Implementation and pharmacoeconomic analysis of a clinical staff pharmacist practice model

The implementation and pharmacoeconomic analysis of a clinical staff pharma cist (CSP) practice model are described. Staff pharmacists at a large, tertiary care, academic medical center were s elected and trained to perform clinical pharmacy services under the directi on of clinical pharmacy specialist mentors. Clinical interventions by these CSP practitioners were evaluated in terms of direct cost savings (the diff erence in actual acquisition costs between therapies) and cost avoidance (t he dollar value of adverse drug events [ADEs] avoided). The CSPs performed a total of 4959 interventions during a 12-month period. The interventions p rovided direct cost savings of $92,076 and an estimated cost avoidance of $ 488,436. Comparing cost savings and cost avoidance with the expenses of pro viding these services indicated a net economic benefit of $392,660. A new model of pharmacy practice that integrates staff pharmacists into exi sting clinical practice has the potential to minimize the risks, decrease t he costs, and improve the outcomes associated with drug therapy.