[Clinical pharmacists in palliative care: effects on drug therapy and drug expenses]

Schmerz. 2019 Dec;33(6):533-538. doi: 10.1007/s00482-019-00405-4.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Background: The effect of integrating clinical pharmacists in German palliative care units with regard to the quality of drug therapy and drug costs has yet not been evaluated.

Objectives: This work aims to assess the number of pharmaceutical interventions (PI) and the cost-benefit ratio of a clinical pharmacist taking part in the interprofessional patient care team on an inpatient palliative care unit in Germany.

Methods: The number of and underlying reasons for the pharmacist-led recommendations were recorded and analyzed over a 1-year period. In addition, the respective drugs and the acceptance rate of recommendations were assessed. To evaluate the cost-benefit ratio, the financial savings in the provision of drugs were recorded and compared with the expenses for the clinical pharmacy service.

Results: A total of 245 PI were performed. Most frequently, the pharmacist advised physicians on drug choices and drug dosages. The acceptance rate was 93%. The cost savings in the provision of drugs covered 83% of the expenses for the clinical pharmacy service.

Conclusion: The results indicate that the integration of a clinical pharmacist is well suited to optimizing the interprofessional treatment of distressing symptoms with a beneficial economic outcome in palliative care. Consequently, the permanent integration of a clinical pharmacist on an inpatient palliative care unit seems to be beneficial and advisable.

Keywords: Cost-benefit analysis; Palliative medicine; Pharmaceutical services; Symptom control; Terminal care.

MeSH terms

  • Cost Savings
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Drug Costs
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Palliative Care*
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Pharmacists*