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Medication Utilisation Program, Quality Improvement and Research Pharmacist-Implementation Strategies and Preliminary
Karen Whitfield1,2, Ian Coombes2,3, Charles Denaro4,5
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia.
Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 29, 2021
Summary
A new Medication Utilisation Program, led by an advanced pharmacist, improved medication safety and value-based care. This initiative achieved significant cost savings and fostered interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare organizations.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice
Background:
- Healthcare organizations prioritize evidence-based, cost-effective medication use.
- A dedicated advanced pharmacist role was established to lead medication management initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement a comprehensive Medication Utilisation Program (MUP).
- To drive sustainable improvements in medication optimization, patient safety, and value-based care.
- To integrate quality improvement and research activities within medication management.
Main Methods:
- Development of a strategic plan with key performance indicators and a governance structure.
- Implementation of an advanced pharmacist position to lead the MUP.
- Collaboration with medical, nursing, and allied health professionals for codesigned projects.
Main Results:
- Successfully implemented seven medication-use evaluations and eight quality improvement projects.
- Initiated several research studies, with pharmacists enrolling in higher degree programs.
- Achieved estimated cost savings of approximately AUD 250,000 through cost containment initiatives.
- Conducted educational programs on protocol design, ethics, and report writing.
Conclusions:
- Dedicated pharmacist resources, structured governance, and reporting are crucial for MUP success.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and aligning project complexity with staff expertise are vital for effective medication utilization programs.
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