E-DRUG: Drug & Therapeutic Committees (contd)
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Eberhard Lisse commented on the need for measuring output not input,
with which I mostly agree. Output can often be described in simple terms,
for example cost per prescription, cost per patient, cost of therapy per
diagnosis, etc. Performance (output) can then be assessed and compared
over a period (say monthly) using such output measures.
We really need to move one step further, namely measuring outcomes. An
intervention by a D&T committee may measure well on output, which often
will mean that drug costs have been contained. However, the outcome of the
intervention may ultimately be less desirable.
I do not mean to start a discussion on outcomes of drug therapy, but D&T
committees have to understand that output and outcomes are not necessarily
the same thing.
Samuel Wagner Ph.D.
Specialist in Pharmaceutical Economics
Prime Institute
Room 7-194
College of Pharmacy Tel. 612 625 4186
Weaver-Densford Hall Fax 612 625 9931
University of Minnesota
308 Harvard Str. S.E.
Minneapolis 55455, MN
email: wagne051@gold.tc.umn.edu
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