Potential for cost saving by recycling of drugs in hospital

To investigate the potential benefits of recycling of drugs in hospital two studies were conducted. In the main study, 219 consecutively admitted medical and surgical patients were asked to surrender their drugs on admission to hospital. fifty six per cent of patients complied with the request and 79% of the drugs they brought in were suitable for redistribution within the hospital. Patients were given one months supply for all discharge medications. The cost of reusable drugs surrendered on entry corresponded to 36% of discharge medication costs. In the second study, a telephone survey of a random sample of hospitals in NSW, it was revealed that 31% of metropolitan hospitals and 21% of country hospitals recycle medications. It was concluded that the extension of the practice of recycling to remaining hospitals may substantially offset discharge medication costs and reduce the total bill for pharmaceuticals in hospitals in NSW. However, further discussion of acceptable standards for recycling and further investigation of the cost benefit equation of drug recycling is urged.