Study Shows Pharmacist Shortage
WASHINGTON--The Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that the nation's number of pharmacists is dropping rapidly, even though Americans are taking more prescription drugs.
The number of unfilled drug store pharmacist positions rose from 2,700 to 7,000 during the last two years. Yet retail prescriptions dispensed nationwide have risen 44% since 1992.
This change could be dangerous for those taking medication because the lack of pharmacists employed leaves those currently with less time to advise patients and an increased potential for fatigue-related errors.
Applications at pharmaceutical colleges are also dropping. However, some congressmen are pushing for additional financial aid to entice more students to enter the field. Rep. James McGovern said pharmaceutical colleges should offer year-round courses to allow students to get their degree in three years instead of the standard six. The Massachusetts College of pharmacy has such a program.
In 1999, 2.8 billion prescriptions were taken by Americans.
Information from www.msnbc.com
Point-of-Care Engagement in Long-Term Care Decreasing Infections
November 26th 2024Get Well’s digital patient engagement platform decreases hospital-acquired infection rates by 31%, improves patient education, and fosters involvement in personalized care plans through real-time interaction tools.
Comprehensive Strategies in Wound Care: Insights From Madhavi Ponnapalli, MD
November 22nd 2024Madhavi Ponnapalli, MD, discusses effective wound care strategies, including debridement techniques, offloading modalities, appropriate dressing selection, compression therapy, and nutritional needs for optimal healing outcomes.
The Leapfrog Group and the Positive Effect on Hospital Hand Hygiene
November 21st 2024The Leapfrog Group enhances hospital safety by publicizing hand hygiene performance, improving patient safety outcomes, and significantly reducing health care-associated infections through transparent standards and monitoring initiatives.
