A Cost Effectiveness Comparison of a Pharmacist Using Three Methods for Identifying Possible Drug Related Problems

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the cost effectiveness of a pharmacist in identifying possible drug-related problems (PDRPs) using three methods: Chart reviews, rounding with physicians, and patient drug profiles. The clinical significance of the PDRPs was also determined. The type of drug-related problems being sought and the parameters to determine clinical significance of the PDRPs detected were defined. The patient drug profile system was the most productive and the least expensive method for screening for PDRPs. However, only 14 percent of those detected by this method were clinically significant PDRPs. Over half of the PDRPs identified while rounding with physicians were clinically significant. This method had many advantages the patient drug profile system lacked. The chart review method produced the median of productivity, cost, and significance.