Contributions of Pharmacists through the Promotion of Proper Drug Use

Abstract

The contents of pharmacist interventions, which were carried out by the ward pharmacists in their routine pharmacy service activities, were sorted and analyzed to evaluate the contributions of pharmacists. In the ward where pharmacists were stationed, there were a total of 196 cases of pharmacist intervention. The prescription was changed in 170 cases, giving a rate of prescription change of 86.7％. The breakdown of the pharmacist intervention was as follows:`e ‹cacy/safety'', 106 cases, followed by``dosage regimen'' (48 cases) and``compliance'' (10 cases). Cost savings achieved during the investigation period were calculated to be 440,639 yen, and cost avoidance was valued at 1,941,847 3,883,695 yen using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC). The results of the present investigation showed that pharmacists contribute to through not only their pharmacy services, but also through the promotion of proper drug use and risk management, thereby contributing to hospital management through cost savings and avoidance.

The impact of pharmacist intervention on the use of activated vitamin D in a tertiary referral hospital in Malaysia

“…Other studies on pharmacist intervention have also shown similar results 15,17,18 . McMullin et al 17 and Ise et al 15 showed that pharmacists were able to detect and discontinue 25 and 17%, respectively, of unnecessary medications.…”

“…Other studies on pharmacist intervention have also shown similar results 15,17,18 . McMullin et al 17 and Ise et al 15 showed that pharmacists were able to detect and discontinue 25 and 17%, respectively, of unnecessary medications. These translate to cost savings of approximately $394 000 17 and 1 941 847–3 883 695 yen ($18 107.50–36 214.98) 15 annually.…”

“…McMullin et al 17 and Ise et al 15 showed that pharmacists were able to detect and discontinue 25 and 17%, respectively, of unnecessary medications. These translate to cost savings of approximately $394 000 17 and 1 941 847–3 883 695 yen ($18 107.50–36 214.98) 15 annually. Similarly, another study in Malaysia showed that pharmacists in the intensive care unit were able to detect 37% of unnecessary drug use, which saved up to RM15 227 ($4007) 18 …”

“…To curb the use of activated vitamin D, pharmacists together with clinical specialists in the UMMC decided to intervene on the prescribing of activated vitamin D. Studies have shown that pharmacists are effective in promoting change in the prescribing behaviour of general practitioners 15–17 . Pharmacist intervention has also detected up to 37% of unnecessary drug therapy, which resulted in significant cost savings of up to RM15 227 ($4007) 18 .…”

Analysis of potential cost reductions related to falls in hospitalized elderly patients by correcting high-dose prescriptions of sedative

“…This method calculates the measurement and evaluation of the usage of various medical resources. Although there have been several reports indicating that pharmacist involvement to ensure correct medication use can potentially reduce medical expenses [21,22], the potential cost reductions achieved by targeting sedative hypnotics prescriptions for fall prevention have not been assessed.…”