Using DRG data to justify additional clinical pharmacy staff

The administrative process used to justify additional clinical pharmacy staff is described. A combination of Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) financial data and clinical information was used to justify adding a full-time DRG clinical pharmacist to the 22.6 full-time pharmacy staff in a 316-bed, nonprofit community hospital. A seven-step process was used successfully to gain approval for the new position. A novel strategy was incorporated into the proposal that used a justification based on cost-containment and quality-of-care issues rather than on increased revenues. Also included in the proposal was an evaluation of the DRG clinical pharmacist position at 6 months and after 1 year, based on reducing costs as well as improving patient care. The position was described as an investment by the hospital that would provide a return at least equal to the cost of providing the position.