Program Description

Despite the availability of consensus guidelines for the management of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), its occurrence in the postoperative setting remains high. Identifying characteristics and procedures that place patients at risk as well as collaboration among members of the health care team is essential to ensuring that patients receive the best possible therapy. Pharmacists can play a key role in establishing protocols that identify at-risk patients and recommending appropriate therapy for preventing PONV or rapidly rescuing patients.

This symposium will provide an overview of the efficacy and safety of drug therapies, including new dosing strategies, that are used in the prevention and treatment of PONV. Recommendations from consensus guidelines will be reviewed followed by practical advice on how to successfully implement these guidelines. An on-site survey of participants on the use of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in their hospitals will be distributed and the results presented for discussion during the question and answer period at the conclusion of the program.