Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a secondary prevention programme in patients admitted to the emergency department due to drug-related problems (DRPs). Methods A decision model compared costs and outcomes of patients with DRPs admitted to the emergency department. Model variables and costs, along with their distributions, were obtained from the trial results and literature. The study was performed from the perspective of the National Health System including only direct costs. Key findings The implementation of a secondary prevention programme for DRPs reduces costs associated with emergency department revisits, with an annual net benefit of €87 639. Considering a mortality rate attributable to readmission of 4.7%, the cost per life-years gained (LYG) with the implementation of this programme was €2205. In the short term, the reduction in the number of revisits following the programme implementation was the variable that most affected the model, with the benefit threshold value corresponding to a relative reduction of 12.4% of the number of revisits of patients with DRPs to obtain benefits. Conclusions Implementing a secondary prevention programme is cost-effective for patients with DRPs admitted to the emergency department. Implementation costs will be exceeded by reducing revisits to the emergency department.

Results 130 medicines were reviewed in 79 patients from January to August 2020. Mean age was 61±6.5 years. 48 patients (60.78%) were polymedicated; the average number of medications per patient was 4.25. At the pharmacokinetic level, the main interaction was CYP3A4 substrate concentrations were increased, and at the pharmacodynamic level, the risk of QT syndrome and serotoninergic syndrome were increased. 61 PDI were founded in 40 patients (51.89%); 10 were severe and 21 were moderate. The most common types of drugs involved were steroids, proton pump inhibitors and antidepressants. Eight (80%) severe PDI were accepted and moderate recommendations led to reduction in dosage or concomitant use. Conclusion and relevance This study showed that more than half of patients with NEPA has at least one PDI. Clinical pharmacists are essential in detecting PDI, which is a positive influence on physician prescriptions and patient treatment outcomes, improving the safety and effectiveness of oncological treatment

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Objective This study aimed to assess the probability of reaching an adequate pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (pK/pD) index for different cefepime dosages in frail patients with bacteremia treated in the emergency room. Methods Simulation study based on Gram-negative bacterial strains that cause bacteremia. The probability of reaching a time above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at 50% and 100% dosing intervals (fT > 50 and fT > 80% MIC) was assessed for two different renal clearance intervals. Results One hundred twenty nine strains were collected, the predominant species being Escherichia coli (n = 83 [64.3%]). In patients with a ClCr of 30 mL/min, an fT > 50% MIC was reached in more than 90% of the simulations. However, a dose of at least 1 g every 12 h must be administered to reach an fT > 80% MIC. In patients with a ClCr of 30–60 mL/min, the probability of reaching an fT > 50% MIC was higher than 90% with doses of 1 g every 8 h or more, but this value was not reached in > 90% simulations for any of the doses tested in this study. Conclusions Standard cefepime dosing can reach an adequate PK/PD index in frail patients. Nevertheless, a high dose or extended infusion is necessary to reach an fT > 80% MIC in patients with a ClCr > 60 mL/min.

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