A team approach to reduce antibiotic costs.

Abstract

After partial success in reducing antibiotic drug costs by traditional methods (i.e., closed formulary, use of generic drugs, retrospective drug usage review, continuing education), a study of a new "team approach" was implemented. The study involved a clinical pharmacist and physicians working together to select the most appropriate antibiotic therapy. The clinical pharmacist reviewed the culture and sensitivity data and the pattern of infectious disease over the six-month period prior to the initiation of the study and prepared a list of the most appropriate antibiotics based on clinical efficacy and cost effectiveness. He then joined the physicians on morning rounds to monitor therapy and help in the selection of the most appropriate drug regimen. At the end of the study period, antibiotic cost savings of 58.6 percent were achieved.

• Authors: S D Karki, J M Holden, E Mariano
• Journal: DICP : the annals of pharmacotherapy (DICP) Vol. 24 Issue 2 Pg. 202-5 (Feb 1990) ISSN: 1042-9611 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2309514 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cost Control (methods)
• Female
• Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over
• Hospitals, Psychiatric (economics)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• New York
• Patient Care Team
• Pharmacy Service, Hospital (economics)