Cost-effective drug regimen review program for home health care patients

A prospective longitudinal study of a home health agency-based drug regimen review program was completed. A consultant pharmacist working collaboratively with home health nurses and physicians reduced medication utilization and costs to homebound patients. Within a 12 month period, medication utilization in 840 homebound patients was reduced by 27%. Projected total net medication cost saving per annum was $183,379.20 (e.g., $218.31 per patient reviewed). Implementation of similar drug regimen review programs in home-health agencies could improve patient care, prevent adverse drug reactions, and achieve cost-effective medication utilization.