title: Pharmacist-managed intravenous to oral step-down program.
abstract: In an effort to provide cost-effective pharmaceutical care at a 650-bed community hospital, a pharmacist-managed intravenous to oral step-down program was developed and implemented. As part of this program, satellite pharmacists review daily the charts of patients receiving 1 or more of 10 targeted drugs given intravenously. Based on a predetermined set of criteria and their clinical judgment, pharmacists recommend that physicians switch to the oral formulation of the targeted drugs if appropriate. This program has been in place for 7 months, during which time 223 recommendations were made. Of these recommendations, 190 were accepted and implemented, resulting in a cost savings of $21,596.00. When annualized, the expected savings is $37,000.00 or nearly the salary of one full-time pharmacist. This program has been well accepted by physicians and pharmacists. It appears to be having a positive impact on physician awareness of using oral medications when appropriate.
authors.affiliation: Washington State University College of Pharmacy, Spokane, USA.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: G K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Dormaier
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004282:Documentation; D006764:Hospitals, Community / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D010595:Pharmacists; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010820:Physicians
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents