Biggest ever Don’t Rush to Crush released
Expanded and revised through the expertise of hospital pharmacists and guided by a multidisciplinary Editorial Committee, the 4th edition of Don’t Rush to Crush was released online yesterday and is now available via the SHPA Bookshop and on the eMIMS, MIMS Online and AusDI platforms.
Australia’s essential guide to safely administering oral medicines to people with enteral feeding tubes or swallowing difficulties has seen every monograph reviewed and updated, over 40 new monographs added, and new sections introduced on oral liquids and thickness testing, and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
SHPA President Peter Fowler says the Don’t Rush to Crush is a comprehensive reference of over 590 oral medicines currently available in Australia, with 40 included for the first time.
‘As Australia’s population ages and more people take more medicines, Don’t Rush to Crush is an indispensable frontline resource when managing risk and ensuring quality care for patients in all healthcare settings.
‘Don’t Rush to Crush is a required pharmacy textbook by the Pharmacy Board of Australia, and this current edition must be readily accessible and should be accessed by pharmacists during dispensing, clinical assessment, reviewing and counselling processes.’
New to the 4th Edition of Don’t Rush to Crush:
- About oral liquids and thickness testing provides information that is helpful when considering the safest option for a person with swallowing difficulties. For some people, the thickness of liquids or food is the most important factor to consider. Over 100 oral liquid medicines have been tested using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) testing methods and the resulting thickness levels are included in the monographs.
- About gastrointestinal dysfunction provides guidance about the important factors to consider when giving medicines to people who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, or who have altered gastrointestinal function.
SHPA Chief Executive Kristin Michaels says the 4th Edition introduces user-friendly innovations to make content as accessible as possible for key audiences of pharmacists, nurses, speech pathologists, dietitians, and pharmacy and nursing students.
‘In this edition antiretrovirals and antivirals that contain two or more active ingredients each have a dedicated monograph, and they are listed according to the brand name, while most medicines are still listed alphabetically by active ingredient.
‘Amid the improvements, the distinctive blue cover remains, soon to be updated in every Australian community pharmacy and on benches in hospital wards and aged care facilities across the country.
‘As always, the truly patient-centred format will assist decision-making in all healthcare settings, ensuring busy pharmacists and nurses can effectively manage medicines risk and ensure quality care.’
Updates to the 4th Edition of Don’t Rush to Crush will be available quarterly at Publications & Resources.