Academic literature on the topic 'Hospital pharmacies Administration Mathematical models'

To increase patient safety and support bedside-point-of-care medication administration, millions of unit-dose medications are dispensed in hospitals and health systems daily. Because not all medications are available in unit-dose form directly from the manufacturer, hospitals must repackage medications in unit-dose form themselves. We develop a mathematical model that simultaneously determines which level of technology is warranted and how each medication that is not delivered to the pharmacy in unit-dose form should be repackaged subject to multiple constraints. This model has been integrated into a free Excel-based tool available to pharmacy directors. We test our model with data based on small, medium, and large hospitals and conduct sensitivity analyses to gain further insight. We illustrate how the results from our model can aid in incorporating qualitative aspects into technology selection. Our results show that a semi-automated repackaging system is the most economical technology alternative for most hospital pharmacy in-house repackaging operations. This result, however, is sensitive to the number of unit-dose medications to repackage and the available labor.

Hospital-acquired bacterial infections lead to prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality. The problem is exacerbated by antibiotic-resistant strains that delay or impede effective treatment. To ensure successful therapy and to manage antibiotic resistance, treatment protocols that draw on several different antibiotics might be used. This includes the administration of drug cocktails to individual patients (combination therapy) but also the random assignment of drugs to different patients (mixing) and a regular switch in the default drug used in the hospital from drug A to drug B and back (cycling). For more than 20 years, mathematical models have been used to assess the prospects of antibiotic combination therapy, mixing and cycling. But while tendencies in their ranking across studies have emerged, the picture remains surprisingly inconclusive and incomplete. In this article, we review existing modelling studies and demonstrate by means of examples how methodological factors complicate the emergence of a consistent picture. These factors include the choice of the criterion by which the effects of the protocols are compared, the model implementation and its analysis. We thereafter discuss how progress can be made and suggest future modelling directions.

The increase in antibiotic resistance continues to pose a major public health risk leading to a more intense focus on ways to limit and even reduce this threat. One such effort is the push for twenty new classes of antibiotics by the year 2020. Most of the current antibiotics used today are derivations of antibiotics first introduced forty to fifty years ago. In this paper, we develop mathematical models to simulate the difference between implementing a next generation antibiotic versus a new class antibiotic within a hospital setting. Using these models, we simulate the short term and long term effects of using the new antibiotic to combat existing levels of antimicrobial resistance. In addition to analyzing the difference in antibiotic classes, we also analyze the effects of the method of administration of the new antibiotic. Simulations suggest a need in the long term for the development of new classes of antibiotics administered in a very structured, targeted manner.

Canada’s universal public health care system provides physician, diagnostic, and hospital services at no cost to all Canadians, accounting for approximately 70% of the 264 billion CAD spent in health expenditure yearly. Pharmacy-related services, including prescription drugs, however, are not universally publicly insured. Although this system underpins the Canadian identity, primary health care reform has long been desired by Canadians wanting better access to high quality, effective, patient-centred, and safe primary care services. A nationally coordinated approach to remodel the primary health care system was incited at the turn of the 21st century yet, twenty years later, evidence of widespread meaningful improvement remains underwhelming. As a provincial/territorial responsibility, the organization and provision of primary care remains discordant across the country. Canadian pharmacists are, now more than ever, poised and primed to provide care integrated with the rest of the primary health care system. However, the self-regulation of the profession of pharmacy is also a provincial/territorial mandate, making progress toward integration of pharmacists into the primary care system incongruent across jurisdictions. Among 11,000 pharmacies, Canada’s 28,000 community pharmacists possess varying authority to prescribe, administer, and monitor drug therapies as an extension to their traditional dispensing role. Expanded professional services offered at most community pharmacies include medication reviews, minor/common ailment management, pharmacist prescribing for existing prescriptions, smoking cessation counselling, and administration of injectable drugs and vaccinations. Barriers to widely offering these services include uncertainties around remuneration, perceived skepticism from other providers about pharmacists’ skills, and slow digital modernization including limited access by pharmacists to patient health records held by other professionals. Each province/territory enables pharmacists to offer these services under specific legislation, practice standards, and remuneration models unique to their jurisdiction. There is also a small, but growing, number of pharmacists across the country working within interdisciplinary primary care teams. To achieve meaningful, consistent, and seamless integration into the interdisciplinary model of Canadian primary health care reform, pharmacy advocacy groups across the country must coordinate and collaborate on a harmonized vision for innovation in primary care integration, and move toward implementing that vision with ongoing collaboration on primary health care initiatives, strategic plans, and policies. Canadians deserve to receive timely, equitable, and safe interdisciplinary care within a coordinated primary health care system, including from their pharmacy team.

Annotation. In the research, the new data of S. aureus clinical strains’ sensitivity to fluoroquinolones is presented. The aim of the research was to carry out analytic prognosis of sensitivity to fluoroquinolones in clinical strains of S. aureus, isolated from patients with burns. Our research was carried out in 2011–2018. From patients there were isolated 204 clinical strains of S. aureus. There was studied the sensitivity of S. aureus clinical strains to such fluoroquinolones as ofloxacinum, levofloxacin, gatifloxacin. The sensitivity was carried out by means of standard qualitative disc-diffusion method on dense medium and quantitative serial dilution one. The analytical dependence of dynamic prognostic changing criteria of S. aureus clinical strains’ sensitivity to fluoroquinolones was found by means of mathematical prognostication. Prognostic mathematical models were conducted. Authenticity of every model and substantiation of the prognosis of antibiotic sensitivity of S. aureus were estimated due to determination criteria (r2). “STATISTICA 10.0”; “Matlab 7.11” programs were used. In the result of the statistical analysis of the data, obtained in research, we found decreasing sensitivity of S. aureus to ofloxacinum and levofloxacin. The sensitivity to ofloxacinum in S. aureus strains was found to be reduced the 94,12% in 2012 years to 56,2% in 2020 years.). The resulting mathematical model showed a prognostic decrease in the sensitivity of hospital strains of S. aureus to levofloxacin. A mathematical prognostic model indicated a likely improvement in staphylococcus sensitivity to gatifloxacin in 2020 (94.1%). Obtained formulas of analytical prognosis of sensitivity of S. aureus, colonizing burn surfaces in patients, proved the decreasing effectiveness of fluoroquinolones in prophylaxis and treatment of infectious complications, caused by this opportunistic pathogen. That is why microbiological research at the beginning of management administration of antimicrobials in these patients is of great importance.

The purpose of this article is to study the factors that have a direct impact on improving the quality of life through improving public administration in the field of health care. In the course of our research are considered the following aspects: significant economic and social aspects of the medical sphere that affect the quality of life; a list of public services that are of significant public interest and have the greatest impact on quality of life, methodological approaches to assessing the quality of life, the main problems and possible ways to improve public health policy to improve the quality of life. To achieve the objectives of the study, several statistical indicators were selected and a number of statistical methods of analysis were used: pairwise correlation, regression analysis, methods of comparison, synthesis and comparison. Statistical analysis was conducted according to the countries of the European continent, which belong to different social models. An economic-mathematical model of the dependence of the Quality of Life Index on the factors of public management of medical services has been built, which shows that the increase in the Quality of Life Index by 70.2% is due to the level of state funding, insurance and the number of hospital beds. One of the main conclusions is the fact that the Health Index, along with the Purchasing Power Index, have the greatest positive impact on the quality of life of the population. According to the results of the regression analysis, it was found that that the most statistically and practically significant factor of the linear dependence of the studied indicators of public health services management on the Quality of Life Index is public expenditures in the field of health care. In this context, public policy should be mainly aimed at addressing the problems of efficient allocation of resources and fragmentation of policies and strategies for the development of effective socio-economic systems for providing quality health services to ensure a high level of quality of life.

Abstract Abstract 1172 Background: Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are complex biologic drugs that exhibit heterogeneity in terms of saccharide chain length and in the composition (sulfate, acetyl), content, and location of functional groups. Such heterogeneity impacts the biologic activity of LMWHs as there is a certain threshold chain length required for thrombin inhibitory activity and a particular sequence is required for interaction with antithrombin. In July 2010 the US Food and Drug Administration published requirements necessary to demonstrate the ‘sameness’ of generic LMWHs with the originator LMWH. We undertook this study to compare the primary anticoagulant effect of thrombosis prevention and the primary adverse effect of bleeding of two FDA approved generic enoxaparins. Methods: Four batches of commercially available Sandoz US generic enoxaparin (Princeton, NJ) and two batches of Watson US generic enoxaparin (Parsippany, NJ) were compared. All products were obtained from hospital pharmacies as pre-filled syringes containing 40 mg of the drugs. The molecular weight profile of each batch was determined by HPLC in relation to well-defined heparin fractions and by utilizing the US Pharmacopeia method. In vitro activity was determined by supplementing each LMWH batch to normal human plasma over a range of concentrations (0–10 mg/ml) and analyzing these samples using aPTT, anti-FXa and anti-FIIa assays. Hemorrhagic activity was measured using a rat tail transection model five minutes after administration of a 2 mg/kg intravenous dose (n=8 rats/batch). Upon completion of the bleeding model, antithrombotic activity was assessed using a jugular vein clamping model (∼90 minutes post-dosing). Blood samples collected from treated rats were used to estimate circulating blood levels of LMWH using anti-FXa and anti-FIIa assays. Results: The two groups of generic enoxaparins exhibited a similar molecular weight profile with mean molecular weights of 4,270 ± 20 Da for the Sandoz products and 4,420 ± 80 Da for the Watson products. In vitro activities were similar between batches of the same product, but the individual products differed considerably (p=0.01). In the aPTT and anti-FIIa assays, the Watson LMWH produced significantly more activity than the Sandoz LMWH at concentrations ≥5 μg/ml. At 5 μg/ml, a clotting time of 74.0 ± 16.6 sec was observed with Watson batches compared to clotting times ranging from 52.9 to 54.9 sec for Sandoz LMWHs. While a similar pattern was observed with the anti-FXa assay, the differences between products were not statistically significant. In the bleeding model, all LMWHs prolonged the bleeding time compared to vehicle control. One batch of the Watson LMWH, however, produced a significantly longer bleeding time compared to all other samples tested (33.8 ± 5.1 min vs. a range of 11.9 ± 2.4 to 18.3 ± 4.3 minutes for the other samples; p=0.003). The same batch produced significantly more antithrombotic activity (6.3 ± 0.7 clampings) compared to the other samples (range of 4.0 ± 0.6 to 4.6 ± 0.5 clampings; p<0.001). One batch of Sandoz LMWH produced a significantly smaller prolongation of bleeding time compared to other samples. Circulating drug levels determined by anti-FXa and anti-FIIa activities were comparable in all treatment groups but did not appear to correlate with hemorrhagic or antithrombotic activities. Conclusion: The expectation was that all batches of all generic enoxaparins would produce the same in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo outcomes. The findings of this study suggest that incorporation of traditional animal models in the development of generic enoxaparins may be of value as multiple biological effects of LMWHs, not fully addressed with the anti-FXa and anti-FIIa activities, contribute to the overall antithrombotic activity of these LMWHs. This study demonstrates that all generic enoxaparins available today may not necessarily be the same. These findings underscore the importance of in vivo studies in animal models to demonstrate the bioequivalence of the generic products. Disclosures: Jeske: Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France: Research Funding. Walenga:Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France: Research Funding. Escalante:Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France: Research Funding. Hoppensteadt:Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France: Research Funding. Cunanan:Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France: Research Funding. Kahn:Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France: Research Funding. Paulus:Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France: Research Funding. Fareed:Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France: Research Funding. Bakhos:Sanofi-Aventis, Paris, France: Research Funding.

Background: The Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists’ Hospital Pharmacy in Canada Report presents data from pharmacy departments that service hospitals with at least 50 acute care beds. This report provides valuable data on pharmacy distribution, clinical, and management services in relation to hospital size, type, and geographic region. Pharmacy and hospital leadership use these extensive data in identifying baseline, benchmarking current, and planning enhanced pharmacy services. However, for most of Canada’s small hospitals, such data remain unknown, and leadership remains uninformed. Objective: To gather and analyze data about current pharmacy distribution, clinical, and management services in hospitals with fewer than 50 acute care beds receiving third-party remote pharmacy (telepharmacy) services. Methods: In April 2019, pharmacy administrators of hospitals in Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan that had fewer than 50 acute care beds and were using third-party telepharmacy services were invited to complete a comprehensive survey addressing concepts similar to those in the Hospital Pharmacy in Canada Survey. The following data on clinical pharmacy practice were collected: models of care, assignments to patient care programs, pharmacists’ activities, performance indicators, and professional evaluation. The description of pharmacy distribution services comprised type of system, technology, location, hours of operation, method of medication order entry and verification, and medication administration records. Details on facilities’ parenteral admixture infrastructure, policy for and provision of sterile compounding, and pharmacy department human resources, including composition and staffing ratios, were also collected. Results: Of the 27 hospitals in Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan that were invited to participate, 24 (89%) completed the survey. The median facility size was 19 acute care beds. Conclusions: Previously unavailable in Canada, these quantitative data from small hospitals supported by telepharmacy services provide facts about pharmacy distribution, clinical, and management services to inform hospital and pharmacy leaders. Creation of a survey unique to small hospitals, whether or not they use telepharmacy services, could provide a valuable resource to assist in the benchmarking, planning, and enhancement of pharmacy services in remote and rural communities. RÉSUMÉ Contexte : Le Rapport sur les pharmacies hospitalières canadiennes de la Société canadienne des pharmaciens d’hôpitaux expose les données provenant des services de pharmacie qui appuient les hôpitaux comptant au moins 50 lits de soins aigus. Il offre de précieuses données sur les services de distribution des médicaments, les services cliniques et de gestion en relation avec la taille, le type et la région géographique des hôpitaux. Les équipes de direction des pharmacies et des hôpitaux utilisent ces données exhaustives pour déterminer une base de référence, évaluer les services de pharmacie actuels et planifier l’amélioration des services. Cependant, la plupart des petits hôpitaux du Canada ne disposent pas de ce type de données, et les équipes de direction n’en sont pas informées. Objectif : Réunir et analyser des données sur la distribution de médicaments, les services cliniques et la gestion des services pharmaceutiques actuels dans les hôpitaux comptant moins de 50 lits de soins aigus, qui reçoivent des services de pharmacie à distance (services de télépharmacie) fournis par des tiers. Méthode : En avril 2019, les administrateurs de pharmacie d’hôpitaux en Ontario, au Québec et en Saskatchewan remplissant ces critères ont été invités à répondre à une enquête exhaustive abordant des concepts similaires à ceux de Sondage sur les pharmacies hospitalières canadiennes. Les données suivantes sur la pratique de la pharmacie clinique ont été recueillies : modèles de soins, affectation des pharmaciens à des programmes particuliers de soins des patients, activités des pharmaciens, indicateurs de performance et évaluation professionnelle. La description des systèmes de distribution des médicaments par les pharmacies comprenait : le type de système, la technologie, le lieu, les heures de service, le mode de saisie et de vérification des ordonnances de médicaments ainsi que les dossiers d’administration. Les détails concernant l’infrastructure pour l’administration de solutions parentérales, la politique relative aux composés stériles et à leur distribution ainsi que les ressources humaines des services de pharmacie, y compris la composition et les ratios en personnel, ont également été recueillis. Résultats : Sur les 27 hôpitaux en Ontario, au Québec et en Saskatchewan invités à participer à l’enquête, 24 (89 %) y ont répondu. La taille moyenne des installations était de 19 lits de soins aigus. Conclusions : Autrefois indisponibles au Canada, ces données quantitatives provenant de petits hôpitaux soutenus par des services de télépharmacie livrent des faits concernant le système de distribution des médicaments au sein des pharmacies, les services cliniques et de gestion, qui permettent de guider les cadres des hôpitaux et de la pharmacie. La création d’une enquête unique destinée aux petits hôpitaux, utilisant ou non des services de télépharmacie, pourrait constituer une précieuse ressource pour aider à évaluer, à planifier et à améliorer les services pharmaceutiques dans les communautés rurales et éloignées.

Abstract Background Children and young persons are known to have a high number of close interactions, often within the school environment, which can facilitate rapid spread of infection; yet for SARS-CoV-2, it is the elderly and vulnerable that suffer the greatest health burden. Vaccination, initially targeting the elderly and vulnerable before later expanding to the entire adult population, has been transformative in the control of SARS-CoV-2 in England. However, early concerns over adverse events and the lower risk associated with infection in younger individuals means that the expansion of the vaccine programme to those under 18 years of age needs to be rigorously and quantitatively assessed. Methods Here, using a bespoke mathematical model matched to case and hospital data for England, we consider the potential impact of vaccinating 12–17 and 5–11-year-olds. This analysis is reported from an early model (generated in June 2021) that formed part of the evidence base for the decisions in England, and a later model (from November 2021) that benefits from a richer understanding of vaccine efficacy, greater knowledge of the Delta variant wave and uses data on the rate of vaccine administration. For both models, we consider the population wide impact of childhood vaccination as well as the specific impact on the age groups targeted for vaccination. Results Projections from June suggested that an expansion of the vaccine programme to those 12–17 years old could generate substantial reductions in infection, hospital admission and deaths in the entire population, depending on population behaviour following the relaxation of control measures. The benefits within the 12–17-year-old cohort were less marked, saving between 660 and 1100 (95% PI (prediction interval) 280–2300) hospital admissions and between 22 and 38 (95% PI 9–91) deaths depending on assumed population behaviour. For the more recent model, the benefits within this age group are reduced, saving on average 630 (95% PI 300–1300) hospital admissions and 11 (95% PI 5–28) deaths for 80% vaccine uptake, while the benefits to the wider population represent a reduction of 8–10% in hospital admissions and deaths. The vaccination of 5–11-year-olds is projected to have a far smaller impact, in part due to the later roll-out of vaccines to this age group. Conclusions Vaccination of 12–170-year-olds and 5–11-year-olds is projected to generate a reduction in infection, hospital admission and deaths for both the age groups involved and the population in general. For any decision involving childhood vaccination, these benefits needs to be balanced against potential adverse events from the vaccine, the operational constraints on delivery and the potential for diverting resources from other public health campaigns.

In this chapter, the authors discuss the technological aspects of solutions and applications in staff rostering by means of ICT techniques. Three different applications are presented related to nurse rostering in a public hospital ward, nurse rostering in a private hospital ward, and physician rostering in a public hospital intensive care unit. For all applications, the use of efficient operations research techniques, models, and related solvers guided by the suggestions of the healthcare staff is introduced. The peculiarity of this work is the combination of mathematical programming techniques and solvers under the classical neighborhood search framework.