Medical Economic Benefit Derived from the Use of Tracing Reports by Pharmacy-Based Pharmacists for Pharmaceutical Intervention and Reduction of Leftover Medicines

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects on the medical economy of the use of tracing reports by pharmacybased pharmacists for pharmaceutical interventions, including to reduce leftover medicines. These effects were estimated by analyzing 267 tracing reports issued by pharmacy pharmacists over a period of 1 year, 2020-2021. We estimate that these interventions created cost savings of USD108170.02/year (USD104800 via pharmaceutical interventions, USD3370.02 via interventions to reduce leftover medicines). The cost savings from pharmaceutical interventions prompted by patient follow-up was estimated to be USD47650. The medical economic effect per tracing report was estimated to be USD392.51 from pharmaceutical interventions, USD12.62 from reducing leftover medicines, and USD445.33 from pharmaceutical intervention prompted by patient follow-up. Overall, therefore, pharmaceutical interventions by pharmacy pharmacists using tracing reports, including those designed to reduce leftover medicines, may benefit the medical economy.

Investigation of geriatric syndromes associated with medication in Japan using insurance claims data

“…19 Tracing reports are documents used by medical facilities and health insurance pharmacies in Japan. 20 Pharmacists in the Japanese community pharmacy prepare them to communicate medication information that is not urgent but important for efficacy and patient safety to physicians. 20 To prevent and improve prescribing cascades, studies on information-sharing methods using Okusuri Techo, tracing reports, and/or new techniques between hospitals and community pharmacies are required.…”

“…Medication reviews, such as “Okusuri Techo” (record books of prescriptions in patients) by community pharmacists involved in consultations with a physician, increased in Japan from 2010 to 2015, as did prescription changes following these reviews 19 . Tracing reports are documents used by medical facilities and health insurance pharmacies in Japan 20 . Pharmacists in the Japanese community pharmacy prepare them to communicate medication information that is not urgent but important for efficacy and patient safety to physicians 20 .…”