Going through the Motions: A Time-and- Motion Study of Workload Associated with Nonformulary Medication Orders

Abstract

-

Nonformulary Medication Orders and Discharge Discrepancies

“…We applaud Chang and others 1 for their innovative study detailing the labour costs associated with nonformulary medication orders in an acute care hospital. The review of medications for inclusion on a hospital formulary typically includes a clinical or therapeutic evaluation, as well as a budget analysis.…”

“…Historically, such budget analyses were based solely on the acquisition cost of the drug being reviewed. Chang and others 1 showed that the cost of pharmacists' time required for dealing with nonformulary medication orders should also be considered. However, another important aspect of the formulary drug review process is the impact on the patient of changing a medication that is deemed (by hospital policies) to be nonformulary.…”