Abstract
The evolution of the US health care system has driven institutions and professionals who practice in those institutions to deliver care in a more constrained and competitive environment. Quality care must be delivered with the least amount of resources possible. Because of the economic climate, institutions and professionals must now evaluate and develop their services. This article describes the application of pharmacoeconomics to hospital pharmacy services. Specific steps in conducting pharmacoeconomic analyses are discussed and illustrated by both hypothetical examples and recent examples in the literature. The marketing concepts of segmentation, targeting customers, and strategic planning will be discussed briefly to illustrate the application of pharmacoeconomics for streamlining services for maximum efficiency. Applying pharmacoeconomic principles to evaluate and develop services will provide information about the value and outcomes of those services. This information can be used to better target services to customers in need of those services, and to better use those services efficiently and effectively in an environment of scarce resources. Copyright © 1995 by W.B. Saunders Company
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