Technology

Auto-programming infusion pumps reduces keystroke error and increases patient safety.

More patients are turning to the Internet and mobile applications (apps) with the explosive growth of mobile technology devices.

A bedside medication verification system at Cook Children's Medical Center (CCMC) in Fort Worth, Texas, has resulted in a 97% rate of compliance with electronic scanning of medications and patients.

CMS is assessing genetic testing for the older population

Bacterial contaminants have been traced back to a robot in a Winston-Salem, N.C. health center pharmacy

A round-up of apps that can improve the pharmacy bottom line and help with patient care

The first large-scale U.S. study linking medication adherence and text message reminders showed improved adherence rates for patients with diabetes and heart conditions.

The number of physicians and clinicians using e-prescribing increased by 67% in 2011 and they filled 75% more medication orders electronically, according to a new downloadable report by Surescripts, which operates a nationwide network connecting the computer systems of physicians and pharmacies.

The blood-pressure medication prazosin was found to be an effective treatment to curb nightmares related to post traumatic stress disorder, according to a poster presentation, at the 20th European Congress of Psychiatry in Prague

The KL1 compact tablet counter has become Kirby Lester?s most successful product launch in its history, the Lake Forest, Ill., company announced.

Weekly mobile phone text messaging may help patients with human immunodeficiency virus adhere to antiretroviral therapy that is often associated with difficult side effects, according to a study published online March 14 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Enhanced pharmacist care for patients with dyslipidemia improves low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, according to a study published in the March issue of Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy.

Walgreens recently added a mobile coupon service available through social media service foursquare, following the launch of new prescription mobile apps.

Technology is the pharmacist's toolbox. Here are some apps to help you extend your care.

The Drug Enforcement Administration will hold 2 one-day regional conferences in West Palm Beach, Fla., next month in an effort to assist pharmacy personnel in identifying and responding to potential diversion activity.

California has become the first state to regulate dextromethorphan (DXM), an antitussive in Benylin, Pertussin, Robitussin, and dozens of other over-the-counter cough and cold products. A state law that went into effect Jan. 1 prohibits sales of products containing DXM to anyone under the age of 18 without a prescription.

The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) has formally joined 5 other national health professions to create the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), a new national organization that will focus on improved integration and coordination of the education of pharmacists and other healthcare workers to provide more collaborative care.

What’s different on your local drug-store counters this month? You can try 2 new flavors of organic tooth powders. There’s a prenatal vitamin designed to optimize DHA levels in mother’s milk. You’ll find a cocktail of natural oils for spot relief of pain or dry skin. A new hand and body lotion promotes healthy blood flow. A multivitamin has been created to improve your vision. Five organic lip and body balms now come in easy-to-carry containers. And there are even more new over-the-counter items featured in the print edition of Drug Topics.

Community pharmacists are encouraged to express their views to lawmakers at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ 4th annual RxIMPACT Day in Washington, D.C., in March.

Retail pharmacy groups are urging Congress to reject budget proposals that would limit pharmacy choice for TRICARE beneficiaries.

A whopping 82% of 600 Georgia voters surveyed said they oppose mandatory mail-order plans.

Matthew Murawski, PharmD, has a new tool to help catch potential medication interactions before they happen: an iPad.

More patients pick up their first prescription when it’s sent to the pharmacy electronically than when it’s given to the patient on paper, according to the results of a study conducted by an e-prescribing network.

ScriptPro’s Central Pharmacy Management System won a 2011 Best in Klas award for Software Solutions (pharmacy, outpatient, retail), the 2 companies announced.

The Spiro PD has been cleared to market by FDA for the use by a patient to test lung function in children, adolescents, and adults, the product’s developer, PMD Healthcare, announced.

More than a year after Walgreens began collecting unused medications in all of its stores, it has added a Sharps' needle disposal system for customers' used needles.

Dose management tools used in the oncology and central pharmacies of a Maryland medical center have improved pharmacy workflow and reduced medication errors.