Introduction
Hemophilia is a rare, inherited, coagulation disorder that impairs the body's ability to cease bleeding, making hemophiliacs susceptible to bleeding episodes. These patients often require multiple doses of clotting factor concentrates to help maintain hemostasis. In fiscal year (FY) 2016, Rush University Medical Center's drug expense for clotting factor concentrates totaled $4.6 million, which accounted for approximately 15% of the total drug budget. The Department of Pharmacy developed a Hemophilia Management Program (HMP) to improve care, reduce spending, and expand clinical pharmacy services. Prior to the HMP, the Department of Pharmacy completed drug acquisition and dispensing and no role existed for pharmacists as part of the comprehensive care team for the hemophilia population. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes after implementation of clinical pharmacy services into the management of hemophilia patients in an interdisciplinary HMP.
Methods
Several areas for improved care and efficiency were identified prior to the implementation of the HMP: interdisciplinary education, clinical management and continuity of care, and formulary management.
Results
In total, implementation of the HMP resulted in a net savings of $2.7 million for clotting factor expenses for FY 2017. The cost savings based on clotting factor expenses resulted in a return on investment (ROI) of 20:1, exceeding the initial projections of a modest ROI of 3:1. In addition, these costs savings were realized with the average length of stay per patient staying within the previous margins. Finally, the HMP effectively reduced the need for blood transfusions per patient.
Discussion
Design and implementation of the HMP resulted in significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and enhanced clinical services for patients with hemophilia. This expansion of pharmacy services has become the first pharmacy‐led program in the country to not only reduce costs, but also improve clinical outcomes.