Economic justification of pharmacist involement in patient medication consultation.

The financial savings experienced by patients as a result of pharmacists' efforts in a discharge medication interview program were evaluated. The study involved 1,000 patients discharged from the surgery service of a university hospital. Pharmacists worked with physicians and patients in reducing the cost of medications by: (1) substituting less expensive drugs when possible, (2) relabeling bedside medication, (3) securing third party coverage for eligible patients, and (4) recommending purchase of non-prescription drugs over the counter. Savings of nearly +1,700 were realized on 517 out of 1,832 prescriptions; this was equal to +9.13 of savings to the patient per hour of pharmacist consultation time.