The Haunting of Medical Literature

Ghostwriting, or using the names of academic researchers to validate studies commissioned by pharmaceutical companies, has become a growing concern within medical literature. Omission from authorship of the names of individuals making considerable contributions to a paper is one of the most significant aspects of ghostwriting. Policy prohibiting medical ghostwriting is lacking, and it is nearly impossible to prevent the practice without strict and thorough guidelines. More strict guidelines banning ghostwriting, denying government funds to organizations without such policies, and development of databases to track offending authors and organizations could decrease the impact of ghostwriting in medical literature

Pharmacy Colleges: A Highly Controversial Test

As substance abuse continues to be problematic on college campuses across the United States, pharmacy colleges in particular are faced with the challenge of deterring drug abuse among their students. Many pharmacy schools are considering the adoption of student drug -screening policies in hopes of discouraging abuse, directing impaired students to treatment, and, ultimately, protecting the public. However, these policies are being met with apprehension in regards to added costs, Fourth Amendment rights violations, and privacy concerns. Drug-screening policies continue to be an issue of deliberation for pharmacy colleges, requiring much consideration and care

Prescription Drug Abuse: The Pharmacist\u27s Occupational Hazard

Prescription drug abuse within the profession of pharmacy is a rising threat that must be addressed. While familiarity of drugs, work-related stress, family history and enabling may contribute to addiction disorders, chemical impairment by the pharmacist can posse serious risks to patient care. Help is available for the struggling pharmacist in the form of treatment facilities and support networks for recovery

Prescription Drug Abuse: A Guide for Pharmacists

Millions of Americans use prescription psychotherapeutc drugs for nonmedical purposes. The most commonly abused prescription drugs are painkillers, followed by sedatives and stimulants. The first step towards ending prescription drug abuse must be taken by the pharmacist. Professional and student organizations, as well the as the newly founded Ohio Rx Abuse Prevention (OhioRAP) Coalition, provide resources to pharmacists and pharmacy students who want to reduce prescription drug abuse. This article discusses these various resources and provides a guide for pharmacists to take an active role in reducing prescription drug abuse and positively impact patient outcomes and their communities