The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

"VCD” is first-line treatment for myeloma (MM) and systemic AL amyloidosis (AL), consisting of subcutaneous bortezomib, with oral cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone. Patients can spend several hours each week travelling into hospital or waiting for Hospital in the Home (HITH) nurses for one subcutaneous injection that takes only a minute to administer.

Goals of work An information gap with respect to specific therapies was identified when patients were transferred from the oncology and haematology unit (OHU) to the critical care units. The goal was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of a pharmacist-initiated pharmaceutical handover (PIPH) for patients being transferred from the OHU to the critical care units at a major teaching hospital. Patients and methods A PIPH process for the specific therapies of mouthcare, chemotherapy regimen, growth factors and antibiotics was developed. The PIPH was delivered in written format or combined written and verbal format. The impact of the PIPH was by assessment of recorded clinical pharmacist interventions. Data were analysed to evaluate any difference in the number of interventions relating to and the time to administration of the specific therapies. Main results Data were available for 30 patient transfers in the pre-implementation group, with 22 transfers available in the post-implementation period. The number of interventions relating to the specific therapies was significantly reduced in the post-implementation group (144 vs 26; p < 0.0001). A significantly greater proportion of the specific therapies were administered on time in the post-implementation group (57% vs 96%; p < 0.0001). Conclusions Clinical pharmacists in the specialty area of oncology and haematology can improve the continuum of care when their patients are transferred to other units. By providing an accurate handover about specific therapies, there is an overall improvement in the prescribing and timely administration of these therapies.

Background Manufacturers of phenytoin injection recommend that it be given without dilution by direct IV injection. Direct IV injection presents well‐recognised side effects which can be minimised by giving phenytoin as an infusion.Aim: To assess the stability of Phenytoin Injection (DBL) in sodium chloride 0.9% prepared for infusion in Viaflex bags and a Buretrol extension set.Method: Admixtures containing 3, 6 and 10 mg/mL of phenytoin were prepared in sodium chloride 0.9% and stored in Viaflex bags, extension sets and beakers exposed to air (controls) for 6 hours. The concentration of phenytoin in the Viaflex bags was measured by UV absorption spectrophotometry. All the admixtures were inspected for microscopic particulate matter and the pH measured at intervals over 6 hours.Results: In the Viaflex bags there were no changes in the phenytoin concentration, minimal change in pH(< 0.1) and no particulate matter over 6 hours. In the extension sets and beakers, particulate matter was minimal at 2 hours and extensive beyond this time. There was an overall decrease of 0.30 and 0.32 pH units in samples from the extension sets and beakers.Conclusion: Phenytoin Injection (DBL) can be given as an IV infusion in sodium chloride 0.9% provided it is prepared in a Viaflex bag and infused within 2 hours of preparation.J Pharm Pract Res 2004; 34: 272–5.