An analysis of potential and real cost savings by the addition of ranitidine to total parenteral nutrition solutions.
The results of two analyses that assessed the potential savings and the actual savings derived from the addition of ranitidine to total parenteral nutrition solutions are discussed. A clinical pharmacist determined on a daily basis the number of patients receiving concurrent total parenteral nutrition solutions and intermittent intravenous ranitidine in a critical care unit. The cost of each mode of administration was determined and the savings were calculated to be over +16,000/year. Once the practice of adding ranitidine to total parenteral nutrition solutions became routine, total parenteral nutrition solution orders for April-June 1991 were collected and the number of patient days were counted and the accrued savings were determined to be slightly more than +10,000 each year. Differences are explained by discrepancies in expected and true number of patient days. The authors conclude that there are savings to be realized by adding ranitidine, or any H2 antagonist, to total parenteral nutrition TPN solutions and avoiding intermittent infusions.
Pearson
V E
VE
Prince George's Hospital Center, Cheverly, MD 20785.
King
L M
LM
D017046:Cost Savings / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D006801:Humans; D008396:Maryland; D009738:Nursing Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000191:economics*; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D011050:Policy Making; D011899:Ranitidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000191:economics
D011899:Ranitidine