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Implementation of a drug-use and disease-state management program
1University of Pittsburgh Medical Center-Presbyterian, Department of Pharmacy Services, 302 Scaife Hall, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. skledarsj@msx.upmc.edu
Summary
A drug-use and disease-state management program improved patient care and saved over $4 million annually. The systematic approach integrated practice guidelines, enhancing therapeutic decision-making and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacoeconomics
Background:
- A teaching hospital implemented a Drug-Use and Disease-State Management (DUDSM) program in 1996.
- The program aimed to optimize drug therapy, assess disease state outcomes, and evaluate economic impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation and impact of a DUDSM program.
- To highlight the systematic approach to developing and monitoring health initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Re-engineering pharmacy department resources for DUDSM, including clinical specialists and information systems.
- Implementing 75 initiatives using continuous quality improvement, outcome evaluation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Main Results:
- Documented improvements in patient outcomes: reduced length of stay, fewer infections, adverse drug reactions, and medication errors.
- Exceeded $4 million in annual cost savings (FY1996-2000).
- Achieved over 80% compliance with DUDSM initiatives.
Conclusions:
- The DUDSM program successfully integrated practice guidelines into clinical decision-making.
- Demonstrated significant improvements in patient care and substantial cost savings.