PJ, 26 September 2015, Vol 295, No 7881

Non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome: an update

Risk stratification and ongoing care is important in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome, the new collective term for unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.…

The wait is over for more clinical roles for pharmacists

Pharmacists, particularly those in the community, are closer than ever to being offered the new opportunities in clinical practice.…

Genetically engineering humans: a step too far?

Among scientists and health professionals there are differing opinions on how far we should take genetic engineering. Robert Sparrow and Glenn Cohen discuss the merits and dangers of using this technology beyond disease treatment and prevention.…

Confidence in our future pharmacists

I write in support of the letter from Graham Phillips ( The Pharmaceutical Journal 2 015;295:213) and share his concerns over the registration assessment pass rates. I have the privilege to visit schools of pharmacy regularly to discuss career opportuni…

Electronic medication boxes improve adherence in TB patients

A large study in China looked at how effective text message reminders were compared with electronic medicine boxes at getting patients to take their drugs and found the latter to be far superior.…

Why we still need a national contract for pharmacy

Many readers will have seen the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) consultation on integrating community pharmacy and general practice. No one could argue with this principle but, as the elected representatives for community pharmacy owners in England,…

Low dose beta blockers as effective as high dose after heart attack

Patients who received target doses of beta blocker therapy after a heart attack did not have improved survival over patients receiving lower doses, finds new research.…

Antidiabetic agent could smother pancreatic cancer stem cells

Metformin, commonly used for diabetes, was found to shut down metabolism in pancreatic cancer stem cells, which can spread cancer around the body.…

Ordinary soap cleans hands just as well as antibacterial soap

Ordinary soap is as good as antibacterial soap at cleaning hands under real life conditions, finds new research published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.…

RPS publishes strategy for future pharmacy workforce

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has published a strategy document for the future of the pharmacy workforce, which sets out the objectives of the Society and defines the quality of education required for students, trainees and pharmacists.…