Four focus groups (with SB203580 mw 31 participants) were held in 2012 with Australian hospital pharmacists who work with children. Written notes and audio recordings were used to produce verbatim transcriptions and extract themes. There was consensus across groups that formal recognition of advanced pharmacy practice was valuable to the profession and to individuals. Elements should include a strong grounding in clinical practice, commitment to education, research and service improvement outside the department and institution. A framework for career development should be used to describe the levels of practice leading to advanced practice. Assessment should involve multiple

separate criteria, and incorporate direct observation, peer review and a BMS-354825 research buy professional portfolio. Postgraduate qualifications are desirable but not considered essential. Different knowledge and skills are required in paediatrics; however, the definition of

advanced practice remains the same. Recognition of advanced practice is valuable for the profession and for individuals. Multiple methods of assessment should be used. Specialty areas such as paediatrics can be defined and assessed similar to other specialties, with acknowledgement of the specific paediatric knowledge and skills required. “
“N. Umarua, S. Dhillona, K. Andrzeja, P. Sivab, C. Janetb aUniversity of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK, bLuton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation, Bedfordshire, UK To examine Medicines Related Hospital Admissions (MRHA) in older patients 65 years and over. A mixed method study based on triangulation of data

collected from a review of patients’ hospital admission notes, interviews with patients prior to discharge and a review of respective patients’ health records held at the GP surgery. Factors contributing to a MRHA included non-adherence, very limited discussions with healthcare professionals, patient-related inability to self-manage healthcare and lack of caution when initiating additional medication therapy. Previous studies have attributed the causes of MRHAs to communication failures, knowledge gaps and problems in the medication use process. Older patients 5-Fluoracil nmr are at a greater risk of experiencing MRPs resulting in hospital admissions of which an estimated two thirds are preventable. Concerns regarding unnecessary admission to hospital have been raised due to patient safety issues and use of limited resources within a healthcare system desperate to streamline its activities. Concerns arising due to MRHAs have largely been reported from the perspective of healthcare professionals. This study aimed to examine and incorporate the views of older patients admitted to hospital due to a MRP.