Maximizing Patient Care And Cost Savings: The Vital Role Of Clinical Pharmacists' Interventions In A Developing Country

• By: ARSHAD, Shinza (Shifa International Hospital Ltd, Pakistan)
• Co-author(s): Ms Shinza Arshad (Department of Pharmacy, Shifa International Hospital, H-8/4, Islamabad, Pakistan)
  Mr Rehan Anjum (Department of Pharmacy, Shifa International Hospital, H-8/4, Islamabad, Pakistan)
  Ms Salwa Ahsan (Department of Pharmacy, Shifa International Hospital, H-8/4, Islamabad, Pakistan)
  
• Abstract:

  Background:
  In the healthcare landscape of developing countries, ensuring optimal patient care while managing costs effectively presents a formidable challenge. Clinical pharmacists are increasingly recognized for their potential to address this challenge through proactive interventions aimed at improving medication management and therapeutic outcomes.
  Purpose:
  This study aims to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacists' interventions on patient care and cost savings in a developing country facing economic crises.
  Method:
  A retrospective analysis was conducted to assess the financial implications of clinical pharmacists' interventions in the healthcare system of the developing country. Data spanning three years (2021-2023) were collected, focusing on the savings generated from interventions. These interventions were implemented as part of routine clinical practice by the clinical pharmacy team at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.
  Result:
  Over the three-years period, a total of 58.6 million PKR (210100$, at the rate of 1USD = 279PKR) was saved from patients' medical bills due to clinical pharmacists' interventions. The total cost saved per year was 13.8 million PKR (49478$), 23.09 million PKR (82786 $) and 21.7 million PKR (77800$) in the year 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively. Almost 72% of the total cost (approx. 42 million PKR or 150500$) cost reduction came from the interventions of clinical pharmacists during multidisciplinary rounds. The major category of interventions includes: timely discontinuation or de-escalation of antibiotics, reducing the unnecessary medication or pill burden, dose adjustments and IV to Oral switching of drugs. Out of the total 58.6 million PKR, 9.8 million PKR (35120$, 1USD = 279PKR) were saved by renal dose adjustment of drugs and 6 million PKR (21500$, 1USD = 279PKR)) were saved by IV to per oral switching of drugs specifically over the time span.
  Conclusion:
  The findings of this study highlight the indispensable role of clinical pharmacists in enhancing patient care and achieving cost savings within the healthcare system of a developing country.
  Clinical pharmacists are vital for cost savings and reducing financial strain in countries with economic crises. Their expertise optimizes medication management, prevents errors, and identifies cost-effective alternatives, leading to significant healthcare savings while improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare resilience in developing nations. However, this is only the direct potential medication cost avoidance, but indirect associated cost of length of stay, morbidity or complications as a result of inappropriate treatment is not accounted for in this review.