Survey of collaborative drug therapy management in U.S. hospitals

Abstract

Purpose: Results of a survey assessing the extent and scope of collaborative drug therapy management (CDTM) in U.S. hospitals are presented.

Methods: A survey questionnaire was mailed to a national random sample of hospital pharmacies. Pharmacy directors provided data on CDTM activities; their views on support for CDTM, the financial and strategic impact of CDTM, and the effect of state regulations on CDTM practice were assessed using summative Likert-type scales. Logistic regression was performed to assess associations of respondent demographics and hospital characteristics with CDTM use.

Results: The usable response rate was 30.2%. Pharmacists were reported to be engaged in CDTM in 66% of respondents' hospitals, a significantly (p < 0.0001) greater proportion than reported in a comparable 2003 survey. The most prevalent CDTM activities were ordering laboratory and related tests (58.7% of hospitals), adjusting drug strength (57.9%), and changing the frequency of administration (53.8%). The most commonly reported diseases or treatment areas for CDTM use were anticoagulation (52.4% of hospitals), infectious diseases (44.8%), and parenteral nutrition (32.6%).

Conclusion: From 2003 to 2013, the prevalence of CDTM use in surveyed U.S. hospitals increased significantly, from about 50% to 66%. The 3 most common specific CDTM activities in 2003-ordering test results, adjusting drug strength, and changing frequency of administration-were still the most common in 2013 but were allowed at higher percentages of hospitals.

Keywords: attitude of health personnel; cooperative behavior; data collection; drug therapy/standards; interprofessional relations; pharmacists.