Enhancing the role of physicians in the cost-effective use of pharmaceuticals.
The appropriate use of pharmaceuticals, like much else in medicine, is receiving increased public scrutiny. Health care practitioners are looking for ways to reduce costs without negatively influencing quality of care. This article reviews methods for physicians and pharmacists to work together to implement cost-effective prescribing practices and assess clinical outcomes. These methods include educational initiatives, administrative programs to restrict ordering practices, use of formularies and prescribing guidelines, financial incentives, and programs that support physician and pharmacist collaboration.
Shulkin
D J
DJ
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia 19104.
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D005572:Formularies, Hospital as Topic; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010595:Pharmacists; D010606:Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee; D010819:Physician's Role; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States