(1) Background: Sensory processing disorder is now recognised as a core feature of autism spectrum disorder that influences children’s adaptive behaviours, which, in turn, may interfere with their participation in life situations. This study describes the process of developing a technological platform, in the form of an app, to help families regulate children with ASD, aged 3–6 years old, by applying sensory strategies to improve the child’s participation in daily routines in the home context. (2) Methods: A focus group formed by four specialised occupational therapists who intervene with children with ASD was selected in order to understand and discuss content that should be included in the app. At a later stage, a group of three was involved to ensure quality and veracity in technological platform elaboration. (3) Results: The purpose of the app, named Regul-A, is to help parents regulate children with ASD regarding their participation in home routines. The sensory strategies provided by the focus group in the three major occupations of the child were the first results obtained, followed by the development of the app structure. (4) Conclusions: The next phase of the study will be the use of the platform by families of children with ASD and occupational therapists. It is believed that, in the future, Regul-A will be used as a tool to gather, analyse and manage data on the occupational performance of children with ASD in the home context, particularly for activities of daily living, sleep, rest and play, facilitating the implementation of strategies and the sharing of information between parents and occupational therapists.

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BackgroundA potential complication of chemotherapy is vesicant cytotoxic extravasation, such as anthracyclines, which may affect the quality of life of patients. Therefore, fast acting and active treatment is essential.PurposeThe aim of this study was to develop an algorithm for management of anthracycline extravasation, which contains management measures, antidote and treatments that should be supplied.Material and methodsA literature review was performed, by research and analysis of guidelines and articles obtained from PubMed from January 2000 to September/2015, using the terms ‘cytotoxic extravasation’ and ‘extravasation treatment’.ResultsThe first action is to stop anthracycline infusion immediately, not remove the cannula, disconnect the infusion, and with a new syringe aspirate as much of the infusate as possible. The medical staff on service are then notified and the extravasated drug is identified. Thereafter, the extravasation area is marked and photographed and the cannula is removed. Ice packs, to promote local cooling of the extravasation site, should be applied to the affected area for 20 min with minimal pressure. Pharmacological measures involve intravenous infusion of dexrazoxane, for 1–2 h, into a large vein of an area other than the one affected by the extravasation. Cooling procedures should have been removed from the area at least 15 min before dexrazoxane administration in order to allow sufficient blood flow. Treatment should be given once daily for 3 consecutive days. The first infusion should be initiated as soon as possible, within the first 6 h after the accident. Treatment day 2 and day 3 should start at the same time (±3 h) as day 1. Analgesia should be provided if required. The follow-up and long term management is central. According to the clinical trials and case studies available, correct administration of dexrazoxane prevented skin necrosis and ulceration in up to 98% of patients.ConclusionThe development of algorithms for management of chemotherapy extravasation, which allow a quick and effective intervention, is essential. The developed algorithm is a valuable tool for all hospital services that prepare and administer anthracyclines, contributing to a quick and effective response to episodes of extravasation.References and/or AcknowledgementsInt J Clin Pract 2013;67:244–9No conflict of interest.

BackgroundBeing responsible for the management of the investigational medicinal products (IMPs), pharmacists should create a descriptive standard operational procedure (SOP) to ensure the management of IMPs. Pharmacists should also implement good practices that promote therapeutic compliance to minimise the occurrence of errors and enhance the information available to the patient.PurposeTo describe the activity of a clinical trial service in a hospital pharmacy since 2006.Material and methodsRecords of all clinical trials that took place in the hospital since 2006 were reviewed with evaluation of recently implemented methodologies.ResultsPharmacists created methodologies to keep accurate and up to date records to provide a full audit trail from reception until destruction of an IMP. They had written a clinical trial SOP and created four specific forms for each clinical trial: clinical trial summary; clinical trial diary; IMP stock control; and IMP accountability. To ensure the correct use and compliance of medication, four self-adhesive labels and leaflets with IMP information were developed. The growth of this service is evident in all pharmaceutical activities, with a maximum of IMP dispensing (150) and the number of ongoing patients (63) in August 2016. The maximum of IMP receipts (42) was dated to 2015, and there were 7 site selection visits which resulted in an increase in the number of initiation and monitoring visits. IMP dispensing is the activity that represents the largest number of pharmaceutical activities. The clinical trials were mainly phase III (78%), in haematology (30%) and cardiology (26%), with anticoagulant and antihypertensive drugs. In August 2016, the pharmacy took part in 11 clinical trials of 6 sponsors with 5 clinical services.ConclusionThe clinical trial service began in pharmacy in 2006 and methodologies were created over time to ensure a full audit trail of IMP management. Strategies were also implemented to ensure compliance with therapy, which has proved fundamental. This service has continuously grown, particularly since 2014 due to an increase in the number of clinical trials and the number of recruited patients which has brought challenges to our service that will continue to grow over time.No conflict of interest