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The Hospitalist. 2010 August;2010(08):

August 1, 2010 | The Hospitalist

Brendon Shank is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia.

Better Methods for Evaluating Therapeutic Drug Use Are Available, But Not Used

Pharmacoeconomic methods rank low as a decision influencer on formulary changes, according to a new survey released in June by SHM and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

Respondents reported that only 13% of formulary system decisions made by pharmacy and therapeutics (P&T) committees in hospitals are influenced by pharmacoeconomic methods. The findings in the report are based on a survey of 319 ASHP members who were either pharmacy directors or members of ASHP’s Pharmacy Practice Managers Section.

Pharmacoeconomic methods evaluate the value of effects compared to the cost of pharmaceutical products when making decisions on changes to the formulary syst>em. Hospital formularies identify medications and medication-use policies used within a particular hospital. Decisions on the management of a formulary system have a significant impact on the quality and safety of patient care.

“Pharmacoeconomics is all about balancing the costs of medications with the outcomes they provide,” says Larry Wellikson, MD, SFHM, CEO of SHM. “This survey pointed out that many P&T committees underutilize this approach.

“Just like the collaboration between SHM and ASHP in conducting and analyzing this survey, we expect hospitalists and pharmacists to work together to provide the safest, most effective medications for our hospitalized patients.”

Sanofi Aventis sponsored the SHM-ASHP Pharmacoeconomics survey. For complete results, visit www.hospitalmedicine.org/pharmacoeconomicsurvey.—BS