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Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Químico - Farmacéuticas
Print version ISSN 0034-7418On-line version ISSN 1909-6356
Abstract
RENDON, Laura M.; AGUDELO, Esteban and VALENCIA, Naira Y.. Impact of the restriction to the use of drugs in a hospital of high complexity. Rev. colomb. cienc. quim. farm. [online]. 2019, vol.48, n.2, pp.467-494. ISSN 0034-7418. https://doi.org/10.15446/rcciquifa.v48n2.82726.
Introduction:
Colombian pharmaceutical policy established the adequate prescription of drugs, as a strategy to counteract the inequitable access to drugs and the deficient quality of health care. Objective: establish restrictions on the use of drugs in a highly complex hospital and measure the economic impact, without affecting the safety of care.
Materials and methods:
Each drug were evaluated according to the inclusion of the health benefits plan (PBS), use in emergencies and alternatives of use. Then, they were classified according to prescription restrictions: 1) no restriction, 2) urgent and prescription with restriction by specialty, 3) non-urgent and prescription with restriction by specialty, 4) restricted prescription, and 5) prescription forbidden. The comparison between 12 months before restriction and 33 months afterwards.
Results:
1217 medications were included. 56.5% included in the PBS of prescription without restriction, 22.4% not included in the PBS of prescription with restriction by specialty, 11.6% forbidden and 6.0% restricted. After the restriction, there was a statistically significant monthly decrease of at least 58,274 pharmaceutical units and USD $275,446. The greatest impact was obtained with PBS drugs, followed by no urgent PBS.
Conclusion:
The establishment of clear prescribing criteria allows a reduction in the cost associated with the drug's use, as well as a rational use of them, without affecting the patients' safety.
Keywords : Administration of health services; health economics; hospital economics; essential medicines; health services; health systems.