAG Mail 9 September 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **AIHW - Acute kidney injury in Australia: a first national snapshot http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129552569 **TGA - ausPAR added: Insulin glargine http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-insulin-glargine - Recall: APO Paracetamol 500mg tablets potential for contamination with latex http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/apo-paracetamol-500-mg-tablets - CTN scheme: New online form http://www.tga.gov.au/clinical-trials REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **EMA - EPAR added: Sonidegib (Odomzo) for basal cell carcinoma http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR__Summary_for_the_public/human/002839/ WC500192969.pdf **FDA - New drug approval: Varubi (rolapitant) for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm460838.htm - New orphan drug: Xuriden (uridine triacetate) for patients with hereditary orotic aciduria. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm457867.htm **GOV.UK - Proton pump inhibitors: very low risk of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/proton-pump-inhibitors-very-low-risk-of-subacute-cutaneous-lupuserythematosus - Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine: update on managing risk of misuse in the UK https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/pseudoephedrine-and-ephedrine-update-on-managing-risk-of-misusein-the-uk - Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales – 2014 Registrations https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/deaths-related-to-drug-poisoning-in-england-and-wales-2014registrations - Deaths involving MRSA https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/deaths-involving-mrsa-wales-2014 - Deaths involving Clostridium difficile, Wales, 2014 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/deaths-involving-clostridium-difficile-wales-2014 - CCG Prescribing Data, April to June 2015 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/ccg-prescribing-data-april-to-june-2015 - PPRS: quarterly net sales and payment information https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pprs-quarterly-net-sales-and-payment-information - Analysis of growth in branded medicines: 2013 to 2014 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/analysis-of-growth-in-branded-medicines-2013-to-2014 - Meningococcal: the green book: chapter 22 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/meningococcal-the-green-book-chapter-22 **MHRA - Human and veterinary medicines: register of licensed wholesale distribution sites https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/human-and-vetinary-medicines-register-of-licensed-wholesaledistribution-sites-december-2014 - Medicines: terminated and cancelled manufacturing and wholesale dealer licences https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/medicines-terminated-and-cancelled-manufacturing-andwholesale-dealer-licences **NICE - - Guidance - Cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid modification http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs100 - Secondary prevention after a myocardial infarction http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs99 **SIGN - Assessment, diagnosis and management of autism spectrum disorders http://www.sign.ac.uk/consultation/index.html MEDICATION SAFETY **TGA - Safety Advisory: Hong Kong Tianli Biological “powder” tablets found to contain sildenafil http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/hongkong-tianli-biological-power-tablets **FDA - Compounded or Repackaged Drugs Stored in Becton-Dickinson Syringes: FDA Expands Warning http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm461597. htm - Treanda (bendamustine hydrochloride) Solution by Teva: FDA Statement - Not Compatible with Closed System Transfer Devices, Adapters, and Syringes Containing Polycarbonate or Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm437626. htm - Meizi Super Power Fruits Herbal Slimming Formula contains sibutramine. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ ucm461264.htm PAPERS OF INTEREST **AJHP - Pathophysiology, assessment, and management of pain in critically ill adults http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/18/1531 - Alternative antiretroviral therapy formulations for patients unable to swallow solid oral dosage forms http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/18/1555 - Impact of an innovative blood factor stewardship program on drug expense and patient care http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/18/1579 **BMJ - Increased mortality associated with weekend hospital admission: a case for expanded seven day services? http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4596 **BMJ Quality and Safety - Sustained reductions in time to antibiotic delivery in febrile immuno-compromised children: results of a quality improvement collaborative http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/09/04/bmjqs-2015-004451.short?g=w_qs_ahead_tab **Cochrane Collaboration - Interventions for treating constipation in pregnancy http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011448.pub2 - Systemic antibiotics for treating diabetic foot infections http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009061.pub2 **EJHP - Semi-automated aseptic preparation of patient-individual antineoplastic intravenous solutions: first experiences in a German hospital pharmacy http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/09/03/ejhpharm-2015-000655.abstract ** Internal Medicine Journal Safety of intravenous metoprolol use in unmonitored wards: a single-centre observational study http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.12842/abstract **Lancet - Oral versus intravenous high-dose methylprednisolone for treatment of relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis (COPOUSEP): a randomised, controlled, double-blind, non-inferiority trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)61137-0/abstract **MJA - Summary statement: new guidelines for the management of paracetamol poisoning in Australia and New Zealand https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/5/summary-statement-new-guidelines-management-paracetamolpoisoning-australia-and - Suboptimal medication-related quality of care preceding hospitalisation of older patients https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/5/suboptimal-medication-related-quality-care-precedinghospitalisation-older CONSULTATIONS Nil OTHER NEWS **The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne has recently released a new subscription based service to the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Medicines Guide https://thewomenspbmg.org.au/ UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **ADMA 11th Annual National Conference: Count me in- Partnerships in chronic care 10th-11th September 2015, Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland http://www.adma.org.au/images/Conference_Flyer_2015.pdf **ISMP Medication Safety intensive, 17-18 September 2015, Bellevue WA, USA https://www.ismp.org/orderforms/msi_registrations.asp **NSW Medicines Information Centre one-day Search Skills Workshop on Saturday September 19th. Cost: $ 275. CPD: Non-accredited. 6 Group 1 CPD points, or 12 Group 2 CPD points (with assessment). Online registration: https://svhs.org.au/home/research-education/education/courses-workshops-andconferences/allied-health/medicines-information-searching-skills-seminar For more information contact the MIC on (02) 8382 3047 or [email protected] ** Monash University Hot topics in healthy ageing: Research evidence, clinical skills and tools to manage an ageing population, 21 September 2015, Melbourne http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/creps/seminars.html **4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 2015, 28-30 September 2015, Vienna http://www.iarmm.org/4WCCS/ **AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research conference, 4–6 October, 2015, Crystal City, Virginia USA Health care research and policy sessions on improving quality, safety, access and value in health care http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/conference/index.html **ISQUA Building Quality and Safety into the Healthcare System, 4-7 October 2015, Doha, Qatar. http://www.isqua.org/conference/doha-2015/registration-2015?utm_source=Conference++Registration+Open+-+March+2015&utm_campaign=Conference+-+Reg+Open++March+2015&utm_medium=email **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting, 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart Abstract submission deadline: Friday 11 September 2015. http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ **SHPA Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists), 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria. ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ http://www.eahp.eu/congresses TAG Mail 2 September 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Trends in hospitalised injury, Australia: 1999–00 to 2012–13 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129552564 **NSW Health - Changes to prescribing and dispensing of Botulinum toxin and growth hormone http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/ib/2015/IB2015_049.html - Standards for paediatric intravenous fluids http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/gl/2015/GL2015_008.html **TGA - List of Evaluated Registered Complimentary Medicines – Updated 27 August 2015 http://www.tga.gov.au/list-evaluated-registered-complementary-medicines - Medical Devices and IVDs: Cancellations of certain devices within an entry https://www.tga.gov.au/medical-devices-and-ivds-cancellations-certain-devices-within-entry REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **NICE Guidance List - Bevacizumab for treating relapsed, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer (terminated appraisal) http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta353 - Edoxaban for treating and for preventing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta354 - Vedolizumab for treating moderately to severe active Crohn’s disease after prior therapy http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta352 **CADTH - Antidepressants in Elderly Patients with Depression and Dementia: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/aug-2015/RC0689%20%20Antidepressants%20in%20the%20Elderly%20Final.pdf - Long-acting Opioids for Chronic Non-cancer Pain: A Review of the Clinical Efficacy and Safety https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/aug-2015/RC0698%20Opioids%20Final.pdf **EMA - EPAR added: Phenylephrine/ketorolac eye drops (Omidria) http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/medicines/003702/human_med_00 1888.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058001d124 - EPAR added: Dinutuximab (Unituxin) for neuroblastoma http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/medicines/002800/human_med_00 1891.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058001d124 - EPAR added: Sebelipase alfa (Kanuma) for lysosomal acid lipase deficiency. http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/medicines/004004/human_med_00 1896.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058001d124 **FDA - FDA approves evolocumab (Repatha) to treat certain patients with high cholesterol http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm460082.htm - FDA extends use of eltrombopag (Promacta) in young children with rare blood disorder http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm459430.htm -FDA approves new indication for eslicarbazepine as monotherapy for partial-onset seizures http://www.biospace.com/News/sunovion-pharmaceuticals-inc-announces-fda/389559/source=MoreNews **MHRA -Early access to medicines scheme (EAMS) scientific opinion: sacubitril/valsartan https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-access-to-medicines-scheme-eams-scientificopinion-sacubitrilvalsartan **UKMi -Prescribing Outlook New Medicines: horizon scanning for entries for new medicines, line extensions or new formulations, including over 20 biosimilar formulations http://www.ukmi.nhs.uk/filestore/ukmianp/2015PrescribingOutlook-NewMedicines-FINAL.pdf MEDICATION SAFETY **AHRQ - Reducing errors through discharge medication reconciliation by pharmacy services. http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29288 - Prevalence, nature, severity and risk factors for prescribing errors in hospital inpatients: prospective study in 20 UK hospitals http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29168 **Health Canada -Health Product InfoWatch, August 2015 includes information on paracetamol and liver injury, ferumoxytol, clopidogrel and repaglinide interaction and a review article of rivaroxaban and liver injury http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/bulletin/hpiw-ivps_2015-08-eng.php#review **FDA - DPP-4 Inhibitors for Type 2 diabetes may cause severe joint pain http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm460238. htm **ISMP - ISMP comments on BD syringe potency issue http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=117 - Draft Guidelines for the Safe Communication of Electronic Medication Information http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=116 **TGA - Medical Devices Safety Update Volume 3, Number 5, September 2015 http://www.tga.gov.au/publication-issue/medical-devices-safety-update-volume-3-number-5-september-2015 -Incidents have been reported of unsatisfactory spinal block with the use of Marcain Spinal 0.5% Heavy (bupivacaine) by Astra Zeneca. At present there is no safety notice or drug withdrawal notice from either the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) or the sponsor Astra Zeneca. The TGA is aware of a number of reports of the problem and is monitoring the situation. A notice has been posted on the College of Anaesthetists website. Your assistance is requested to forward this information to all relevant staff and to remind staff to notify the TGA if they experience unsatisfactory spinal block with this product at: http://www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems PAPERS OF INTEREST ** American Journal of Medical Quality -Unit-Based Interventions to Improve Teamwork and Patient Safety http://ajm.sagepub.com/content/30/5?etoc -Reporting of Health Care–Associated Infections http://ajm.sagepub.com/content/30/5?etoc -Predictors of 30-Day Hospital Readmission Following Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke http://ajm.sagepub.com/content/30/5?etoc **Annals of Internal Medicine -How to Monitor Patients Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2362311 **Australian Health Review -Should fee-for-service be for all guideline-advocated acute coronary syndrome (ACS) care? Observations from the Snapshot ACS http://www.publish.csiro.au/index.cfm?act=view_file&file_id=AH14153.pdf&utm_source=AHHA+Events+%26+ Publications+Newsletter&utm_campaign=299e94b76eAustralian+Health+Review+39%281%29&utm_medium= email&utm_term=0_a68a5446bc-299e94b76e-245411241 -Healthcare resource use in patients of the Australian Transition Care Program Study http://www.publish.csiro.au/index.cfm?act=view_file&file_id=AH14054.pdf&utm_source=AHHA+Events+%26+ Publications+Newsletter&utm_campaign=299e94b76eAustralian+Health+Review+39%281%29&utm_medium= email&utm_term=0_a68a5446bc-299e94b76e-245411241 -Exploring the implications of a fixed budget for new medicines: a study of reimbursement of new medicines in Australia and New Zealand http://www.publish.csiro.au/index.cfm?act=view_file&file_id=AH14122.pdf&utm_source=AHHA+Events+%26+ Publications+Newsletter&utm_campaign=299e94b76eAustralian+Health+Review+39%281%29&utm_medium= email&utm_term=0_a68a5446bc-299e94b76e-245411241 -Can clinical supervision sustain our workforce in the current healthcare landscape? Findings from a Queensland study of allied health professionals http://www.publish.csiro.au/index.cfm?act=view_file&file_id=AH14183.pdf&utm_source=AHHA+Events+%26+ Publications+Newsletter&utm_campaign=299e94b76eAustralian+Health+Review+39%281%29&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a68a5446bc-299e94b76e245411241 **BMJ Quality and Safety -Development of the Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS): a tool for critical appraisal of quality improvement intervention publications http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/26/bmjqs-2014-003151.full.pdf+html -How to build up the actionable knowledge base: the role of ‘best fit’ framework synthesis for studies of improvement in healthcare http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/25/bmjqs-2014-003642.full.pdf+html -Statistical process control and interrupted time series: a golden opportunity for impact evaluation in quality improvement http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/27/bmjqs-2014-003756.extract -A cluster-randomised quality improvement study to improve two inpatient stroke quality indicators http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/24/bmjqs-2015-004188.abstract **Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes -Comparison of the Abilities of Summary Measures of International Normalized Ratio Control to Predict Clinically Relevant Bleeding http://circoutcomes.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/09/01/CIRCOUTCOMES.115.001768.abstract **Diabetes care -A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of Triple Therapy With Saxagliptin Add-on to Dapagliflozin Plus Metformin in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2015/08/28/dc15-0811.abstract **European Heart Journal -Long-term dual antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in the subgroup of patients with previous myocardial infarction: a collaborative meta-analysis of randomized trials http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/08/28/eurheartj.ehv443 -Association between pre-operative statin use and major cardiovascular complications among patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: the VISION study http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/08/28/eurheartj.ehv456 -2015 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pericardial diseases http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/08/28/eurheartj.ehv318 -2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/08/28/eurheartj.ehv320 -2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of infective endocarditis http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/08/28/eurheartj.ehv319 -2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/08/28/eurheartj.ehv316 -2015 ESC/ERS Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/08/28/eurheartj.ehv317 ** European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy -A study of Foundation Year doctors’ prescribing in patients with kidney disease at a UK renal unit: a comparison with other prescribers regarding the frequency and type of errors http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/5/291.abstract -The evolution of European Medicines Agency drug approval: the adaptive licensing http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/21/ejhpharm-2015-000740.full.pdf+html -Pharmacist intervention in a psychiatric setting http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/5/280.abstract -Pharmacist intervention in pain management following heart surgery http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/5/306.abstract **Heart -Acute myocardial infarction and influenza: a meta-analysis of case–control studies http://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/26/heartjnl-2015-307691.abstract Strategies for thromboprophylaxis in Fontan circulation: a meta-analysis http://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/28/heartjnl-2015-307930.abstract **JAMA - Assessment of the CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Predicting Ischemic Stroke, Thromboembolism, and Death in Patients With Heart Failure With and Without Atrial Fibrillation http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2431702 **JAMA Internal Medicine - Variability in Antibiotic Use Across Nursing Homes and the Risk of Antibiotic-Related Adverse Outcomes for Individual Residents http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2337257 **JAMIA - An algorithm to identify medication nonpersistence using electronic pharmacy databases http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/5/957 - Cross-vendor evaluation of key user-defined clinical decision support capabilities: a scenario-based assessment of certified electronic health records with guidelines for future development http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/5/1081 - Meaningful use stage 2 e-prescribing threshold and adverse drug events in the Medicare Part D population with diabetes http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/5/1094 - Report of the AMIA EHR-2020 Task Force on the status and future direction of EHRs http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/5/1102 **Journal of Clinical Oncology -Systemic Therapy for Stage IV Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/08/31/JCO.2015.62.1342.abstract -Polycythemia Vera: An Appraisal of the Biology and Management 10 Years After the Discovery of JAK2 V617F http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/08/31/JCO.2015.61.6474.abstract **Journal of Pediatrics Comparative Effectiveness of Dexamethasone versus Prednisone in Children Hospitalized with Asthma http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(15)00676-9/abstract **Journal of The National Cancer Institute -Impact of Fertility Concerns on Tamoxifen Initiation and Persistence http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/107/10/djv202.abstract **NEJM - Bivalirudin or Unfractionated Heparin in Acute Coronary Syndromes http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1507854?query=featured_home - Initial Use of Ambrisentan plus Tadalafil in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1413687 - Perioperative Bridging Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1501035 **The Lancet Safety and efficacy of abobotulinumtoxinA for hemiparesis in adults with upper limb spasticity after stroke or traumatic brain injury: a double-blind randomised controlled trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422(15)00216-1/abstract **The Lancet Oncology -Treatment approaches for EGFR-inhibitor-resistant patients with non-small-cell lung cancer http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(15)00246-6/abstract CONSULTATIONS ** ACSQHC Consultation: Version 2 of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/accreditation-and-the-nsqhs-standards/current-consultations/ Closes 30 October 2015 **TGA - Current consultation: Proposed Amendments to the Poisons Standard: bismuth oxychloride, naproxen, pantoprazole, paracetamol/ibuprofen combination, piracetam. Due 3rd September 2015. https://www.tga.gov.au/consultation-invitation/consultation-proposed-amendments-poisons-standardmedicines OTHER NEWS Clinical Excellence Commission Medication Safety Project Officers - advertised internal to NSW Health with closing date Friday 11 Sep 2015 Contact: Nina Muscillo, Manager, Medication Safety, CEC; Phone: 9269 5585 [email protected] UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **CEC NSW Antimicrobial Stewardship Forum, Sydney, 4th September http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/279982/Flyer-and-Program-for-AMS-Forum2015.pdf **ADMA 11th Annual National Conference: Count me in- Partnerships in chronic care 10th-11th September 2015, Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland http://www.adma.org.au/images/Conference_Flyer_2015.pdf **ISMP Medication Safety intensive, 17-18 September 2015, Bellevue WA, USA https://www.ismp.org/orderforms/msi_registrations.asp NSW Medicines Information Centre one-day Search Skills Workshop on Saturday September 19th. Cost: $ 275. CPD: Non-accredited. 6 Group 1 CPD points, or 12 Group 2 CPD points (with assessment). Online registration: https://svhs.org.au/home/research-education/education/courses-workshops-andconferences/allied-health/medicines-information-searching-skills-seminar For more information contact the MIC on (02) 8382 3047 or [email protected] ** Monash University Hot topics in healthy ageing: Research evidence, clinical skills and tools to manage an ageing population, 21 September 2015, Melbourne http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/creps/seminars.html **4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 2015, 28-30 September 2015, Vienna http://www.iarmm.org/4WCCS/ **AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research conference, 4–6 October, 2015, Crystal City, Virginia USA Health care research and policy sessions on improving quality, safety, access and value in health care http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/conference/index.html **ISQUA Building Quality and Safety into the Healthcare System, 4-7 October 2015, Doha, Qatar. http://www.isqua.org/conference/doha-2015/registration-2015?utm_source=Conference++Registration+Open+-+March+2015&utm_campaign=Conference+-+Reg+Open++March+2015&utm_medium=email **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting, 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart Abstract submission deadline: Friday 11 September 2015. http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ **SHPA Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists), 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria. ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ http://www.eahp.eu/congresses 26 August 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA ** AIHW -Australia’s welfare 2015 – in brief http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129552016 **NPS MedicineWise - Risperidone and risk of cerebrovascular adverse events in dementia patients https://www.tga.gov.au/publication-issue/medicines-safety-update-volume-6-number-4-august2015?utm_source=nps-direct&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2015-8iss34&hq_e=el&hq_m=862726&hq_l=10&hq_v=4ca6a1aa2b - Infliximab and non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly in psoriasis patients https://www.tga.gov.au/publication-issue/medicines-safety-update-volume-6-number-4-august2015?utm_source=nps-direct&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2015-8iss34&hq_e=el&hq_m=862726&hq_l=10&hq_v=4ca6a1aa2b - Tramadol oral drops – not for children under the age of 12 https://www.tga.gov.au/publication-issue/medicines-safety-update-volume-6-number-4-august2015?utm_source=nps-direct&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2015-8iss34&hq_e=el&hq_m=862726&hq_l=10&hq_v=4ca6a1aa2b **NSW Health - Crystalline Methamphetamine Background Paper http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/crystallinemethamphetamine/Pages/background-paper.aspx - Crystalline Methamphetamine: Key messages http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/crystallinemethamphetamine/Pages/key-messages.aspx ** TGA -AusPAR added: Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin (combination product of previously approved single ingredients) https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-ezetimibe-atorvastatin -AusPAR added: Trastuzumab (ne route of administration) https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-trastuzumab-1 -AusPAR added: Eligustat (new chemical entitiy) https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-eliglustat-tartrate REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **AHRQ -Effect of a ward-based pharmacy team on preventable adverse drug events in surgical patients (SUREPILL study ) http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29247 -Using Rapid-Cycle Research to Reach Goals. August 2015. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/news/pbrn.html **CADTH -Glyburide(Glibenclamide), Gliclazide or Glimepiride for Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: An Updated Review of the Clinical Effectiveness and Safety https://www.cadth.ca/glyburide-gliclazide-glimepiride-elderly-type2-diabetes -Smoking Cessation Aids for Patients in Treatment for Substance Abuse: Clinical Effectiveness, CostEffectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/aug2015/RB0902%20Smoking%20Cessation%20During%20Detox%20Final.pdf -Antidepressants in Elderly Patients with Major and Minor Depression: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pdf/htis/aug2015/RC0688%20Antidepressants%20in%20the%20Eldery%20Final.pdf **Cochrane Library -Pharmacological interventions for self-harm in adults http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011777/full -Prothrombin complex concentrate for reversal of vitamin K antagonist treatment in bleeding and nonbleeding patients http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010555.pub2/full **FDA -FDA extends use of Promacta (eltrombopag) in young children with rare blood disorder http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm459430.htm -Addyi (flibanserin) approved for sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm458734.htm -Orphan Drug Designation For SER-109 For The Prevention Of Recurrent Clostridium Difficile Infection in Adults http://www.biospace.com/News/seres-therapeutics-announces-fda-orphan-drug/388839/source=MoreNews -Cabozantinib granted breakthrough therapy designation in the US for previously treated renal cell carcinoma http://www.biospace.com/News/revitalized-exelixis-grabs-breakthrough-tag-for/388891/source=TopBreaking -MTG-201 Granted Orphan Drug Designation By The US FDA For The Treatment Of Malignant Mesothelioma http://www.biospace.com/News/mtg-biotherapeutics-announces-that-mtg-201was/388860/source=MoreNews **NICE http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng15 **Public Health England -E-cigarettes; an evidence update https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/454516/Ecigarettes_an_evid ence_update_A_report_commissioned_by_Public_Health_England.pdf **PBAC Recommendations from the July 2015 Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) meeting are now available http://www.pbs.gov.au/info/industry/listing/elements/pbac-meetings/pbac-outcomes/pbac-outcomes-201507/ MEDICATION SAFETY **FDA -FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns of severe adverse events with application of Picato (ingenol mebutate) gel for skin condition; requires label changes http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm459142.htm -FDA warns health care professionals not to use compounded or repackaged drugs stored in Becton-Dickinson (BD) 3 milliliter (ml) and 5 ml syringes unless there is no suitable alternative available http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm458952.htm **MHRA - Simpeprevir with sofosbuvir: risk of severe bradycardia and heart block when taken with amiodarone https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/simeprevir-with-sofosbuvir-risk-of-severe-bradycardia-and-heartblock-when-taken-with-amiodarone - Accu-Chek mobile meter and Accu-Chek mobile test cassette – risk of falsely high readings if testing procedure is not followed https://www.cas.dh.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=102352 PAPERS OF INTEREST **AJHP -Simeprevir and sofosbuvir for treatment of hepatitis C infection http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17/1445 -Role of anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibition in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17/1456 -Outcomes of pharmacist-assisted management of antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV infection: A riskadjusted analysis http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17/1463 -Frequency of and risk factors for medication errors by pharmacists during order verification in a tertiary care medical center http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17/1471 -Implementation of a custom alert to prevent medication-timing errors associated with computerized prescriber order entry http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17/1481.abstract?etoc -ASHP Guidelines on the Design of Database-Driven Clinical Decision Support: Strategic Directions for Drug Database and Electronic Health Records Vendors http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17/1499?hw-tma-check=true&etoc **Annals of Internal Medicine -Low-Dose Aspirin or Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Use and Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Population-Based, Case–Control Study http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2430205 -Epidural Corticosteroid Injections for Radiculopathy and Spinal Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2430207 -Intravenous Artesunate for the Treatment of Severe and Complicated Malaria in the United States: Clinical Use Under An Investigational New Drug Protocol http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2430209 ** BMJ -Comparative effectiveness and tolerance of treatments for Helicobacter pylori: systematic review and network meta-analysis http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h4052 **Diabetic Medicine -Cost-effectiveness of intensive multifactorial treatment compared with routine care for individuals with screen-detected Type 2 diabetes: analysis of the ADDITION-UK cluster-randomized controlled trial http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dme.12711/abstract;jsessionid=AF4640C779985C4136B6AAE33C6 D8D31.f01t03 **European Heart Journal e-Health: a position statement of the European Society of Cardiology http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/08/20/eurheartj.ehv416 **EJHP -Stability of daptomycin in peritoneal dialysis solutions packaged in dual-compartment infusion bags http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/20/ejhpharm-2015 000651.short?g=w_ejhp_ahead_tab -The evolution of European Medicines Agency drug approval: the adaptive licensing http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/21/ejhpharm-2015-000740.extract ** European Neuropsychopharmacology -Modafinil for cognitive neuroenhancement in healthy non-sleep-deprived subjects: a systematic review http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0924977X15002497 **Health Affairs -Hospital Board And Management Practices Are Strongly Related To Hospital Performance On Clinical Quality Metrics http://dx.doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2014.1282 -For Many Patients Who Use Large Amounts Of Health Care Services, The Need Is Intense Yet Temporary http://dx.doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2014.1186 **JAMA -Efficacy of Liraglutide for Weight Loss Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes The SCALE Diabetes Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2428956 **JAMA Internal Medicine -Effect of Discontinuation of Antihypertensive Treatment in Elderly People on Cognitive Functioning—the DANTE Study Leiden A Randomized Clinical Trial http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2429535 -Statin Use in Very Elderly Individuals, 1999-2012 http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2429533 **Journal of Clinical Oncology -Equivalence Ratio for Daunorubicin to Doxorubicin in Relation to Late Heart Failure in Survivors of Childhood Cancer http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/08/21/JCO.2015.61.5187.abstract -From Protocols to Publications: A Study in Selective Reporting of Outcomes in Randomized Trials in Oncology http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/08/21/JCO.2015.62.4148.abstract -Randomized Trial of Lenalidomide Alone Versus Lenalidomide Plus Rituximab in Patients With Recurrent Follicular Lymphoma: CALGB 50401 (Alliance) http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2015/08/21/JCO.2014.59.9258.abstract **Neurology - Perampanel for tonic-clonic seizures in idiopathic generalized epilepsy http://www.neurology.org/content/early/2015/08/21/WNL.0000000000001930 CONSULTATIONS **TGA - Current consultation: Proposed Amendments to the Poisons Standard: bismuth oxychloride, naproxen, pantoprazole, paracetamol/ibuprofen combination, piracetam. Due 3 rd September 2015. https://www.tga.gov.au/consultation-invitation/consultation-proposed-amendments-poisons-standardmedicines OTHER NEWS Nil UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **CEC NSW Antimicrobial Stewardship Forum, Sydney, 4th September http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/279982/Flyer-and-Program-for-AMS-Forum2015.pdf **ADMA 11th Annual National Conference: Count me in- Partnerships in chronic care 10th-11th September 2015, Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland http://www.adma.org.au/images/Conference_Flyer_2015.pdf **ISMP Medication Safety intensive, 17-18 September 2015, Bellevue WA, USA https://www.ismp.org/orderforms/msi_registrations.asp ** Monash University Hot topics in healthy ageing: Research evidence, clinical skills and tools to manage an ageing population, 21 September 2015, Melbourne http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/creps/seminars.html **4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 2015, 28-30 September 2015, Vienna http://www.iarmm.org/4WCCS/ **AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research conference, 4–6 October, 2015, Crystal City, Virginia USA Health care research and policy sessions on improving quality, safety, access and value in health care http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/conference/index.html **ISQUA Building Quality and Safety into the Healthcare System, 4-7 October 2015, Doha, Qatar. http://www.isqua.org/conference/doha-2015/registration-2015?utm_source=Conference++Registration+Open+-+March+2015&utm_campaign=Conference+-+Reg+Open++March+2015&utm_medium=email **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 ** APSA-ASCEPT 2015 Scientific Meeting, 28 November- 2 December 2015, Hobart Abstract submission deadline: Friday 11 September 2015. http://www.asceptasm.com/2015-annual-scientific-meeting/program-2015/ **SHPA Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists), 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria. ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ http://www.eahp.eu/congresses 19 August 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA ** ACI -Statewide Cardiac Reperfusion Strategy http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/cardiac ** Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) - Cardiovascular disease webpage update http://www.aihw.gov.au/cardiovascular-disease/ -Diabetes webpage update http://www.aihw.gov.au/diabetes/ **NPS MedicineWise - Annual Cycle of Care for type 2 diabetes http://www.nps.org.au/conditions/hormones-metabolism-and-nutritional-problems/diabetes-type-2/forhealth-professionals/annual-cycle-of-care **NSW Health - High-risk medicines management policy http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/date/2015.asp **TGA -AusPAR added: Tafluprost/Timolol (Taptiqom 15/5) https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-tafluprosttimolol -AusPAR added: Omalizumab rch (Xolair) https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-omalizumab-rch -AusPAR added: Dulaglutide rch (Trulicity) https://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-dulaglutide-rch REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **AHRQ -ASHP national survey of pharmacy practice in hospital settings: dispensing and administration—2014 http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29221 **BNF Newsletter -MHRA drug safety updates August 2015 on SGLT-2 inhibitors following reports of diabetic ketoacidosis, risk factors for uterine perforation with intra-uterine devices, and the cardiovascular risk associated with high-dose ibuprofen http://pharmaceuticalpress.cmail1.com/t/ViewEmail/y/58E0834FBE02EDF4/CCE2BC12CABCCFD5CE63909E396 9C05F **Cochrane -Antibiotics for preventing recurrent sore throat http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008911.pub2/full - Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) added to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) versus higher dose ICS for adults with asthma http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011437.pub2/full **European Commission -Dinutuximab approved in EU for treatment of paediatric high-risk neuroblastoma http://www.biospace.com/News/united-therapeutics-corporation-releaseeuropean/388310/source=MoreNews **FDA -FDA expands use of brentuximab for earlier use in Hodgkin Lymphoma http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Label_ApprovalHistory# apphist -FDA approves use of oxycodone (Oxycontin) for use in children aged 11 to 16 years under certain criteria http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/022272s027lbl.pdf -FDA grants pan-HER inhibitor varlitinib Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/opdlisting/oopd/OOPD_Results_2.cfm **NHS England: Patient Safety Alert -Addressing antimicrobial resistance through implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship programme https://www.cas.dh.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=102353 **NICE - Evidence Summary: Topical timolol for infantile haemangioma http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esuom47/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence -Guidance: Antimicrobial stewardship: systems and processes for effective antimicrobial medicine use http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng15 -Guidance: Integrated Medicines oPtimisAtion on Care Transfer (IMPACT) project http://www.nice.org.uk/sharedlearning/integrated-medicines-optimisation-on-care-transfer-impact-project **Nuffield Trust -Evaluation of complex health and care interventions using retrospective matched control methods http://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/publications/evaluation-complex-health-care-interventions-usingretrospective-matched-control-analysis **Resilient Health Care Net -From Safety-I to Safety-II: A White Paper http://resilienthealthcare.net/onewebmedia/WhitePaperFinal.pdf **The National Academies of Sciences Engineering, and Medicine -Health Literacy: Past, Present, and Future: Workshop Summary http://iom.nationalacademies.org/Reports/2015/Health-Literacy-Past-Present-Future.aspx MEDICATION SAFETY ** TGA -Safety advisory – risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in patients taking sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors to treat type 2 diabetes. http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/sodium-glucose-co-transporter-2-inhibitors-used-treat-type-2-diabetes **FDA -Drug Safety Labelling Changes July 2015 including boxed warnings for abobotulinum toxin A (Dysport) and hydroxyurea http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/ucm457920.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium =email&utm_source=govdelivery **ISMP -ISMP Safe Practice Guidelines for Adult IV Push Medications www.ismp.org/sc?id=563 PAPERS OF INTEREST ** American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy -Identifying opportunities to improve medication management in transitions of care http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17_Supplement_2/S58.abstract -Screening for diabetes in patients receiving second-generation atypical antipsychotics http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17_Supplement_2/S70.abstract -Conversion from thrice- to twice-daily pregabalin dosing for pain: Economic and clinical outcomes in a veteran population http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17_Supplement_2/S74.abstract -Quality-improvement initiatives focused on enhancing customer service in the outpatient pharmacy http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17_Supplement_2/S79.abstract -Comparison of bivalirudin to lepirudin and argatroban in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17_Supplement_2/S104.abstract -Reducing errors through discharge medication reconciliation by pharmacy services http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/17_Supplement_2/S120.abstract ** Annals of Internal Medicine -Mortality Associated With Medical Therapy Versus Elective Colectomy in Ulcerative Colitis: A Cohort Study http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2395724 -Corticosteroid Therapy for Patients Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2424872 **BMJ -How to use biologic agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have comorbid disease http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h3658 **BMJ Open -Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) added to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) versus higher dose ICS for adults with asthma http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/8/e008152.short?g=w_open_current_tab -Antiepileptic drugs and the risk of ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction: a population-based cohort study http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/8/e008365.short?g=w_open_current_tab **BMJ Quality and Safety -Are reductions in emergency department length of stay associated with improvements in quality of care? A difference-in-differences analysis http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/13/bmjqs-2015-004189.abstract -Patient safety incident reporting: a qualitative study of thoughts and perceptions of experts 15 years after ‘To Err is Human’ http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/12/bmjqs-2015-004405.abstract **Canadian Medical Association Journal -Association between frailty and 30-day outcomes after discharge from hospital http://dx.doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.150100 ** Diabetes Care -Rates of Diabetic Ketoacidosis: International Comparison With 49,859 Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes From England, Wales, the U.S., Austria, and Germany http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2015/07/29/dc15-0780.abstract **EJHP -Extemporaneous sotalol hydrochloride oral solutions for use in paediatric cardiology: formulation and stability study http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/11/ejhpharm-2015-000711.short?g=w_ejhp_ahead_tab ** Health Services and Delivery Research -Evaluation of a continuous monitoring and feedback initiative to improve quality of anaesthetic care: a mixedmethods quasi-experimental study http://dx.doi.org/10.3310/hsdr03320 **JAMA -Tinzaparin vs Warfarin for Treatment of Acute Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Active Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2428955 **JAMA Internal Medicine -Urinalysis Orders Among Patients Admitted to the General Medicine Service http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2429104 ** JAMA Ophthalmology -Association of Compounded Bevacizumab With Postinjection Endophthalmitis http://archopht.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2425883 **Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety -Advancing Medication Safety: Establishing a National Action Plan for Adverse Drug Event Prevention http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jcaho/jcjqs/2015/00000041/00000008/art00003 -Connecting Patients and Clinicians: The Anticipated Effects of Open Notes on Patient Safety and Quality of Care http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jcaho/jcjqs/2015/00000041/00000008/art00006 **J Allergy and Clinical Immunology -Use of asthma medication during pregnancy and risk of specific congenital anomalies: A European casemalformed control study http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674915008374 **J Clin Rheumatol. -Are All Biologics the Same? Optimal Treatment Strategies for Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Review and Indirect Pairwise Meta-Analysis. http://journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/Abstract/publishahead/Are_All_Biologics_the_Same__Optimal_Treatment .99544.aspx **MJA -Identifying and acting on potentially inappropriate care https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/4/identifying-and-acting-potentially-inappropriate-care -Tracking funded health intervention research https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/4/tracking-funded-health-intervention-research -“Teaching by humiliation” and mistreatment of medical students in clinical rotations: a pilot study https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/4/teaching-humiliation-and-mistreatment-medical-studentsclinical-rotations-pilot **Obstetrics and Gynaecology -The Most Commonly Dispensed Prescription Medications Among Pregnant Women Enrolled in the U.S. Medicaid Program. http://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=9000&issue=00000&article=98983&type =abstract ** Prostate Cancer and Prostatic diseases -Systematic review and meta-analysis on management of acute urinary retention http://www.nature.com/pcan/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/pcan201515a.html **The Breast -Medication taking behaviors among breast cancer patients on adjuvant endocrine therapy http://www.thebreastonline.com/article/S0960-9776(15)00138-1/abstract **The Lancet -Causes of hospital admission among people living with HIV worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhiv/article/PIIS2352-3018(15)00137-X/abstract **The Lancet HIV -Comparative effectiveness of immediate antiretroviral therapy versus CD4-based initiation in HIV-positive individuals in high-income countries: observational cohort study http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhiv/article/PIIS2352-3018(15)00108-3/abstract **Thorax -Beta-Blockers are associated with a reduction in COPD exacerbations http://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/17/thoraxjnl-2015-207251.abstract CONSULTATIONS Nil OTHER NEWS New British Pharmacopoeia website https://www.pharmacopoeia.com/ UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **Change Champions Medication Safety and Mental Health, 20 August, Melbourne. http://www.changechampions.com.au/call-for-papers **The Alfred TC-IFEM The Alfred's 4th Annual International Emergency Care Conference, 26-28 Aug 2015 http://alfredetc-professional-development.cvent.com/events/international-emergency-care-conference2015/event-summary-dbde3298352b47ffac653eab18bad52e.aspx **CEC NSW Antimicrobial Stewardship Forum, Sydney, 4th September http://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/279982/Flyer-and-Program-for-AMS-Forum2015.pdf **ADMA 11th Annual National Conference: Count me in- Partnerships in chronic care 10th-11th September 2015, Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland http://www.adma.org.au/images/Conference_Flyer_2015.pdf **ISMP Medication Safety intensive, 17-18 September 2015, Bellevue WA, USA https://www.ismp.org/orderforms/msi_registrations.asp **Hot topics in healthy ageing: Research evidence, clinical skills and tools to manage an ageing population, 21 September 2015, Melbourne http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/creps/seminars.html **4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 2015, 28-30 September 2015, Vienna http://www.iarmm.org/4WCCS/ **AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research conference, 4–6 October, 2015, Crystal City, Virginia USA Health care research and policy sessions on improving quality, safety, access and value in health care http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/conference/index.html **ISQUA Building Quality and Safety into the Healthcare System, 4-7 October 2015, Doha, Qatar. http://www.isqua.org/conference/doha-2015/registration-2015?utm_source=Conference++Registration+Open+-+March+2015&utm_campaign=Conference+-+Reg+Open++March+2015&utm_medium=email **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 **SHPA Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists), 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria. ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ http://www.eahp.eu/congresses 12 August 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **Australian Prescriber - Febuxostat for hyperuricaemia http://www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/38/4/138/42/drug/1089/febuxostat-for-hyperuricaemia - Dienogest for Endometriosis http://www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/38/4/138/42/drug/1088/dienogest-for-endometriosis - - --- Ofatumumab for B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia http://www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/38/4/138/42/drug/1090/ofatumumab-for-b-cell-chroniclymphocytic-leukaemia - Update on medicines for smoking cessation http://www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/38/4/106/11 - Medical management of chronic stable angina http://www.australianprescriber.com/magazine/38/4/131/6 **NSW Health - Effective models of care for comorbid mental illness and illicit substance use http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mhdao/publications/Pages/comorbid-mental-care-review.aspx **Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Contact Detach Infusion Sets: Recall for product correction – potential for interruption of insulin delivery and/or infection due to needle breaking during use. http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/contact-detach-infusion-sets - Consultation: Proposed amendments to the poisons standard (medicines); includes change of schedules of paracetamol, naproxen, pantoprazoel and bismuth http://www.tga.gov.au/consultation-invitation/consultation-proposed-amendments-poisons-standardmedicines ** Therapeutic Goods Administration - AusPAR added: Aflibercept (Eylea) http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-aflibercept-0 - AusPAR added: Ustekinumab (Stelara) http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-ustekinumab - AusPAR added: Idelalisab (Zydelig) http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-idelalisab REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) - Pharmacologic Pain Management Interventions for Patients with Bleeding Disorders: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/pharmacologic-pain-management-interventions-patients-bleeding-disorders-clinicaleffectiveness-and - Changing Total Parenteral Nutrition Tubes in Pediatric in-Hospital Patients: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/changing-total-parenteral-nutrition-tubes-pediatric-in-hospital-patients - Epidural Analgesia During Childbirth: Safety and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/epidural-analgesia-during-childbirth-safety-guidelines - Prostaglandin Analogues for Ophthalmic Use: A Review of the Comparative Clinical Effectiveness and CostEffectiveness https://www.cadth.ca/reports/prostaglandin-analogues-ophthalmic-use-review-comparative-clinicaleffectiveness-cost **European Medicines Agency (EMA) - Summaries to help people make informed choices when taking herbal medicines http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/07/news_detail_002385 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 **AHRQ - Advancing medication safety: establishing a National Action Plan for Adverse Drug Event Prevention. http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29226 MEDICATION SAFETY **HQSCNZ - National Medication Chart review and design changes http://www.hqsc.govt.nz/news-and-events/news/2265/ **Therapeutics Initiative Therapeutics Letter #94: Dual antiplatelet therapy: net health benefit or harm? http://www.ti.ubc.ca/news/therapeutics-letter-94-dual-antiplatelet-therapy-net-health-benefit-or-harm PAPERS OF INTEREST ** American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy Once-daily aminoglycoside dosing: An update on current literature http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/16/1357 Significant publications on infectious diseases pharmacotherapy in 2014 http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/16/1380 **British Medical Journal Interpreting raised serum ferritin levels http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h3692 **BMJ Quality and Safety Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: a path toward more appropriate use http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/05/bmjqs-2015-004612.full **European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to implementing electronic systems for the prescribing, dispensing and administration of medicines in hospitals: a systematic review http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/early/2015/08/10/ejhpharm-2015-000722.short?g=w_ejhp_ahead_tab **International Journal for Quality in Health Care Electronic medication reconciliation and medication errors http://intqhc.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/4/314 **JAMA Intern Med Variability in Antibiotic Use Across Nursing Homes and the Risk of Antibiotic-Related Adverse Outcomes for Individual Residents http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2337257 **The Lancet Endometrial cancer and oral contraceptives: an individual participant meta-analysis of 27,276 women with endometrial cancer from 36 epidemiological studies http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(15)00212-0/abstract **NICE Bites - Diabetes in Pregnancy http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/GetDocument.aspx?pageId=799630 CONSULTATIONS Nil OTHER NEWS Nil UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **Change Champions Medication Safety and Mental Health, 20 August, Melbourne. http://www.changechampions.com.au/call-for-papers **The Alfred TC-IFEM The Alfred's 4th Annual International Emergency Care Conference, 26-28 Aug 2015 http://alfredetc-professional-development.cvent.com/events/international-emergency-care-conference2015/event-summary-dbde3298352b47ffac653eab18bad52e.aspx **ADMA 11th Annual National Conference: Count me in- Partnerships in chronic care 10th-11th September 2015, Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland http://www.adma.org.au/images/Conference_Flyer_2015.pdf **ISMP Medication Safety intensive, 17-18 September 2015, Bellevue WA, USA https://www.ismp.org/orderforms/msi_registrations.asp **Hot topics in healthy ageing: Research evidence, clinical skills and tools to manage an ageing population, 21 September 2015, Melbourne http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/creps/seminars.html **4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 2015, 28-30 September 2015, Vienna http://www.iarmm.org/4WCCS/ **AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research conference, 4–6 October, 2015, Crystal City, Virginia USA Health care research and policy sessions on improving quality, safety, access and value in health care http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/conference/index.html **ISQUA 'Building Quality and Safety into the Healthcare System', 4-7 October 2015, Doha, Qatar. http://www.isqua.org/conference/doha-2015/registration-2015?utm_source=Conference++Registration+Open+-+March+2015&utm_campaign=Conference+-+Reg+Open++March+2015&utm_medium=email **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 **SHPA Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ **EAHP 21st Congress of the EAHP (European Association of Hospital Pharmacists), 16-18 March 2016, Vienna, Austria. ‘Hospital pharmacists taking the lead – partnerships and technologies’ http://www.eahp.eu/congresses 5 August 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -Better Cardiac Care measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: first national report 2015 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129551940 -Cultural competency in the delivery of health services for Indigenous people http://www.aihw.gov.au/closingthegap/ REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL ** Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) USA - Accidents and incidents related to intravenous drug administration: a pre-post study following implementation of smart pumps in a teaching hospital. http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29172 - Patterns and predictors of medication discrepancies in primary care. http://psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29072 **Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland (Scottish Academy) Short-Life Working Group on Hospital Reports -Learnings from serious failings in care http://www.scottishacademy.org.uk/ **Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) - Rapid response: Discontinuation Strategies for Patients with Long-term Benzodiazepine Use: A Review of Clinical Evidence and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/reports/discontinuation-strategies-patients-long-term-benzodiazepine-use-reviewclinical-evidence-and - Rapid response: Bioimpedance Devices for the Assessment of Body Fluid Volume for Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis Versus Haemodialysis: Comparative Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/reports/bioimpedance-devices-assessment-body-fluid-volume-patients-undergoingperitoneal-dialysis-versus **Cochrane -Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001751.pub3 -Antibiotics for preventing recurrent sore throat http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008911.pub2 -Effects of opioid, hypnotic and sedating medications on sleep-disordered breathing in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011090.pub2 **European Medicines Agency (EMA) -EMA to encourage use of scientific advice for post-authorisation safety studies http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/07/news_detail_002382 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 **NICE Clinical Guidelines -Melanoma: assessment and management http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng14 Quality standards -Bipolar disorder in adults http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs95 -Drug allergy: diagnosis and management http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs97 -Dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in adults: investigation and management http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs96 -Health technology appraisal reports Introducing biosimilar versions of infliximab: Inflectra and Remsima https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/htta329 MEDICATION SAFETY **NSW Health - Risk of Air Embolus with Multi-Lumen Access Devices http://internal.health.nsw.gov.au/quality/sabs/pdf/2015-sn-002.pdf **GOV.UK - Denosumab (Xgeva, Prolia); intravenous bisphosphonates: osteonecrosis of the jaw – further measures to minimise risk https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/denosumab-xgeva-prolia-intravenous-bisphosphonates-osteonecrosisof-the-jaw-further-measures-to-minimise-risk ** TGA - Risperidone and risk of cerebrovascular adverse events in dementia patients - Infliximab and non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly in psoriasis patients - Tramadol oral drops – not for children under 12 years of age http://www.tga.gov.au/publication-issue/medicines-safety-update-volume-6-number-4-august-2015 -Recall Update: Children’s medicines supplied in bottles may be faulty – Additional Batches and Additional Products affected http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/childrens-medicines-supplied-bottles-may-be-faulty-multiple-brands **FDA -The FDA Warns About Cases of Rare Brain Infection in patients taking Fingolimod for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm457183. htm -The FDA, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT), and Hospira are aware of cybersecurity vulnerabilities associated with the Symbiq Infusion System. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm456832. htm -The FDA is warning health care professionals and patients that reports of confusion between the antidepressant vortioxetine (Brintellix) and anti-blood clotting medication ticagrelor (Brilinta) have resulted in the wrong medication being prescribed or dispensed. http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm456569. htm **Royal Pharmaceutical Society -New near miss error tools available http://www.rpharms.com/what-s-happening-/news_show.asp?id=2703 PAPERS OF INTEREST **British Medical Journal - Real world effectiveness of warfarin among ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation: observational analysis from Patient-Centered Research into Outcomes Stroke Patients Prefer and Effectiveness Research (PROSPER) study http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h3786 **BMJ Quality and Safety -Patient safety reporting: a qualitative study of thoughts and perceptions of experts 15 years after ‘To Err is Human” http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/07/26/bmjqs-2015-004405.abstract ** Internal Medicine - Advances in endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.12652/full - Icatibant in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-associated angioedema http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.12799/abstract **International Journal of Clinical Practice -Communication in healthcare: a narrative review of the literature and practical recommendations http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ijcp.12686 **JAGS -Use of Medications with Anticholinergic Activity and Self-Reported Injurious Falls in Older Community-Dwelling Adults http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.13543/abstract **JAMA Intern Med Variability in Antibiotic Use Across Nursing Homes and the Risk of Antibiotic-Related Adverse Outcomes for Individual Residents http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2337257 **JAMIA Drug-drug interaction checking assisted by clinical decision support: a return on investment analysis http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/4/764 **MJA General practitioner understanding of abbreviations used in hospital discharge letters https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/3/general-practitioner-understanding-abbreviations-used-hospitaldischarge-letters **NEJM Community-Acquired Pneumonia Requiring Hospitalization among U.S. Adults http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1500245?query=featured_home CONSULTATIONS Nil OTHER NEWS Nil UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **Change Champions Medication Safety and Mental Health, 20 August, Melbourne. http://www.changechampions.com.au/call-for-papers **CEC Medication Reconciliation Workshop, 14 August, Sydney https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q769CBS **The Alfred TC-IFEM The Alfred's 4th Annual International Emergency Care Conference, 26-28 Aug 2015 http://alfredetc-professional-development.cvent.com/events/international-emergency-care-conference2015/event-summary-dbde3298352b47ffac653eab18bad52e.aspx **ADMA 11th Annual National Conference: Count me in- Partnerships in chronic care 10th-11th September 2015, Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland Poster abstracts close 7 August 2015 http://www.adma.org.au/images/Conference_Flyer_2015.pdf **ISMP Medication Safety intensive, 17-18 September 2015, Bellevue WA, USA https://www.ismp.org/orderforms/msi_registrations.asp **Hot topics in healthy ageing: Research evidence, clinical skills and tools to manage an ageing population, 21 September 2015, Melbourne http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/creps/seminars.html **4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 2015, 28-30 September 2015, Vienna http://www.iarmm.org/4WCCS/ **AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research conference, 4–6 October, 2015, Crystal City, Virginia USA Health care research and policy sessions on improving quality, safety, access and value in health care http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/conference/index.html **ISQUA 'Building Quality and Safety into the Healthcare System', 4-7 October 2015, Doha, Qatar. http://www.isqua.org/conference/doha-2015/registration-2015?utm_source=Conference++Registration+Open+-+March+2015&utm_campaign=Conference+-+Reg+Open++March+2015&utm_medium=email **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 **SHPA Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ **APAMT (Asia Pacific Association of Medical Toxicology) ‘Remote, Resource and Retrieval Challenges in Toxicology’, 1-4 December 2015, Perth http://www.apamt2015.com/ 29 July 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **ACSQHC - Antimicrobial prescribing practice in Australian hospitals: Results of the 2014 National Antimicrobial Prescribing Survey http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications/antimicrobial-prescribing-practice-in-australian-hospitalsresults-of-the-2014-national-antimicrobial-prescribing-survey/ **Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - Medtronic Australasia - US consent decree on SynchroMed drug infusion system http://www.tga.gov.au/media-release/medtronic-australasia-us-consent-decree-synchromed-drug-infusionsystem -Updates to the list of designated orphan drugs. Ataluren (TRANSLARNA) and Mercaptamine Hydrochloride (CYSTADROPS). http://www.tga.gov.au/updates-list-designated-orphan-drugs - Recall: MiniMed 640G insulin pump http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/minimed-640g-insulin-pump - AusPAR added: Umeclidinium bromide (Incruse Ellipta) http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-umeclidinium-bromide **Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) -Prescribing drugs of dependence in general practice, Part B: Benzodiazepines. 2015 http://www.racgp.org.au/your-practice/guidelines/drugs-of-dependence-b REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL ** Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) USA - How effective are patient safety initiatives? A retrospective patient record review study of changes to patient safety over time. http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29189 - Acceptability and feasibility of the Leapfrog computerized physician order entry evaluation tool for hospitals outside the United States. http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29096 - Vaccination errors reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), United States, 2000– 2013. http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29057 **Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) - Rapid response: Folate Testing: A Review of the Diagnostic Accuracy, Clinical Utility, Cost Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/folate-testing-review-diagnostic-accuracy-clinical-utility-cost-effectiveness-andguidelines - Rapid response: Cleansers or Disinfectants for Cleaning Chemotherapeutic Agent Residue: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/cleansers-or-disinfectants-cleaning-chemotherapeutic-agent-residue-clinicaleffectiveness-and **European Medicines Agency (EMA) - Fast track routes for medicines that address unmet medical needs http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/07/news_detail_002381 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - First malaria vaccine receives positive scientific opinion from EMA http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/07/news_detail_002376 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - Praluent (alirocumab) recommended for approval to lower cholesterol http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/07/news_detail_002377 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - EMA recommends approval of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Intuniv: guanfacine) http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/07/news_detail_002378 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - Stimulating the development of medicines for children: EMA’s revision of class waiver list expected to push the exploration of many more medicines for use in children http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/07/news_detail_002375 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 **FDA - FDA approves new treatment for chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 infections: Daklinza (daclatasvir) with sofosbuvir http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm455888.htm -FDA approves Technivie (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir) for treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm455857.htm - FDA approves Praluent (alirocumab) to treat certain patients with high cholesterol http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm455883.htm - FDA approves new treatment sonidegib (Odomzo) for locally advanced basal cell carcinoma http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm455862.htm **NICE *NICE advice - Insulin degludec/liraglutide (Xultophy) – the first fixed‑ ratio combination basal insulin and glucagon‑ like peptide‑ 1 [GLP‑ 1] receptor agonist preparation to be licensed in the UK. http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm60/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence *NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance - Aflibercept for treating diabetic macular oedema http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta346 - Cangrelor for reducing atherothrombotic events in people undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or awaiting surgery requiring interruption of anti-platelet therapy (terminated appraisal) http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta351 - Dexamethasone intravitreal implant for treating diabetic macular oedema http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta349 - Everolimus for preventing organ rejection in liver transplantation http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta348 - Naloxegol for treating opiod-induced constipation http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta345 - Nintedanib for previously treated locally advanced, metastic, or locally recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta347 - Secukinumab for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta350 *NICE Evidence Summaries Unlicensed and off-label medicines - Hyper sexuality: fluoxetine http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esuom46/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence **NHS Evidence - FDA Approves Kyprolis (carfilzomib) For Combination Use In The Treatment Of Patients With Relapsed Multiple Myeloma http://www.biospace.com/News/amgen-release-fda-approves-kyprolis-carfilzomib/385598/source=MoreNews - Independent expert review concludes alteplase is safe and effective for use within existing treatment guidelines https://www.gov.uk/government/news/independent-expert-review-concludes-alteplase-is-safe-and-effectivefor-use-within-existing-treatment-guidelines MEDICATION SAFETY **AHRQ -Patient Safety Network: Support for Clinicians Involved in Errors and Adverse Events http://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer.aspx?primerID=30 **FDA -Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Drug Safety Communication - FDA Evaluating the Risk of Brain Deposits with Repeated Use http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm456012. htm **GOV.CO.UK - Latanoprost (Xalatan: increased reporting of eye irritation since reformulation https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/latanoprost-xalatan-increased-reporting-of-eye-irritation-sincereformulation - New yellow Card app for reporting suspected side effects https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/new-yellow-card-app-for-reporting-suspected-side-effects - Letters sent to healthcare professional in June 2015 (oral anticoagulant edoxaban) https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/letters-sent-to-healthcare-professionals-in-june-2015 **National Pharmacy Association Patient safety incidents: MSO report (March – June 2015) http://www.npa.co.uk/Knowledge-Centre/Superintendent-Alerts/Patient-safety-incidents-MSO-report-MarchJune-2015/ **NSW Health - Baxter – Gambro Home Haemodialysis (BGR) Lines manufactured during 2013 http://internal.health.nsw.gov.au/quality/sabs/pdf/2015-sa-001.pdf - Collecting Blood and Urine Samples in Emergency Departments – Changes to Governing Legislation http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/ib/2015/IB2015_033.html - Emergency Department, Nurse Delegated Emergency Care, Medication Standing Orders http://www0.health.nsw.gov.au/policies/pd/2015/PD2015_024.html PAPERS OF INTEREST ** American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy Vedolizumab: An integrin-receptor antagonist for treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/15/1271 ** Annals of Internal Medicine -Effectiveness and Implications of Alternative Placebo Treatments: A Systematic Review and Network MetaAnalysis of Osteoarthritis Trials http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2398908 **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology -Busulfan dosing algorithm and sampling strategy in stem cell transplantation patients http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12648/abstract -Cardiovascular drugs and erectile dysfunction – a symmetry analysis http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12696/abstract **British Medical Journal -Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and fruit juice and incidence of type 2 diabetes: systematic review, meta-analysis, and estimation of population attributable fraction http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h3576 **BMJ Quality and Safety -Patient safety reporting: a qualitative study of thoughts and perceptions of experts 15 years after ‘To Err is Human’ http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/07/26/bmjqs-2015-004405.short?g=w_qs_ahead_tab ** Diabetes care -Interventions That Restore Awareness of Hypoglycemia in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/38/8/1592.abstract **Epilepsy Research -Enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs and fractures in people with epilepsy: A systematic review http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920121115300231 **HAA Internal Medicine -Drug Manufacturers’ Delayed Disclosure of Serious and Unexpected Adverse Events to the US Food and Drug Administration http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2398401 **JAMA Opthalmol -Risk of Angle-Closure Glaucoma With Bupropion and Topiramate http://archopht.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2381574 **The Lancet -Adjuvant bisphosphonate treatment in early breast cancer: meta-analyses of individual patient data from randomised trials http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)60908-4/abstract -Aromatase inhibitors versus tamoxifen in early breast cancer: patient-level meta-analysis of the randomised trials http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)61074-1/abstract **New England Journal of Medicine -Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in Early Asymptomatic HIV Infection http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1506816 **Public Health Research & Practice -Managing nicotine dependence in NSW hospitals under the Smoke-free Health Care Policy http://www.phrp.com.au/issues/july-2015-volume-25-issue-3/managing-nicotine-dependence-in-nswhospitals-under-the-smoke-free-health-care-policy/ **Thorax -A care-bundles approach to improving standard of care in AECOPD admissions: results of a national project http://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2015/07/21/thoraxjnl-2015-206833.abstract -British Thoracic Society community-acquired pneumonia care bundle: results of a national implementation project http://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2015/07/21/thoraxjnl-2015-206834.abstract CONSULTATIONS Nil OTHER NEWS Nil UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) ** ACSQHC and NeHTA Implementing electronic medication management systems: Workshop ‘EMM 101 for hospitals’, 3 August 2015, Brisbane. Contact: [email protected] www.hisa.org.au/hic/register/ **VMIA Human Factors in Healthcare Forum, 5th August 2015 9.00am-1.00pm, The Alfred, AMREP Lecture Theatre, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne https://www.vmia.vic.gov.au/learn/training-and-development/upcoming-programs/2015/08/05/HumanFactors-in-Healthcare-Forum **Change Champions Medication Safety and Mental Health, 20 August, Melbourne. http://www.changechampions.com.au/call-for-papers **CEC Medication Reconciliation Workshop, 14th August, Sydney https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q769CBS **The AlfredTC-IFEM The Alfred's 4th Annual International Emergency Care Conference, 26-28 Aug 2015 http://alfredetc-professional-development.cvent.com/events/international-emergency-care-conference2015/event-summary-dbde3298352b47ffac653eab18bad52e.aspx **ISMP Medication Safety intensive, 17-18 September 2015, Bellevue WA, USA https://www.ismp.org/orderforms/msi_registrations.asp **Hot topics in healthy ageing: Research evidence, clinical skills and tools to manage an ageing population, 21 September 2015, Melbourne http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/creps/seminars.html **4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 2015, 28-30 September 2015, Vienna http://www.iarmm.org/4WCCS/ **AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research conference, 4–6 October, 2015, Crystal City, Virginia USA Health care research and policy sessions on improving quality, safety, access and value in health care http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/conference/index.html **ISQUA 'Building Quality and Safety into the Healthcare System', 4-7 October 2015, Doha, Qatar. http://www.isqua.org/conference/doha-2015/registration-2015?utm_source=Conference++Registration+Open+-+March+2015&utm_campaign=Conference+-+Reg+Open++March+2015&utm_medium=email **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 **SHPA Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ 22 July 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **NPS MedicineWise - New supply arrangement for some S100 medicines http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/health-news-evidence/2015/new-S100-supplyarrangements **TGA - Australian Public Assessment Reports for prescription medicines (AusPARs): Dolutegravir sodium/Abacavir sulfate/Lamivudine (Triumeq) http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-dolutegravir-sodiumabacavir-sulfatelamivudine **AIHW -Spatial variation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples access to primary health care http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129551602 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) - Regorafenib (Stivarga™) Resubmission for metastatic colorectal cancer. Oncology drug review. https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/pcodr/pcodr_regorafenib_stivarga_resub_mcrc_fn_rec.pdf - Perjeta™ (pertuzumab) or Perjeta-Herceptin Combo Pack for Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer. Oncology drug review. https://www.cadth.ca/perjeta-or-perjeta-herceptin-combo-pack-neoadjuvant-breast-cancer-details - Sorafenib (Nexavar™) for Metastatic Progressive Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma. Oncology drug review. https://www.cadth.ca/nexavar-metastatic-progressive-differentiated-thyroid-carcinoma-details **GOV.UK - Learning not blaming: The government response to Freedom to Speak Up, the Public Administration Select Committee report on clinical incidents, and the Morecambe Bay Investigation https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-not-blaming-response-to-3-reports-on-patient-safety - Public health commissioning in the NHS 2015 to 2016 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-health-commissioning-in-the-nhs-2015-to-2016 - Delay in the implementation of the cap on care costs https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delay-in-the-implementation-of-the-cap-on-care-costs - Healthcare UK overview and annual review 2014 to 2015 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delay-in-the-implementation-of-the-cap-on-care-costs **Healthwatch England -Safely home: What happens when people leave hospital and care settings? http://www.healthwatch.co.uk/sites/healthwatch.co.uk/files/170715_healthwatch_special_inquiry_2015_1.pd f **NICE Guidance - Medication Monitoring for People with Dementia in Care Homes: Clinical Impact of Nurse-led monitoring http://www.nice.org.uk/sharedlearning/medication-monitoring-for-people-with-dementia-in-care-homesclinical-impact-of-nurse-led-monitoring ** Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - Antibiotic lock for the prevention of catheter-related infection in neonates http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010336.pub2/full - Antidepressants for the treatment of depression in people with cancer http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011006.pub2/full - Calcium supplementation for prevention of primary hypertension http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010037.pub2/full - Impact of Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) and viral influenza vaccinations in pregnancy for improving maternal, neonatal and infant health outcomes http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009982.pub2/full **SIGN - Consultation - draft guidelines - Acute Coronary Syndrome http://www.sign.ac.uk/consultation/index.html **NHS UKMi -When should gentamicin levels be taken after once daily administration? http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/GetDocument.aspx?pageId=781599` - Which medicines could cause problems for patients during a heatwave? http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/GetDocument.aspx?pageId=799094 - What are biosimilar medicinal products? http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/GetDocument.aspx?pageId=798976 **Cancer Research UK - Achieving World-Class Cancer Outcomes: A Strategy for England 2015-2020. http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites/default/files/achieving_world-class_cancer_outcomes__a_strategy_for_england_2015-2020.pdf **UK Healthcare Quality Improvement Programme - A guide to quality improvement methods http://www.hqip.org.uk/hqip-launches-free-quality-improvement-methods-guide **New Zealand Health Quality & Safety Commission - Improving Together http://improvementmethodology.govt.nz/ MEDICATION SAFETY **EMA - EPAR: Summary of the risk management plan (RMP) for Opdivo (nivolumab) http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Risk-managementplan_summary/human/003985/WC500186052.pdf ** ISMP - ISMP Medication Safety Alert: Mefloquine—Not The Same As Malarone! http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=113 - Guidelines for adult IV push medications http://www.ismp.org/Tools/guidelines/ivsummitpush/ivpushmedguidelines.pdf **FDA - FDA warns about a serious lung condition in infants and newborns treated with Proglycem (diazoxide) http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm454833.htm PAPERS OF INTEREST ** American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy - Therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin in adult patients: A consensus review of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists http://www.ajhp.org/content/66/1/82.short?rss=1&ssource=mfr - Quetiapine for insomnia: A review of the literature http://www.ajhp.org/content/71/5/394.short?rss=1&ssource=mfr **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - No relevant pharmacokinetic interaction between pantoprazole and mycophenolate in renal transplant patients: a randomized crossover study http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1111/bcp.12664/ - Metformin versus insulin for gestational diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1111/bcp.12672 ** BMC Anesthesiol. - An analysis of near misses identified by anesthesia providers in the intensive care unit http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29126 **BMJ Quality and Safety - The Global Comparators project: international comparison of 30-day in-hospital mortality by day of the week http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2014-003467 - Integrating empowerment evaluation and quality improvement to achieve healthcare improvement outcomes http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/recent - Failure mode and effects analysis: a comparison of two common risk prioritisation methods http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/recent - Expanding the scope of Critical Care Rapid Response Teams: a feasible approach to identify adverse events. A prospective observational cohort http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2014-003833 **British Medical Journal - Avoidability of hospital deaths and association with hospital-wide mortality ratios: retrospective case record review and regression analysis http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h3239 - Risk of intracranial haemorrhage in antidepressant users with concurrent use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs: nationwide propensity score matched study http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h3517 - Specific SSRIs and birth defects: bayesian analysis to interpret new data in the context of previous reports http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h3190 **Epilepsy Research - Enzyme-Inducing Antiepileptic Drugs and Fractures in People with Epilepsy: A Systematic Review http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0920121115300231 **European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy - Pharmacist assessment of drug-related problems on an oncology ward http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/4/194.abstract - Prescription of potentially inappropriate drugs for geriatric patients in long-term care: improvement through pharmacist's intervention http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/4/198.abstract - Improvement of pharmacological treatments in nursing homes: medication review by consultant pharmacists http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/4/207.abstract **Internal Medicine Journal -Oral chronic graft-versus-host disease in Australia: clinical features and challenges in management http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.12812/abstract - Use of romiplostim in patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura during perioperative period http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imj.12794/abstract **JAMA - Pioglitazone Use and Risk of Bladder Cancer and Other Common Cancers in Persons With Diabetes http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2397834 **J Med Toxicol -At the Precipice of Quality Health Care: The Role of the Toxicologist in Enhancing Patient and Medication Safety. http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29162 **MJA - State-based legal requirement for Schedule 8 prescriptions: why so complicated? https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/2/state-based-legal-requirement-schedule-8-prescriptions-why-socomplicated **NEJM - Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in Early Asymptomatic HIV Infection http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1506816?query=featured_home ** J Am Geriatr Soc - Risk of Injury in Older Adults Using Gastrointestinal Antispasmodic and Anticholinergic Medications http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26096393?dopt=Abstract CONSULTATIONS Nil OTHER NEWS Nil UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) ** ACSQHC and NeHTA Implementing electronic medication management systems: Workshop ‘EMM 101 for hospitals’, 3 August 2015, Brisbane. Contact: [email protected] www.hisa.org.au/hic/register/ **VMIA Human Factors in Healthcare Forum, 5th August 2015 9.00am-1.00pm, The Alfred, AMREP Lecture Theatre, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne https://www.vmia.vic.gov.au/learn/training-and-development/upcoming-programs/2015/08/05/HumanFactors-in-Healthcare-Forum **Change Champions Medication Safety and Mental Health, 20 August, Melbourne. http://www.changechampions.com.au/call-for-papers **CEC Medication Reconciliation Workshop, 14th August, Sydney https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q769CBS **The AlfredTC-IFEM The Alfred's 4th Annual International Emergency Care Conference, 26-28 Aug 2015 http://alfredetc-professional-development.cvent.com/events/international-emergency-care-conference2015/event-summary-dbde3298352b47ffac653eab18bad52e.aspx **Hot topics in healthy ageing: Research evidence, clinical skills and tools to manage an ageing population, 21 September 2015, Melbourne http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/creps/seminars.html **4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 2015, 28-30 September 2015, Vienna http://www.iarmm.org/4WCCS/ **AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research conference, 4–6 October, 2015, Crystal City, Virginia USA Health care research and policy sessions on improving quality, safety, access and value in health care http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/conference/index.html **ISQUA 'Building Quality and Safety into the Healthcare System', 4-7 October 2015, Doha, Qatar. http://www.isqua.org/conference/doha-2015/registration-2015?utm_source=Conference++Registration+Open+-+March+2015&utm_campaign=Conference+-+Reg+Open++March+2015&utm_medium=email **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 **SHPA Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. http://mm2015shpa.com/ 15 July 2015 REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – AUSTRALIA **AIHW Arthritis and its comorbidities http://www.aihw.gov.au/arthritis-and-its-comorbidities/ **TGA - New AusPAR: gadobutrol (Gadovist) http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-gadobutrol - Advice that AusPAR format has been updated to give a clearer focus on the outcomes of the TGA's evaluation process and the rationale on which a decision to accept or reject an application is made http://www.tga.gov.au/australian-public-assessment-reports-prescription-medicines-auspars - Safety advisory: Ivabradine (Coralan) and risk of cardiovascular events in patients with angina http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/ivabradine-coralan - Recall: Terry White Chemists branded ibuprofen children's suspension; also Chemmart and Pharmacy Choice ibuprofen children's suspensions and Chemmart Children's Paracetamol– risk of plastic fragments breaking from bottle and being ingested: http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/terry-white-chemists-branded-ibuprofen-childrens-suspension http://www.tga.gov.au/alert/chemmart-and-pharmacy-choice-ibuprofen-childrens-suspensions-andchemmart-childrens-paracetamol-6-12-years-concentrated **NPS Medicine Wise - Benzodiazepine dependence: reduce the risk http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/health-news-evidence/2015/reduce-benzodiazepinedependence-risk **ACSQHC -- Health Literacy: - Infographics http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications/health-literacy-infographics/ - Health literacy – a summary for executives and managers http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications/health-literacy-a-summary-for-executives-and-managers/ - Health literacy – a summary for consumers http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications/health-literacy-a-summary-for-consumers/ - Health literacy – a summary for clinicians http://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications/health-literacy-a-summary-for-clinicians/ REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL ** Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) USA - Guideline Syntheses: Prevention of Recurrent Kidney Stones http://www.guideline.gov/syntheses/synthesis.aspx?f=rss&id=49438 - The role of patients and their relatives in 'speaking up' about their own safety—a qualitative study of acute illness. http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29054 - Patient and family engagement: a survey of US hospital practices http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29163 - National incidence of medication error in surgical patients before and after Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty-hour reform. http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29149 **Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) - Rapid response: Tamper-Resistant Oxycodone: A Review of the Clinical Evidence and Cost-effectiveness https://www.cadth.ca/tamper-resistant-oxycodone-review-clinical-evidence-and-cost-effectiveness - Rapid response: N-acetylcysteine for Acute Acetaminophen Overdose in the Pre-Hospital Setting: Guidelines https://www.cadth.ca/n-acetylcysteine-acute-acetaminophen-overdose-pre-hospital-setting-guidelines **FDA - FDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA strengthens warning that non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause heart attacks or strokes http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugSafetyPodcasts/ucm454602.htm - FDA approves targeted therapy for first-line treatment of patients with a type of metastatic lung cancer: gefitinib (Iressa). (Companion test also approved to identify appropriate patients) http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm454678.htm - FDA approves new drug to treat schizophrenia and as an add-on to an antidepressant to treat major depressive disorder: brexpiprazole (Rexulti) http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm454647.htm - FDA approves new drug to treat heart failure: sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm453845.htm ** GOV.UK -Minimise transmission risk of CJD and vCJD in healthcare settings https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-from-the-acdp-tse-risk-management-subgroupformerly-tse-working-group -Latent TB testing and treatment for migrants: a practical guide for commissioners and practitioners https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/latent-tb-infection-ltbi-testing-and-treatment ** Health Quality& Safety Commission New Zealand -Improving Together quality improvement tools http://improvementmethodology.govt.nz/ **NICE - Atrial fibrillation: treatment and management http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs93 - Type 2 diabetes: insulin degludec/liraglutide (Xultophy) http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm60/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence - Risk of neuropsychiatric adverse events with varenicline http://arms.evidence.nhs.uk/resources/hub/1045170/attachment **NHS East & South East England Specialist Pharmacy Services -Medicines Reconciliation: Best Practice Resource and Toolkit http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/en/Communities/NHS/SPS-E-and-SE-England/Meds-use-andsafety/Service-deliv-and-devel/Meds-reconciliation/Medicines-Reconciliation-Best-Practice-Standards-Toolkit/ **MHRA - Pharmaceutical buying groups in the NHS https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pharmaceutical-buying-groups-in-the-nhs **Public Health England -Prescribing of psychotropic medication for people with learning disabilities and autism http://www.improvinghealthandlives.org.uk/publications/1248/Prescribing_of_psychotropic_medication_for_p eople_with_learning_disabilities_and_autism **Scottish Medicines Consortium -Latest advice: adalimumab, ceftobiprole, darunavir, olaparib, posaconazole, riociguat, rivaroxaban, sorafenib, tinzaparin, edolizumab, vinflunine https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/Home MEDICATION SAFETY ** AHRQ -Overuse of botulinum toxin http://webmm.ahrq.gov/case.aspx?caseID=355 **EMA -Review of HPV vaccines to further clarify aspects of their safety profile http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/07/news_detail_002363 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 **UKMi -In use product safety assessment for colistimethate sodium http://www.ukmi.nhs.uk/filestore/ukmiaps/Productsafetyassessmentforcolistimethatesodium_Jun2015.pdf PAPERS OF INTEREST ** Annals of Internal Medicine -Mortality Associated With Medical Therapy Versus Elective Colectomy in Ulcerative Colitis: A Cohort Study http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2395724 **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. - Measuring anticholinergic drug exposure in older community-dwelling Australian men: a comparison of four different measures. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12670/abstract - Mortality from adverse drug reactions in adult medical inpatients at four hospitals in South Africa: a crosssectional survey. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12567/abstract - A population-based study of the drug interaction between clopidogrel and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12682/abstract ** BMJ -Peri-procedural management of patients taking oral anticoagulants http://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h2391 **Eur Heart J Supplements -Why do we need observational studies of everyday patients in the real-life setting? http://eurheartjsupp.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/suppl_D/D2.abstract?etoc -Achieving access: addressing the needs of payors and health technology assessment agencies http://eurheartjsupp.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/suppl_D/D15.abstract?etoc -Stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: evidence from real-life studies http://eurheartjsupp.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/suppl_D/D42.abstract?etoc **JAMA - Guideline-Based Statin Eligibility, Coronary Artery Calcification, and Cardiovascular Events http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2396478 - Cost-effectiveness of 10-Year Risk Thresholds for Initiation of Statin Therapy for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2396476 -Six Months vs Extended Oral Anticoagulation After a First Episode of Pulmonary Embolism: The PADIS-PE Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2382981 ** JAMA Neurology Treatment of Cognitive Deficits in Genetic Disorders: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials of Diet and Drug Treatments http://archneur.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2388929 Treatment Outcomes With Rituximab in 100 Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica: Influence of FCGR3A Polymorphisms on the Therapeutic Response to Rituximab http://archneur.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2388927 **Journal for Healthcare Quality Computerized Clinical Decision Support to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism Among Hospitalized Patients: Proximal Outcomes from a Multiyear Quality Improvement Project http://journals.lww.com/jhqonline/Fulltext/2015/07000/Computerized_Clinical_Decision_Support_to_Prevent. 2.aspx CONSULTATIONS Nil OTHER NEWS Nil UPCOMING EVENTS (new additions in bold) **SHPA Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist Seminar, 23-24 July 2015, Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne http://cpd.shpa.org.au/lib/pdf/conferences/AMS_Pharmacist_Seminar_2015.pdf ** ACSQHC and NeHTA Implementing electronic medication management systems: Workshop ‘EMM 101 for hospitals’, 3 August 2015, Brisbane. Contact: [email protected] www.hisa.org.au/hic/register/ **VMIA Human Factors in Healthcare Forum, 5th August 2015 9.00am-1.00pm, The Alfred, AMREP Lecture Theatre, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne https://www.vmia.vic.gov.au/learn/training-and-development/upcoming-programs/2015/08/05/HumanFactors-in-Healthcare-Forum **Change Champions Medication Safety and Mental Health, 20 August, Melbourne. http://www.changechampions.com.au/call-for-papers **CEC Medication Reconciliation Workshop, 14th August, Sydney https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q769CBS **The AlfredTC-IFEM The Alfred's 4th Annual International Emergency Care Conference, 26-28 Aug 2015 http://alfredetc-professional-development.cvent.com/events/international-emergency-care-conference2015/event-summary-dbde3298352b47ffac653eab18bad52e.aspx **Hot topics in healthy ageing: Research evidence, clinical skills and tools to manage an ageing population, 21 September 2015, Melbourne http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/creps/seminars.html **4th World Congress of Clinical Safety 2015, 28-30 September 2015, Vienna http://www.iarmm.org/4WCCS/ **AHRQ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) research conference, 4–6 October, 2015, Crystal City, Virginia USA Health care research and policy sessions on improving quality, safety, access and value in health care http://www.ahrq.gov/news/events/conference/index.html **ISQUA 'Building Quality and Safety into the Healthcare System', 4-7 October 2015, Doha, Qatar. Early bird registrations close 15th July 2015 http://www.isqua.org/conference/doha-2015/registration-2015?utm_source=Conference++Registration+Open+-+March+2015&utm_campaign=Conference+-+Reg+Open++March+2015&utm_medium=email **National Hospital Procurement Conference, 29-30 October 2015, Sydney http://www.informa.com.au/conferences/health-care-conference/national-hospital-procurementconference?utm_source=E-Pre&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=P15a21 **SHPA Medicines Management 2015, 3-6 December 2015, Melbourne Convention Centre. Call for abstracts now open - closes Friday 17 July 2015 http://mm2015shpa.com/ 8th July REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS - AUSTRALIA **AIHW - Access is a newsletter published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, profiling the Institute's work and its people. Includes AIHW's Musculoskeletal conditions compendium and Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease: Australian facts: prevalence and incidence http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129551521&tab=2#t4 - Australia's hospitals 2013–14: at a glance http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129551440 **Department of Health Report to the Commonwealth Department of Health on the public consultation into the implementation of the recommendations of the Review of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/17BF043A41D470A9CA257E13000C9322/$Fil e/Report%20-%20Consultation%20on%20PCEHR%20Review%20Recommendations%20-%20Sep2014.pdf ** NEHTA eHealthcare Supply Chain Bulletin July 2015 http://www.nehta.gov.au/get-started-with-ehealth/what-is-ehealth/supply-chain/updates-news-andevents/bulletin/901-ehealthcare-supply-chain-bulletin-july-2015 **TGA - Updated list of European Union multidisciplinary guidelines adopted in Australia; includes - -- Guideline on similar biological medicinal products http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Scientific_guideline/2014/10/WC500176768.pdf -- Guideline on similar biological medicinal products containing biotechnology-derived proteins as active substance: non-clinical and clinical issues http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Scientific_guideline/2015/01/WC500180219.pdf -- Guideline on non-clinical and clinical development of similar biological medicinal products containing recombinant erythropoietins http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Scientific_guideline/2010/04/WC500089474.pdf - Updated Prescribing Medicines in Pregnancy database (addition of macrogol and amendment of entries of influenza virus) https://www.tga.gov.au/updates-prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-database REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL ** Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) USA - National Guideline Clearinghouse: Irritable bowel syndrome in adults: diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome in primary care http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=49049 - Intrapartum care: care of healthy women and their babies during childbirth http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=48932 - Research review: Treatment of Non-metastatic Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/search-for-guides-reviews-andreports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productID=2094 ** British Heart Foundation - Home administration of intravenous diuretics to heart failure patients: Increasing productivity and improving quality of care http://www.nice.org.uk/savingsandproductivityandlocalpracticeresource?ci=http://arms.evidence.nhs.uk/reso urces/QIPP/1031409?niceorg=true **Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) - Common drug review: alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis https://www.cadth.ca/sites/default/files/cdr/complete/cdr-complete-SR0405-Lemtrada-June-22-2015.pdf **FDA - FDA approves new treatment for cystic fibrosis: lumacaftor 200 mg/ivacaftor 125 mg (Orkambi) http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm453565.htm - FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA evaluating the potential risks of using codeine cough-and-cold medicines in children http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm453125.htm - New Boxed Warning and Contraindication on use of codeine after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm339112.htm - Orphan drug status for volanesorsen for treatment of Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome http://www.biospace.com/News/akcea-therapeutics-receives-orphan-drug/383508/source=MoreNews - Recently Updated Purple Book: Lists of Licensed Biological Products with Reference Product Exclusivity and Biosimilarity or Interchangeability Evaluations http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/HowDrugsareDevelopedandApproved/ApprovalAppli cations/TherapeuticBiologicApplications/Biosimilars/ucm411418.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email &utm_source=govdelivery **The King’s Fund - Better value in the NHS – report summary http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/better-value-nhs/summary - Health policy priorities for a new parliament http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/sites/files/kf/field/field_publication_file/health-policy-priorities-for-a-newparliament-aphg-kingsfund-jul15.pdf **NICE - Quality standard: Smoking: harm reduction https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs92/resources/guidance-smoking-harm-reduction-pdf - Evidence summary: Type 2 diabetes: insulin degludec/liraglutide (Xultophy) http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm60/resources/type-2-diabetes-insulin-degludecliraglutide-xultophy1502681098503877 **Royal Pharmaceutical Society - Measuring and improving patients’ experience of care: Report of a summit for pharmacy teams http://www.rpharms.com/support-pdfs/patient-experience-report.pdf **UK Medicines information - What factors need to be considered when dosing patients on renal replacement therapies? http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/GetDocument.aspx?pageId=798719 MEDICATION SAFETY **ISMP - Results Of Pediatric Medication Safety Survey (Part 2) Comparing Data Subsets Points Out Areas For Improvement http://www.ismp.org/newsletters/acutecare/showarticle.aspx?id=112 **European Medicines Agency (EMA) - Improving safety of medicines across Europe: EMA publication of safety reports for nationally authorised medicines will support timely and harmonised implementation of safety measures in EU Member States http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/07/news_detail_002361 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 - Staying safe when buying medicines online: EU-wide logo to protect patients from falsified medicines http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/07/news_detail_002358 .jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1 ** Canadian Patient Safety Institute - Patient safety and incident management toolkit http://www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca/English/toolsResources/PatientSafetyIncidentManagementToolkit/Pages/ default.aspx PAPERS OF INTEREST ** Am J Health Syst Pharm - ASHP guidelines: Minimum standard for ambulatory care pharmacy practice http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/14/1221?etoc - Failure mode and effects analysis to reduce risk of anticoagulation levels above the target range during concurrent antimicrobial therapy http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/14/1195.abstract?etoc - Dispensing inhalers to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on hospital discharge: Effects on prescription filling and readmission http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/14/1204.abstract?etoc - Relationship between time spent at extreme International Normalized Ratios and time in therapeutic range with bleeding and thrombosis in warfarin-treated patients http://www.ajhp.org/content/72/14/1188.abstract?etoc **BMJ Safety and Quality - Role of cognition in generating and mitigating clinical errors http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/24/7/468.abstract **British Journal of Clin Pharmacology - Quality of life in children with adverse drug reactions: a narrative and systematic review http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12423/abstract - Effects of food on pharmacokinetics of immediate release oral formulations of aspirin, dipyrone, paracetamol and NSAIDs – a systematic review http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12628/abstract - Antiplatelet therapy as a modulator of stroke aetiology: a meta-analysis http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12630/abstract ** British Journal of Haematology - A practical guideline for the haematological management of major haemorrhage http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjh.13580/abstract **British Journal of General Practice - Cohort study of Anticoagulation Self-Monitoring (CASM): a prospective study of its effectiveness in the community http://bjgp.org/content/65/636/e428 **British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology - Cystatin C as a potential biomarker for dosing of renally excreted drugs http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12602/abstract - Paracetamol poisoning: beyond the nomogram http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.12604/abstract ** British Society of Haematology - Guidelines on the management and admission to intensive care of critically ill patients with haematological malignancy in the UK http://www.bcshguidelines.com/documents/ITU.pdf **Heart - Atrial flutter and thromboembolic risk: a systematic review http://heart.bmj.com/content/early/2015/07/06/heartjnl-2015-307550.abstract **International Journal for Quality in Health Care - Examining the attitudes of hospital pharmacists to reporting medication safety incidents using the theory of planned behaviour http://intqhc.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/07/02/intqhc.mzv044 - Electronic medication reconciliation and medication errors http://intqhc.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/06/29/intqhc.mzv046 **JAMA - Six Months vs Extended Oral Anticoagulation After a First Episode of Pulmonary Embolism: The PADIS-PE Randomized Clinical Trial http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2382981 - Long-term vs Short-term Therapy With Vitamin K Antagonists for Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2382956 - Edoxaban (Savaysa)—The Fourth New Oral Anticoagulant http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2382976 - Patient Page: Treatment Duration for Pulmonary Embolism http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2382982 **JAMA Intern Med - Effectiveness of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Approach for Urinary Catheter–Associated Asymptomatic Bacteriuria http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2296017 **JAMA Oncology - Impact of Chemotherapy Dosing on Ovarian Cancer Survival According to Body Mass Index http://oncology.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2363016 **Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism - Perioperative tight glucose control reduces postoperative adverse events in non-diabetic cardiac surgery patients http://press.endocrine.org/doi/10.1210/jc.2015-1959 **Lancet - Denosumab and teriparatide transitions in postmenopausal osteoporosis (the DATA-Switch study): extension of a randomised controlled trial http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)61120-5/abstract - Controversies in faith and health care http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)60252-5/abstract **MJA - Coordinated care versus standard care in hospital admissions of people with chronic illness: a randomised controlled trial https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/203/1/coordinated-care-versus-standard-care-hospital-admissionspeople-chronic-illness **NEJM An Integrated View of Potassium Homeostasis http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1313341 **Pediatrics - Antibiotic Choice for Children Hospitalized With Pneumonia and Adherence to National Guidelines http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/136/1/44.abstract 1st July REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS - AUSTRALIA **TGA - AusPARS added: Umeclidinium bromide and Vilanterol trifenatate http://www.tga.gov.au/auspar/auspar-vilanterol-trifenatate-and-umeclidinium-bromide **Australian Department of Health - Stage One Report on the Regulatory Framework for Medicines and Medical Devices http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Expert-Review-of-Medicines-and-MedicalDevices-Regulation **AIHW The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released new cancer screening web pages: - Participation in BreastScreen Australia 2013-2014 - Participation in the National Cervical Screening Program 2013-2014 **NPS MedicineWise -Asthma in children: PBS listing change recommended http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/health-news-evidence/2015/asthma-medicineschildren-pbs-changes -Metabolic syndrome & diabetes: How much blame does sugar deserve? http://www.nps.org.au/publications/health-professional/health-news-evidence/2015/sugar-to-blame REPORTS AND PUBLICATIONS – INTERNATIONAL **Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) USA Assessing the potential adoption and usefulness of concurrent, action-oriented, electronic adverse drug event triggers designed for the outpatient setting. http://www.psnet.ahrq.gov/resource.aspx?resourceID=29060 **Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) -Avastin (bevacizumab) for Ovarian Cancer – Details https://www.cadth.ca/reports?keywords=&result_type[0]=report&sort=field_date%3Avaluedesc&amount_per_page=10&email=&page=1 -Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia https://www.cadth.ca/gazyva-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-details -Istodax (romidepsin) for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma https://www.cadth.ca/istodax-peripheral-t-cell-lymphoma-details -Antidote Treatments for the Reversal of Direct Oral Anticoagulants https://www.cadth.ca/antidote-treatments-reversal-direct-oral-anticoagulants **Health Canada/ Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter -Summary Safety Review - PROLIA (denosumab) - Cardiovascular events. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/reviews-examens/prolia2-eng.php -Summary Safety Review - NEXAVAR (sorafenib) - Thyroid Gland Dysfunction http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/reviews-examens/nexavar-eng.php **NICE -Technology appraisal --Apixaban for the treatment and secondary prevention of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta341 -Medicines Evidence Commentary --Gastrointestinal bleeding: differences among anticoagulants http://www.medicinesresources.nhs.uk/GetDocument.aspx?pageId=798414 -Guidance --Prevention of recurrence of C3 glomerulopathy post-transplant: eculizumab http://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esuom44/chapter/Key-points-from-the-evidence MEDICATION SAFETY **European Medicines Agency (EMA) -First HDAC inhibitor for treatment of multiple myeloma recommended for approval in EU: Farydak shown to slow progression of rare blood cancer http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Press_release/2015/06/WC500188810.pdf -First medicine recommended for approval for hidradenitis suppurativa: Treatment of this serious skin condition to be added to Humira’s approved use. http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Press_release/2015/06/WC500188809.pdf **MHRA -SGLT2 inhibitors (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin): risk of diabetic ketoacidosis https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/sglt2-inhibitors-canagliflozin-dapagliflozin-empagliflozin-risk-ofdiabetic-ketoacidosis -High-dose ibuprofen (≥2400mg/day): small increase in cardiovascular risk https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/high-dose-ibuprofen-2400mg-day-small-increase-in-cardiovascularrisk **National Patient Safety Foundation RCA2: Improving Root Cause Analyses and Actions to Prevent Harm http://www.npsf.org/?page=RCA2 PAPERS OF INTEREST **Annals of Internal Medicine Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation: A Practice Tool Endorsed by Thrombosis Canada, the Canadian Stroke Consortium, the Canadian Cardiovascular Pharmacists Network, and the Canadian Cardiovascular SocietyHow to Monitor Patients Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2362311 **Arthritis & Rheumatology International Consensus Guidance Statement on the Management and Treatment of IgG4-Related Disease http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/art.39132/abstract **BMJ Open Effectiveness, safety and costs of orphan drugs: an evidence-based review http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/6/e007199.short?g=w_open_current_tab ** BMJ Quality & Safety - Systems modelling and simulation in health service design, delivery and decision making http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/06/26/bmjqs-2015-004430.abstract - Measuring the effect of Choosing Wisely: an integrated framework to assess campaign impact on low-value care http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/06/19/bmjqs-2015-004070.abstract - A patient-initiated voluntary online survey of adverse medical events: the perspective of 696 injured patients and families http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/early/2015/06/19/bmjqs-2015-003980 **Clin Rheum Updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing low- versus high-dose rituximab for rheumatoid arthritis. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10067-015-2977-z **Cochrane - Oral direct thrombin inhibitors or oral factor Xa inhibitors for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010956.pub2 - Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) added to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) versus addition of longacting beta2-agonists (LABA) for adults with asthma http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011438.pub2 - Primary prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing cardiac or thoracic surgery http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009658.pub2 **European Heart Journal Risk of hospitalization for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes newly treated with DPP-4 inhibitors or other oral glucose-lowering medications: a retrospective registry study on 127,555 patients from the Nationwide OsMed Health-DB Database http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/06/24/eurheartj.ehv301.abstract **European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy Themed issue 25 Jun 2015: Medication Reviews - includes articles related to pharmacist interventions in an oncology ward; in an acute admissions ward; in geriatric patients in long-term care; in a nursing home amongst other articles related to decision support and junior doctor’s attitudes. http://ejhp.bmj.com/content/22/4.toc **JAMIA - Drug-drug interaction checking assisted by clinical decision support: a return on investment analysis http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/4/764 - Cost-effectiveness analysis of a hospital electronic medication management system http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/4/784 - Nature and management of duplicate medication alerts http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/4/831 - Tailoring of alerts substantially reduces the alert burden in computerized clinical decision support for drugs that should be avoided in patients with renal disease http://jamia.oxfordjournals.org/content/22/4/881 **The Lancet Oncology - Polypharmacy in patients with advanced cancer and the role of medication discontinuation http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(15)00080-7/abstract - Diagnosis and treatment of primary CNS lymphoma in immunocompetent patients: guidelines from the European Association for Neuro-Oncology http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(15)00076-5/abstract - Carcinogenicity of lindane, DDT, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470204515000819 **MJA Cross-border hospital use: analysis using data linkage across four Australian states https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/202/11/cross-border-hospital-use-analysis-using-data-linkage-acrossfour-australian *Stroke Socioeconomic Inequalities in the Prescription of Oral Anticoagulants in Stroke Patients With Atrial Fibrillation http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/early/2015/06/16/STROKEAHA.115.009718.abstract