Incorporating pharmacoeconomic principles into hospital pharmacy practice.

Abstract

Cost analysis, cost containment, and cost reduction are realities in today's health care environment. Discussions of cost must also include an analysis of the consequences of economic decisions so that a balanced perspective can be presented to health care decision makers. The basic principles of pharmacoeconomics can be used to provide information about the cost and consequences of therapy. To ensure a high quality of pharmaceutical care, it will become necessary to use this scientific information to make therapeutic decisions and recommendations.