Antibiotic therapy intervention at a community hospital. Opportunities for cost and quality improvements.
In a one-year study, thirty-two physicians' antibiotic costs decreased significantly and were lower than those in a comparison group. The quality of patient care was not adversely affected, and the hospital's overall rate of nosocomial infection decreased. The success of the program led to its being adopted throughout the hospital. The dynamics of pharmacies' implementing cost-reduction strategies with voluntary medical staffs are discussed throughout the article.
Thrasher
C M
CM
Southwest General Hospital, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Stefl
M E
ME
Dorner
F H
FH
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003363:Cost Control / Q000379:methods; D016527:Drug Costs; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D005572:Formularies, Hospital as Topic; D006744:Hospital Bed Capacity, 100 to 299; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006764:Hospitals, Community / Q000191:economics; D006777:Hospitals, Proprietary / Q000191:economics; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics*