Evidence of the Economic Benefit of Clinical Pharmacy Services: 1996–2000

Abstract

We sought to summarize and assess original evaluations of the economic impact of clinical pharmacy services published from 1996–2000, and to provide recommendations and methodologic considerations for future research. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify articles that were then blinded and randomly assigned to reviewers who confirmed inclusion and abstracted key information. Results were compared with those of a similar review of literature published from 1988–1995. In the 59 included articles, the studies were conducted across a variety of practice sites that consisted of hospitals (52%), community pharmacies and clinics (41%), health maintenance organizations (3%), and long‐term or intermediate care facilities (3%). They focused on a broad range of clinical pharmacy services such as general pharmacotherapeutic monitoring (47%), target drug programs (20%), disease management programs (10%), and patient education or cognitive services (10%). Compared with the studies of the previous review, a greater proportion of evaluations were conducted in community pharmacies or clinics, and the types of services evaluated tended to be more comprehensive rather than specialized. Articles were categorized by type of evaluation: 36% were considered outcome analyses, 24% full economic analyses, 17% outcome descriptions, 15% cost and outcome descriptions, and 8% cost analyses. Compared with the studies of the previous review, a greater proportion of studies in the current review used more rigorous study designs. Most studies reported positive financial benefits of the clinical pharmacy service evaluated. In 16 studies, a benefit:cost ratio was reported by the authors or was able to be calculated by the reviewers (these ranged from 1.7:1–17.0:1, median 4.68:1). The body of literature from this 5‐year period provides continued evidence of the economic benefit of clinical pharmacy services. Although the quality of study design has improved, whenever possible, future evaluations of this type should incorporate methodologies that will further enhance the strength of evidence of this literature and the conclusions that may be drawn from it.

Comparison of Practice Patterns Between Inpatient Cardiology Pharmacists With and Without Added Qualifications in Cardiology

“…Previous research correlates clinical pharmacy services with decreased mortality; however, it is not known whether boardcertified pharmacists improve patient outcomes. [13][14][15][16] For AQCV pharmacists in particular, the requirements to obtain certification are specifically outlined and necessitate achievements in patient care, research, education, and advancement of the profession. Pharmacists meeting these requirements and achieving subsequent credentialing arguably display strong individual attributes as pharmacy practitioners.…”

Clinical Pharmacists in Primary Care – Reform and Opportunity

“…In the hospital environment, clinical pharmacists have long been recognised as members of multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating clinical benefits, more cost-efficient use of medications, and improved patient outcomes when their expertise is fully utilised. 3,5 A systematic review of the influence of pharmacists as team members on patient care found that direct patient care by pharmacists has favourable effects across various patient outcomes, healthcare settings and disease states. 6 As more services are provided out of hospitals, pharmacists' expertise will be needed to ensure that the interface between community and hospital care is well managed.…”

Analysis of Cost Avoidance From Pharmacy Students' Clinical Interventions at a Psychiatric Hospital

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Interventions made by pharmacists involved with multidisciplinary treatment teams result in improved medication use, reduction of adverse drug events, improved patient care, and overall cost reduction. Similar benefits of pharmacist involvement have been seen in the psychiatric setting.…”