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The proliferation of effective therapies for both cardiovascular disease and coexisting illnesses has the potential to improve patient outcomes. However, the corresponding complexity of medication regimens also increases risks for adverse drug events and drug–drug interactions. Two new studies examine systemwide approaches to improving drug safety.
One group of investigators analyzed pooled results of two randomized trials comparing medication management by a trained pharmacist with usual care in 800 outpatients with hypertension or heart failure. In the intervention group, the pharmacist regularly communicated with the patients, who were supplied with electronic medication containers to monitor their adherence. During 12 months of follow-up…