Study of the cost-benefit ratio of a program of pharmacological follow-up in patients with cardiovascular risk

<p><span lang="EN-US">INTRODUCTION The pharmacist needs to demonstrate that he is capable of carrying out and implementing quality services as well as his efficiency before being able to request that these services are financed. The general aim of this study is to analyse the costs derived from offering a follow-up service for patients with cardiovascular disease and to evaluate its possible efficiency. </span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">MATERIAL AND METHODS To compile and analyse the data, the Cuídate Corazón (Look After Yourself, Heart) program by Lácer Laboratories was used and to set a possible price for the service, the Kotler strategy was applied, using the method aimed at cost. To evaluate the effectiveness of the service, the NRMs detected in the patient were counted as well as the acceptance of the pharmacist’s intervention by the doctor. A survey was carried out to determine the patient's level of satisfaction. </span></p><p><span lang="EN-US">RESULTS The cost per patient per month of the service for each chemist was </span>€<span lang="EN-US">2.48. Ten NRMs were detected of which 78% of the pharmaceutical intervention was accepted by the doctor, who made changes to the medication. Patients were highly satisfied with the service, which improved their perception of the pharmacist as a health professional and they believe that the pharmacist should be paid for the service. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span lang="EN-US">DISCUSSION It is felt that an added value to patient care has been generated, creating a demand for a service offered. The participating pharmacists will continue working with the Cuídate Corazón program and will set up a form of payment for the pharmacist by the patient, as it is considered that this gives responsibility to the professional and improves the involvement of the patient to the benefit of his health.</span></p>