Editor's Note A 5-day limit on opioid pain medication prescriptions in Michigan did not negatively impact patient-reported pain levels or satisfaction, JAMA Network October 13 reports. The study, titled "Changes in surgical opioid prescribing and patient-reported outcomes after implementation of an insurer opioid prescribing limit," was published by JAMA Health…
Editor's Note The Joint Commission, on July 19, announced that it has revised its Medication Compounding (MC) chapter for home care organizations and the Medication Compounding Certification (MDC) program, which is available to accredited hospitals, critical access hospitals, and home care pharmacy organizations. Among the revisions: Revising the requirements to…
Editor's Note This study by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine, Columbus, finds that the first year of COVID-19 saw a 113% increase in “Years of Life Lost” (YLL) among adolescents and young people in the US because of unintentional drug overdoses. Among…
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 15 identified Baxter Healthcare Corporation’s recall of its ClearLink Basic Solution Set with Duovent as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of the risk for leaks that may expose providers and patients to hazardous toxic substances…
Editor's Note ECRI and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) announced September 14 that they are joining the World Health Organization and healthcare leaders around the world in celebrating World Patient Safety Day on September 17, 2022. The slogan for this year’s campaign is “Medication without Harm.” In support…
Editor's Note This phase 3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study led by researchers at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, finds that none of three medications evaluated—metformin, ivermectin, or fluvoxamine—prevented the occurrence of a primary event—hypoxemia, an emergency department (ED) visit, hospitalization, or death—associated with COVID-19. Of 1,323 patients analyzed, a primary…
Editor's Note The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) on August 11 announced the publication of its first set of safe practice guidelines to support perioperative medication safety in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and other procedural locations. The new guidelines: Address best practices related to labeling and storage of perioperative…