Coordination of Pharmaceutical Care Shown to
Improve Treatment and Increase Cost Savings for Elderly and Chronic
Care Patients
RESTON, VA (October 11, 2000) — Coordinated pharmaceutical
therapy offers improved treatment outcomes and increased total cost
savings compared to component-based management of pharmaceuticals,
especially when treating elderly and chronic care patients, according
to a study released today by the National Pharmaceutical Council
(NPC).
The study cited five "best case" examples of coordinated
pharmaceutical care. These five approaches may, with appropriate
modifications, be applicable at other care sites, and can represent
a blueprint for organizations wishing to implement coordinated pharmaceutical
care.
"Innovative programs like these are especially important because
elderly and chronic care patients account for a disproportionate
share of health spending, including pharmaceuticals," said
Patricia Adams, vice president for external affairs at NPC. "They
have increased risk for adverse consequences because they usually
suffer from multiple conditions, are in a weakened physical state,
and risk conflicting prescriptions from a barrage of specialists."
Each of the programs cited demonstrated an understanding and adherence
to the following ten basic principles of coordinated care:
- Commitment, leadership and support for coordinated care from
upper management
- Alignment of financial incentives and clinical goals across
sites of care and service sectors
- Management by interdisciplinary teams of physicians, pharmacists
and other care providers
- Centralized responsibility and accountability for the totality
of pharmaceutical care for the individual
- A system for identifying patients at high risk for undiagnosed
disease and suboptimal therapy
- Ongoing assessment of drug regimens and proper prescribing and
use of drugs
- Centralized knowledge of the patient's full medical history
and all currently prescribed medications
- Effective communication and feedback among care providers--especially
across sites of care
- Education and involvement of the patient in the treatment plan
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of coordinated care programs
Since 1953, NPC has sponsored and conducted scientific, evidence-based
analyses of the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals and the clinical
and economic value of pharmaceutical innovation. NPC provides educational
resources to a variety of health care stakeholders, including patients,
clinicians, payers and policy makers. More than 20 research-based
pharmaceutical companies are members of the NPC.
The study Coordinated
Pharmaceutical Therapy in Chronic Care: Five Innovative Programs,
is available online.
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Please direct all media inquiries to Pat Adams, phone
(703) 620-6390.
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