[Assesing the GRDOSIS Software program as a tool to analyse drug usase by DRGs]

To validate the GRDOSIS software program as a tool to calculate Spanish drug weights within diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), and to analyse information used in this calculation.

Information corresponding to a 7-hospital sample is analysed after exchanging data between the minimum basic data set processed by the DRG-grouping program Estación Clínica -3M and unit-dose drug consumption. Data are purged by eliminating cases with an unusual (either long or short) length of stay in each DRG, and both weights and pondered weights are calculated. Data from the 5 most prevalent DRGs are analysed by using the different options provided by the software program, with the aim of detecting intervention points in order to improve results.

Extreme case elimination noticeably reduces mean cost per DRG. A reduced group of DRGs represents a high percentage of total cost. Similarly, a reduced number of drugs may represent a high percentage of cost within a given DRG. The use of specific therapeutic groups for specific DRGs is demonstrated, as is the correct use of first-choice drugs versus other therapeutic options within therapeutic groups. An unwarranted variability regarding drug administration dosing and frequency is, however, observed.

The GRDOSIS software program proves itself a powerful tool for both the qualitative (drug usage profiles, dosage) and quantitative (costs) analysis of information originating in a Pharmacy Department