Impact of oral chemotherapy pharmacists on cost avoidance of oral oncolytics in an integrated health system

Abstract

Background While the impact of oncology pharmacist interventions on patient outcomes has been well-documented in previous studies, there is a scarcity of articles relating to oncology pharmacists’ impact on cost avoidance of oral oncolytics within an integrated health care system. Cost savings and cost avoidance studies are needed to help promote the expansion of clinical services provided by the oncology pharmacy department. Objective The primary objective of this study was to analyze interventions made by oncology pharmacists in the Oral Chemotherapy Treatment Program (OCTP) at the Kaiser Permanente—San Diego Service Area and determine the direct cost avoidance effects over one year. A secondary objective was to evaluate oncologists’ satisfaction with OCTP. Methods This was a retrospective, observational, single-arm study where the drug cost avoidance impact resulting from oncology pharmacists’ interventions was calculated. A report containing all documented oncology pharmacist interventions made in OCTP from 1 January to 31 December 2021 were reviewed for study inclusion. A retrospective chart review was conducted to verify that the interventions were made by the oncology pharmacists. The average wholesale price of drugs listed on Lexicomp as of 1 November 2021 was used to calculate drug cost avoidance values. Results A total of 238 OCTP oncology pharmacist interventions associated with direct drug cost avoidance values were identified, amounting to a total cost avoidance of $2,521,844 and an annual return on investment of 440%.