The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of a pharmacist-implemented protocol on number of post-operative alvimopan doses. The secondary objective of this study is to assess LOS (length of stay), ...The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of a pharmacist-implemented protocol on number of post-operative alvimopan doses. The secondary objective of this study is to assess LOS (length of stay), in days, before and after protocol implementation. A retrospective chart review was conducted from October 2015 through March 2016 for all laparoscopic colorectal surgeries. Number of post-operative alvimopan doses received and LOS was recorded for each patient that received at least one dose of alvimopan. Comparative data, before protocol implementation, from November 2014 through June 2015 were analyzed against the study data. Number of post-operative alvimopan doses and LOS were recorded. The mean number of doses was 6.41 in the comparator group and 4.25 in the study group (probability size P 〈 0.001), which did meet statistical significance. Although the secondary objective was not statistically significant, LOS slightly decreased as the mean LOS was 5.01 days in the comparator group versus 4.49 days in the study group (P = 0.256). At the current price of $120 per capsule, close to $30,000 was saved during the study period, projecting an annual cost savings of approximately $68,000. Results from this study show that pharmacists can play a vital role in cost savings and ensuring appropriate use of certain high-risk medications, like alvimopan, without increasing overall length of stay.展开更多
文摘The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of a pharmacist-implemented protocol on number of post-operative alvimopan doses. The secondary objective of this study is to assess LOS (length of stay), in days, before and after protocol implementation. A retrospective chart review was conducted from October 2015 through March 2016 for all laparoscopic colorectal surgeries. Number of post-operative alvimopan doses received and LOS was recorded for each patient that received at least one dose of alvimopan. Comparative data, before protocol implementation, from November 2014 through June 2015 were analyzed against the study data. Number of post-operative alvimopan doses and LOS were recorded. The mean number of doses was 6.41 in the comparator group and 4.25 in the study group (probability size P 〈 0.001), which did meet statistical significance. Although the secondary objective was not statistically significant, LOS slightly decreased as the mean LOS was 5.01 days in the comparator group versus 4.49 days in the study group (P = 0.256). At the current price of $120 per capsule, close to $30,000 was saved during the study period, projecting an annual cost savings of approximately $68,000. Results from this study show that pharmacists can play a vital role in cost savings and ensuring appropriate use of certain high-risk medications, like alvimopan, without increasing overall length of stay.