Forum At St. Louis College Of Pharmacy Will Address A Critical Health Care Issue For Americans: Medication Safety
Medication safety and the appropriate use of high-quality prescription and over-the-counter medications are among the nation's most pressing health care challenges. Both are critical and frequently discussed topics among medical professionals; federal, state, and local policymakers; and the public.
At St. Louis College of Pharmacy, experts from the Food and Drug Administration, National Library of Medicine, universities, corporations and non-profit organizations will convene April 17 to examine trends related to the safe use and distribution of pharmaceuticals at the St. Louis Forum on Medication Safety. The event will be held on campus at Whelpley Auditorium, beginning at 8 a.m. It is free and open to the public. The opening remarks will be delivered by Steven Miller, chief medical officer at Express Scripts.
"This medication safety forum provides an opportunity to specifically discuss patient and drug safety issues in the United States," said Thomas Patton, president of the College. "It will incorporate a team-oriented approach between academic scholars, practitioners, government agencies and industry leaders to discuss initiatives and best practices to benefit health care and all patients who utilize and depend on our services."
There will be three panel discussions focusing on methods for using technology to reduce medication errors (informatics); detecting concerns and issues in the nation's drug supply (surveillance); and trends in health education among Americans (health literacy). Experts will discuss government and industry collaborations, initiatives and technologies dealing with safety. Additionally, they will explore medication usage by examining how patients follow physician and pharmacist instructions, monitor potential side effects and negative interactions; and properly store their medications.
"Medication safety focuses on two primary areas – one is the minimization of adverse drug reactions, and the other is the prevention of medication errors," said Wendy Duncan-Hewitt, dean of pharmacy and vice president for academic affairs at the College. "As health care professionals – whether in a classroom setting, developing new technologies, or directly assisting patients each day – we must collaborate to remain up-to-date on policies, procedures and practices that ultimately ensure patient safety. Health care practitioners in St. Louis as well as throughout the nation have an important role to play, and this forum is part of that increasingly important process."
About St. Louis College of Pharmacy
St. Louis College of Pharmacy Founded in 1864, St. Louis College of Pharmacy is one of the oldest and largest colleges of pharmacy in America. The College admits students directly from high school and integrates the liberal arts and sciences with a six-year professional curriculum leading to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. More than 1,150 students attend, and more than 72 percent of practicing pharmacists in the St. Louis metropolitan region are alumni.
SOURCE: St. Louis College of Pharmacy