American Pharmacists Association (APhA) The American Pharmaceutical Association Drug Treatment Protocol

This resource provides clinical decision tools to aid health-care professionals in improving patient care. Pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and other professionals collaborated to develop the original 44 evidence-based algorithms published in the first edition in 1999. A review of treatment guidelines and medications conducted in 1999 and 2000 culminated in the revision of 39 of the algorithms and the addition of two new ones. This volume features 46 disease-based drug treatment protocols, each containing a decision tree and supporting text. The protocols begin with diagnosed condition and present current recommended treatments, including drug treatments, and, when applicable, nondrug measures and purported complementary treatments. Treatments are based on scientific evidence published in peer-reviewed medical literature and enhanced by the clinical experience of the multidisciplinary team that developed the original protocol and the clinicians who reviewed and/or revised the protocol. Protocols provide clinical framework for development of an integrated pharmaceutical care plan.Specific updated information in this edition includes: new treatment guidelines for congestive heart failure; new treatment guidelines for psychiatric disorders; new treatment guidelines for acute otitis media; new clinical research evidence on antiepileptic drugs; new treatment options and opinions for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis; and new clinical research evidence for venous access devices.