Little is known about the use of complementary medicines by people living with HIV in Australia since the advent of more effective combination antiretroviral therapy. We conducted an anonymous survey of 1211 adult patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy from one of eight specialist HIV clinics across Australia, aiming to identify the current patterns of use of ingestible complementary medicines. Data collected included reasons for use, information sources and rates of disclosure of use of complementary medicines to medical practitioners and pharmacists. Ingestible complementary medicine was used by up to 53% of the 1037 patients returning a survey. Complementary medicine was commonly used for general health, to boost immune function and, to a lesser extent, to address co-morbidities. Disclosure of complementary medicines use to doctors was far higher than to pharmacists. Given the potential for interactions, pharmacists should be more aware of patients' complementary medicines use.
Background: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance reinforces the need for antimicrobial stewardship to promote the appropriate and judicious use of antimicrobials. Aim: To quantify restricted antimicrobial use among intensive care unit (ICU) discharges to general wards, and to review appropriateness of antimicrobial use. Method: A prospective clinical audit was conducted over a 2-week period. Medical records for ICU discharges were reviewed, with relevant data extracted (patient characteristics, antimicrobial therapy prescribed, treatment instructions). Appropriateness of restricted antimicrobials used was gauged in accordance with hospital policies and the Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic. Results: 98 patients were discharged from the ICU -74 (76%) discharged to general wards were on antimicrobials, 15 discharged to general wards were not on antimicrobials and 9 discharged out of the hospital. Of these 74 patients, 31 (42%) were prescribed a total of 57 restricted antimicrobials; only 11 of these 31 (36%) patients had documented approval (from microbiology/infectious diseases teams) for use of restricted antimicrobials. 46 restricted antimicrobials (n = 57; 81%) were deemed clinically appropriate and the remaining 11 were prescribed outside guideline-recommended indications. Conclusion: While most restricted antimicrobials were prescribed according to national guidelines, in only one-third of patients were the restricted antimicrobials 'approved' for use according to hospital policies. Better clinical documentation on treatment plans and review processes for restricted antimicrobial use is needed during the transition from ICU to general wards. J Pharm Pract Res 2011; 41: 283-7.
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