Thirty-two (89%) were dosed inappropriately with respect to renal function. Twenty (56%) had left-ventricular dysfunction as defined by an ejection fraction of ≤40%. At time of initial assessment, 15 (42%) were exhibiting signs of potential sotalol toxicity. Pharmacists provided recommendations regarding discontinuation or dosage adjustment on 32 patients with a 38% full and a 12% partial acceptance rate. All-cause readmission rates for patients receiving appropriate therapy, including those after pharmacist recommendations were accepted (Group A; n = 16), were compared to those remaining on inappropriate therapy Topoisomerase inhibitor (Group B; n = 20).

Readmission rates within 6 months differed between groups (31% for Group A, 55% for Group B; P = 0.095, odds ratio 3.7). Conclusion  This medication safety evaluation suggests the need for pharmacist assessment in patients receiving sotalol. Dosage adjustment or avoidance in patients with renal insufficiency, heart failure and other relative contraindications is often necessary to avoid toxicity. Sotalol was inappropriately prescribed in the majority of patients secondary to renal insufficiency. Based on this evaluation, it was recommended to add sotalol to the

institution’s pharmacist-managed renal dosing adjustment programme. Ensuring clinical pharmacist assessment when sotalol is prescribed can help reduce potential life-threatening ADEs and hospital readmissions. “
“Objectives  The extent to which community pharmacists contribute to the management of the global obesity epidemic RG-7388 is unclear. Local, regional and national obesity

management schemes need to be informed by existing services which will be influenced by health professionals’ attitudes and willingness to engage in service provision. The purpose of this study was to derive an accurate account of community pharmacists’ Fossariinae activities and attitudes towards the provision of current and future Healthy Weight Management (HWM) services. Methods  A postal survey was developed and disseminated to all 128 community pharmacies in Grampian, north-east Scotland. Key findings  The response rate was 64.8% (83/128). A range of HWM services was already being provided. The most common services offered were the supply of weight-loss medication (n = 69, 84.1%) and advice about its use (n = 68, 84.0%). Other services commonly offered were dietary advice (n = 59, 72.8%), physical activity advice (n = 53, 66.3%) and body mass index (BMI) calculation (n = 56, 68.3%). Most pharmacists were confident in measuring weight (n = 78, 93.9%), height (n = 78, 93.9%) and BMI (n = 78, 93.9%). Many pharmacists perceived a need for HWM services in their local area (n = 56, 67.5%) as well as a need to extend these services within their pharmacies (n = 48, 57.9%). Barriers to the provision of HWM services included workload (n = 77, 92.8%) and the need for additional reimbursement (n = 63, 75.9%) and additional staff (n = 49, 59.7%).