EFFECT OF PHARMACIST INTERVENTIONS ON MEDICATION USE AND COST IN HOSPITALIZED-PATIENTS WITH OR WITHOUT HIV-INFECTION

Pharmacotherapeutic interventions and drug acquisition costs in HIV-po sitive and HIV-negative patients on a hospital medical service were st udied. In November and December 1995, HIV-positive and HIV-negative pa tients were randomly selected and matched on the basis of admission da te. Pharmacotherapeutic interventions were recorded by a pharmacist un til the time of discharge. Drug acquisition costs were obtained throug h records of medications ordered. The two patient groups were compared with respect to length of stay (LOS), number and cost of medications, and number of interventions. HIV-positive patients had significantly more medication orders and required more interventions than HIV-negati ve patients. Mean LOS was not significantly different. HIV status and number of medications were significantly associated with requiring fiv e or more interventions. Drug acquisition costs were significantly hig her in the HIV-positive group. The mean pharmacist-attribute cost savi ng per patient was $134 for HIV-positive patients and $27 for HIV-nega tive patients. HIV-positive patients required more interventions and c onsumed more medication resources than HIV-negative patients. Pharmaci st interventions produced drug acquisition cost savings for both group s, with more savings being realized for positive patients.