Evaluation of Pharmacist-Based Interventions to Optimise Utilisation of Parenteral Paracetamol in a Teaching Hospital in Iran Publisher



Laali E¹ ; Ghorbani A² ; Najafi S² ; Sarayani A³ ; Ghafari S¹ ; Makarem J⁴ ; Khorasani G⁵ ; Gholami K³ ; Jahangardrafsanjani Z^{1, 2}
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research Published:2020

Abstract

This study clarified the effect of pharmacist-led interventions to decrease the cost and inappropriate prescribing of parenteral paracetamol (PP). The prescribing pattern of PP was assessed at baseline and after pharmacist-led interventions (educational and protocol interventions) in a teaching hospital in Tehran, Iran. Comparison of appropriate dosage form between baseline and postintervention assessments indicated a significant difference (55.6% vs 77.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). Educational intervention significantly improved the appropriate duration of PP administration from baseline to postintervention (29% vs 41.7%, respectively; p = 0.006), but had no significant effect on the appropriateness of dosing. The mean monthly number of vials used decreased considerably following the educational and protocol interventions (25% (p = 0.002) and 59% (p < 0.001) reductions, respectively). Thus, incorporating educational and protocol interventions could promote the appropriate prescription and rational use of PP and aid in reducing its financial burden. © 2020 The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia