A new study suggests that if pharmacists supervise their care, heart-failure patients tend to take their medication, spend less time in the hospital and generate fewer medical expenses. The study, lead by an investigator at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy, looked at 314 low-income patients with heart failure. During the study, half of these patients received standard pharmacy services, but the other half received care from a specially-trained pharmacist offering educational materials, detailed advice and refill reminders. The result? For every $1 spent on the pharmacist supervision program, the system saved $14 on ED visits and hospitalizations, researchers said.
To find out more about the study:
- read this United Press International piece [1]
Related Articles:
Hospital care better for heart disease, pneumonia. Report [2]
Study: More heart attack deaths on weekends. Report [3]
Program aims to improve heart attack care. Report [4]
Links:
[1] http://www.upi.com/Health_Business/Briefing/2007/05/14/pharmacist_help_cuts_heart_failure_cost/7632/
[2] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/hospital-care-better-for-heart-disease-pneumonia/2007-03-22
[3] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/study-more-heart-attack-deaths-on-weekends/2007-03-15
[4] http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/program-aims-to-improve-heart-attack-care/2006-09-05