A Method of Evaluating Pharmaceutical Care Services

Since 1988, hospital pharmacists in Japan have been developing clinical pharmacy services for inpatients whose aims are to promote proper drug use and effective risk management. Health insurance reimbursement fees for inpatient pharmaceutical care services have increased tremendously since 1988 and this indicates that pharmaceutical care services are highly valued.In the United States, studies evaluating drug use are fairly common and the cost effectiveness and efficacy of pharmacist intervention have been well documented. However, in Japan there have been few such studies. At our hospital, we devised a “pharmaceutical care evaluation list”, and have used it on a trial basis to evaluate pharmaceutical care practiced for gynecology and obstetrics inpatients. During the period from October 2001 through March 2002, for a total of 286 patients, there were 101 instances of pharmacist intervention. Seventy-six instances involved duplication of therapy, improper drug use and questionable dose adjustment. In 25 instances, additional drugs or drug changes were recommended to prevent or reduce adverse effects. Of 101 recommendations made by a pharmacist, 97 (96%) were accepted by physicians.At our hospital, pharmacist intervention in drug therapy has proved to be cost effective and helpful in promoting proper drug use and good risk management.