January 5, 2007.

Because postoperative nausea and vomiting are among the most common adverse events after surgery and anesthesia, hospital pharmacists need current information to improve general efficiency and enhance patient safety. The proposed target audience has a need for such information as noted in the formal medical/pharmacy literature and expressed in expert opinion.

This publication will provide timely and useful information to help the target audience stay abreast of the latest knowledge concerning management and pharmacologic treatments for patients with postoperative nausea and vomiting.

The editorial and educational objectives of Pharmacology & Physiology in Anesthetic Practice Updates: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting are to provide the target audience with new information on the care of patients at risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting that has become available in the time since publication of the latest edition of the renowned Pharmacology & Physiology in Anesthetic Practice (4th Edition) textbook by Robert K. Stoelting, MD, and Simon C. Hillier, MD, and to allow a more detailed discussion of key topics that include: the physiology and factors affecting postoperative nausea and vomiting, evaluating the antiemetic literature, selection and dose a prophylactic antiemetic agent(s), and role of nonpharmacologic treatment.

The format and design of Pharmacology & Physiology in Anesthetic Practice Updates: Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting as a print-based, distance-learning activity has previously proven to be a credible and well-liked vehicle for the continuing medical education of pharmacists and to help improve overall patient care. This is evidenced by the rising numbers of pharmacists participating in such activities over the last few years, as evidenced by data compiled by the ACPE from its accredited providers.

This CPE activity will include a CPE Pre-Test that will help participants identify their specific educational need(s). Participants will also be required to achieve a passing score in the CPE Post-Test, which will allow participants to test their skills and their knowledge of the material presented in the educational activity. An evaluation assessment questionnaire will provide participants with a means to assess the activity’s quality, fairness and balance, and value of the educational activity to their clinical practice. To help further identify the educational needs of the audience, this publication will contain an evaluation assessment question requesting suggestions for possible future Updates topics.

Pharmacy Guest Editor/Peer Reviewer

Julie A. Golembiewski, PharmD
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Pharmacy Practice
University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Golembiewski has disclosed that she had/has following financial relationships with commercial companies: Grant/Research Funding: Baxter Healthcare Corp. and Hospira, Inc.; Consultant/Advisor: Baxter Healthcare Corp.; Speakers Bureau: Baxter Healthcare Corp. and Merck & Co., Inc.

Peer Reviewer

Andrew J. Donnelly, PharmD, MBA
Director of Pharmacy
Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice
University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Donnelly has disclosed that he has the following financial relationships with commercial companies: Speakers’ Bureau: Baxter;Consultant/Advisor: Baxter.

Authors

Matthew Eng, BSEE
Medical Student
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
Dallas, Texas
Mr. Eng has disclosed that he had/has no relationships/interests with commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.