Improvements in a program to convert i.v. to oral medications at an academic medical center.
Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2015 Dec 1;72(23 Supplement 3):S145-S149
Authors: Hohlfelder B, Stashek C, Anger K, Szumita P
Abstract
PURPOSE: Results of a study to implement targeted interventions to increase the number of documented i.v.-to-oral conversions and to increase cost savings from these documented conversions are reported.
METHODS: A before-and-after analysis of i.v.-to-oral conversions at an academic medical center following the addition of targeted interventions to an existing pharmacist-initiated conversion program was conducted. Targeted interventions included staff training on i.v.-to-oral conversions, implementation of a new documentation system, and feedback to the staff. Major outcomes studied included the total number of i.v.-to-oral conversions documented per month and the cost savings generated by these conversions.
RESULTS: The mean ± S.D. number of i.v.-to-oral conversions documented per month significantly increased after the implementation of targeted interventions (25 ± 9 before and 57 ± 6 after implementation, p < 0.0001). There was a nonsignificant increase in cost savings generated per month after implementation of the interventions. The most commonly converted medication was pantoprazole. Conversions of levetiracetam generated the highest cost savings.
CONCLUSION: Addition of several targeted interventions to an existing pharmacist-initiated i.v.-to-oral conversion program led to a significant increase in the total number of documented conversions.
PMID: 26582300 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]