Impact of 'Chief-Pharmacist System' on drug expenditures and rational drug use

Background Over the last few years, pharmacists in China have been searching for effective strategies to expand their roles in pharmaceutical care. In September 2012, the Beijing Chaoyang Hospital was the first in China to establish the Chief-Pharmacist System aimed to let pharmacists be a responsible part of the multi-disciplinary care team. Objective To describe the Chief-Pharmacist System and explore its impact on drug expenditures and rational drug use. Setting A tertiary hospital in Beijing, China. Method Chief-Pharmacist System oriented specific measures were implemented and evaluated. Data on medical services quantity, quality and drug expenses during the periods of pre-implementation (from September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012) and post implementation (from September 1, 2012 to August 31, 2016) were collected. Main outcome measure Healthcare quality indicators, drug expenditures, selected drug use indicators of outpatient and antibiotic use. Results With the implementation of the Chief-Pharmacist System and the participation of pharmacists in pharmaceutical care, drug expenses were reduced significantly. The total drug expenses, outpatient drug expenses per visit and inpatient drug expenses per admission decreased by an average of US $34.3 million, US $8.9 and US $ 303.9, respectively, compared to the pre-implementation period. Meanwhile, selected drug use indicators in post-implementation period were significantly improved. All results were achieved without sacrificing clinical quality and quantity. Conclusion The study illustrates that the Chief-Pharmacist System achieves substantial reductions in drug expenditures and promotion of rational drug use. It provides a model for other hospitals in China and other low- and middle-income countries.