Patient safety and the value of pharmaceutical intervention in a cancer hospital

Abstract

ObjectiveTo demonstrate economic impact of pharmaceutical evaluation in detection and prevention of errors in antineoplastic prescriptions.MethodsThis was an observational and retrospective study performed in a cancer hospital. From July to August 2016 pharmacists checked prescriptions of antineoplastic and adjuvant drugs. Drug-related problems observed were classified and analyzed concerning drug, pharmaceutical intervention, acceptability and characteristic of the error. In case of problem related to dose, we calculated a deviation percentage related with correct dose and value spent or saved. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with frequency and percentage.ResultsA total of 6,104 prescriptions and 12,128 medications were evaluated. Drug-related problems were identified in 274 (4.5%) prescriptions. Most of them was due to lack of information (n=117; 36.1%). Problems associated with dose accounted for 32.1% (n=98) of the total. In 13 cases (13.3%) ranging of prescribed dose was 50% greater than the correct dose. Intercepted drug-related problems provided savings of R$54.081,01 and expenses of R$20.863,36, therefore resulting in a positive balance of R$33.217,65. Each intervention promoted saving of R$126,78 with an acceptance rate of 98%. Main pharmaceutical interventions were information inclusion (n=117; 36.1%) and dose change (n=97; 29.9%). All errors were classified as error with no harm.ConclusionSimple actions such as prescription checking are able to identify and prevent drug-related problems, avoid financial losses and add immeasurable value to patient safety.

Drug-related problems and pharmacy interventions in non-prescription medication, with a focus on high-risk over-the-counter medications

“…Pharmacists are highly educated and have a professional responsibility for the efficient counselling of patients to ensure safe use of medications [2]. They play a vital and proactive role in preventing and resolving DRPs [3][4][5] and thus in preventing adverse events, avoiding extra costs resulting of inappropriate use of medications and adding value to patient safety [6,7]. Pharmaceutical counselling provided by community pharmacies is particularly crucial when medications are purchased overthe-counter (OTC), without advice given by a physician.…”

Impact of clinical pharmacy in oncology and hematology centers: A systematic review

“…9–13 Such activities are essential to promote patient safety when using antineoplastic agents and to avoid unnecessary expenses with the use of ineffective drugs for the patient or hospitalizations caused by complications resulting from medication errors that could be avoided. 14–16…”

Uso Irracional De Antibióticos, Quais Os Fatores Envolvidos?

“…Diante do exposto é notório o quanto se faz necessário as devidas informações e intervenções na utilização do medicamento. Com o estudo realizado em um Hospital Oncológico no Sul do Brasil com prescrições, foi possível observar a identificação de problemas relacionados a medicamentos e a prevenção da maioria deles a partir da intervenção farmacêutica (25) . O artigo corrobora com os estudos que demonstraram uma diminuição significativa de erros de medicação e redução de eventos adversos em instituições que possuíam o farmacêutico intervindo na equipe clínica, resultando assim na qualidade assistencial e diminuição de custo hospitalares (26) .…”