Overview
In the face of declining reimbursement and economic challenges in hospitals, pharmacists and pharmacy managers are once again being challenged to cut costs. As health professionals charged with medication safety in health systems, pharmacists have expressed concern about some short-sighted approaches to cost-cutting that may compromise patient safety. The challenge is to evaluate and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the medication-use process without compromising patient safety. Pharmacy leaders must also make a compelling case to administrators for rational, patient-centric decision-making when addressing budgetary challenges that affect the medication-use process.
This knowledge-based continuing pharmacy education activity will address the current economic challenges in health systems. Case presentations of successful approaches to meeting budgetary challenges while keeping the focus on medication safety intact will be presented. For instance, the safety of intravenous drug delivery and administration has and continues to be an area of concern for health systems especially in light of the high-profile medication errors that have occurred over the past several years. However, pharmacy departments are challenged by economic pressures and must be vigilant in managing the push and pull between cost and safety and be prepared to make the case to health-system administrators that there must be a balance between economic considerations and developing safe medication use processes. The program will conclude with a panel discussion during which the audience will have an opportunity to ask the faculty questions.
