Drug utilization & therapeutic intervention programs: pharmacy services that pay for themselves

This mailed survey was a follow-up to a 1989 study to assess the status of pharmacy-directed, drug-related, patient care programs in response to the Pharmaceutical Inquiry of Ontario (Lowy Inquiry). A specific focus on Therapeutic Interventions and Drug Utilization Review/Evaluation Programs was adopted because the earlier study indicated a significant "financial return" for pharmacist time spent on these initiatives. A response rate of 62.2% (89 out of 143 hospitals) was achieved compared with an 80% response rate in 1989. Therapeutic interventions were performed by 97.7% of hospitals which identified an average of 184 therapeutic interventions per month and an 84.3% acceptance rate by prescriber. Based on data from 53 hospitals, an average of 29 minutes was taken on each intervention and financial data from 10 hospitals showed cost savings/avoidance of $49.34 per intervention. Drug Utilization program data was available from 45% of hospitals and specific financial data was provided by 29.2% of institutions. Cost savings/avoidance data demonstrated a return of $29.99 for every dollar invested in pharmacist time performing these activities. Collectively, both programs were recognized for their value in optimizing pharmacotherapy, improving patient outcomes as well as demonstrating a financial return to the institution. Despite the recessionary times, these programs are easily justified since they more than pay their own way.