Related Experiment Videos
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis conversion in nonsurgical inpatients
Douglas N Carroll1, Edward B Hudson
1Department of Administrative and Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK 74135-2512, USA. doug-carroll@ouhsc.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|August 19, 2003
Summary
Clinical pharmacists can reduce costs by converting patients from enoxaparin (low-molecular-weight heparin) to low-dose unfractionated heparin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, adhering to guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is crucial for hospitalized patients.
- National guidelines recommend specific VTE prophylaxis regimens.
- Enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), is commonly used but associated with higher costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of reducing medication costs for VTE prophylaxis.
- To implement a clinical pharmacy program for converting patients from enoxaparin to low-dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH).
- To ensure adherence to national consensus guidelines for VTE prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review identified patients receiving enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis.
- Patients admitted for general medical conditions without surgical intervention or bleeding were targeted for conversion.
- Clinical pharmacists provided written recommendations to physicians for conversion to LDUH.
Main Results:
- Over 10 months, 463 patients received enoxaparin; 112 (24%) were candidates for LDUH conversion.
- Of 88 pharmacy recommendations, 59 (67%) were accepted.
- The program avoided 250 days of enoxaparin use and saved $8,495 in medication costs.
Conclusions:
- Clinical pharmacy-driven conversion programs can effectively reduce VTE prophylaxis costs.
- Switching from LMWH to LDUH is a viable strategy for cost containment.
- These programs maintain adherence to established clinical guidelines.