Editorial: Communications

A lot of what we do as pharmacists is related to "communications." We communicate visually, orally, in writing, and even during listening. It has been said that:

He who thinks by the inch,
And talks by the yard,
Should be kicked by the foot!

I believe we are becoming more and more aware of the different modes of communication today because of the technology with which we are involved. Some know how to present themselves and their message and some do not. As pharmacists, this is important in our daily functions with patients and the public.

However, how many times have you heard individuals talking about things they don't really know that much about or saying things that aren't actually correct? I have found it interesting over the years that many people really rely on the words of a health professional and may change their behavior based upon what is said.

It is also interesting to note that many individuals simply quote what they have heard on television, read in the newspaper (Remember Pogo and Peanuts), or heard someone say and come to believe those comments are factual. We have covered the topic of factual reporting (or lack of it) in the news media in previous columns. Euphemisms are interesting, distinguishing between what is said and what is meant. A "reliable source" may have been the taxi driver or the coffee shop waitress on the way to work; and, a statement like "let me know what you think," may mean that I'll listen as long as it doesn't interfere with what I've already decided to do. Why is it that some feel they have to answer every question and be able to speak on every topic?

When patients ask questions, health professionals should communicate clearly, accurately, and honestly at the level of the individuals to whom you are communicating. It should be done in an easy-to-understand manner. If the answer is not known, follow up and get back with them later.


Loyd V. Allen, Jr., PhD, RPh
Editor-in-Chief

Almost Half (45%) of Physicians Would Consider Quitting if Congress Passes the Healthcare Overhaul Bill
Two-thirds of practicing physicians oppose the medical overhaul plan that is under consideration in Washington, and hundreds of thousands would think about shutting down their practices or retiring early if it were adopted (according to a new IBD/TIPP Poll).

The poll contradicts the claims of both the American Medical Association and the White House, both of which suggest the medical profession is behind the proposed overhaul.

An IBD/TIPP Poll was conducted by mail recently, with 1,376 practicing physicians chosen randomly throughout the country taking part. Responses are still coming in with a summary of findings that so far include:

• Two-thirds, or 65%, of doctors say they oppose the proposed government expansion plan. This contradicts the administration's claims that doctors are part of an "unprecedented coalition" supporting a medical overhaul.
• Four of nine doctors, or 45%, said they "would consider leaving their practice or taking an early retirement" if Congress passes the plan the Democratic majority and White House have in mind.

More than 800,000 doctors were practicing in 2006, the government says. Projecting the poll's finding onto that population, 360,000 doctors would consider quitting.
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=50619

US Doctor Pleads Guilty to Research Fraud
A physician who was accused of faking research for a dozen years in published studies that suggested after-surgery benefits from painkillers including Vioxx and Celebrex pled guilty Monday to one count of federal healthcare fraud.

The physician will have to repay $361,932 in research grants and forfeit assets worth at least $50,000 as penalty for his conduct following a plea hearing in U.S. District Court.

The 51-year old physician sought and received research grants from pharmaceutical companies but never performed the studies; he fabricated patient data, and submitted information to anesthesiology journals where it was published. He took leave after the hospital said last year that a routine review found that some of his research was not approved by an internal hospital review board. The hospital said that their investigation found that 21 papers were published in anesthesiology journals between 1996 and 2008 where he made up some or all of the data.

The journals have been asked to retract the studies, some of which reported favorable results from painkillers including Bextra, Celebrex, Lyrica, and Vioxx. The studies also claimed the antidepressant Effexor could be used as a painkiller. Vioxx and Bextra were pulled from the market amid mounting evidence they raised the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

The physician faces up to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
http://pharmalive.com/news/index.cfm?articleID=686606&categoryid=9&newsletter=1

First You Do; Now You Don't? ASA
Many middle-aged individuals have taken aspirin for years in hopes of reducing the chance of a heart attack or stroke. Americans bought more than 44 million packages of low-dose aspirin marketed for heart protection in the year ended September, up about 12% from 2005, according to research firm IMS Health.

Now, medical experts say some of those taking aspirin on a regular basis should think about stopping. It seems that public-health officials are scaling back official recommendations for aspirin to just those patients who are at risk of a heart attack or stroke. The concern is that aspirin's side effects (bleeding ulcers) might outweigh the potential benefits when taken by many healthy or older people.

In general, doctors agree that most patients who have already suffered a heart attack or ischemic stroke, the type caused by a clot or other obstruction blocking an artery to the brain, should take regular low-dose aspirin. However, for people without heart disease, the newest guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force spell out much more clearly than before when aspirin should be administered.

The current guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force are as follows:

Aspirin is recommended for:

• Some men 45 and older with risk factors for heart disease, assuming no history of ulcers or other bleeding dangers
• Some women 55 and older with risk factors for stroke and no history of bleeding danger

Aspirin not recommended for:

• Men younger than 45, and women younger than 55
• Anyone 80 and older

�that New York has approved another new pharmacy school? It will be located in D'Youville College, an independent institution in Buffalo, New York.

Fishing for Customers

Many pharmacies have been successful with BHRT seminars in their practice for women. For men, why not join up with an outdoors store (Bass Pro Shop, Cabellas, etc.) and sponsor a seminar on fishing this spring. In your promotional material to the participants, you can let them know you are available for talking about health issues; and list some of them as "teasers."