Browsing by Author "Wertheimer, Albert"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Affordable Care Act: A review and discussion of its impact on healthcare today, and a primer for pharmacists
    (University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, 2013) Lui, Leo Lai Ho; Wertheimer, Albert
    In the midst of countless healthcare debates, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is written into legislation as a possible solution to the United States's rising healthcare costs. Individualized into nine titles, the act sought to provide additional coverage to millions of Americans while cutting down healthcare costs through numerous provisions effective into 2020. While the act has been challenged publicly and privately by the states, many healthcare professionals today, let alone the average American, are unaware and uneducated of what comprises the act, as well as the impact in which it has on the future of healthcare in the United States. With an increasing role of patient care placed upon pharmacists today, an understanding of the PPACA allows us to provide extensive answers to questions in which our patients may have.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Incentivizing Antibiotic Research and Development
    (University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, 2015) Scandlen-Finken, Leah; Wertheimer, Albert
    Antibiotic Resistance is an international threat, killing thousands and infecting millions. Although certain populations may be at an increased risk for infections, anyone can find themselves compromised with a multi-drug resistant infection. Treatments are becoming more complicated as the bacteria becomes more elusive. Cures are becoming less certain, and the future antibiotic arsenal is looking thin. Although there are many talented scientists and capable drug development entities, the funding and returns on investment are not sufficient to entice antibiotic research and development. This paper explores the current situation regarding antibiotic resistance and its casualties, as well as the mechanisms being employed to overcome the increase in resistance, and decrease in antibiotic effectiveness. Through analysis of antibiotic research, development, and regulation, this paper adds to the discussion by filling in the current gaps regarding the procurement of sustainable funding via an insurance model framework. By incentivizing the pharmaceutical industry to invest in antibiotic research, and by guaranteeing returns on investment, a global solution to the current antibiotic resistance problem can be contained.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    International Variations In Essential Medication Lists
    (University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, 2014) Tejani, Ali H.; Wertheimer, Albert
    Every nation in the world has established a National Medication Formulary to account for all the medications present in the country. Many countries follow the Essential Medication List provided by the World Health organization (WHO) when making their own National Medication Formulary. Our study looked at variations in the National Formularies when compared to the Essential Medication Lists. Different relationships such as missing and extra medications lists were formulated and the statistics analyzed. It was noted that on average most of the countries studied were lacking 47% of medications, and had 30% additional medications on their national formulary. Further studies need to be conducted as Essential Medications may be lacking, or harmful medications may be present in a country’s formulary leading to severe health problems.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Unit-of-Use Versus Traditional Bulk Packaging
    (University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, 2012) So, Tiffany; Wertheimer, Albert
    Background: The choice between unit-of-use versus traditional bulk packaging in the US has long been a continuous debate for drug manufacturers and pharmacies in order to have the most efficient and safest practices. Understanding the benefits of using unit-of-use packaging over bulk packaging by US drug manufacturers in terms of workflow efficiency, economical costs and medication safety in the pharmacy is sometimes challenging. Methods: A time-saving study comparing the time saved using unit-of-use packaging versus bulk packaging, was examined. Prices between unit-of-use versus bulk packages were compared by using the Red Book: Pharmacy’s Fundamental Reference. Other articles were reviewed on the topics of counterfeiting, safe labeling, and implementation of unit-of-use packaging. Lastly, a cost-saving study was reviewed showing how medication adherence, due to improved packaging, could be cost-effective for patients. Results: When examining time, costs, medication adherence, and counterfeiting arguments, unit-of-use packaging proved to be beneficial for patients in all these terms.