scholarly journals Consumer Reports - Best Buy Drugs' Outreach Project in Minnesota

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon C. Schommer ◽  
Marcia M. Worley ◽  
Stephen Schondelmeyer
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Drug Information ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Consumer Reports ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Evaluation Survey

The objectives for this study were to apply four different approaches for disseminating Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs (CR-BBD) information about effectiveness, safety, and cost to patients for therapeutic classes of medications that they were using and then (1) evaluate the usefulness of the information to participants and (2) document resultant information seeking. For the three approaches that utilized face-to-face contact (Approaches 2 through 4), we also compared them in terms of (1) number of medications reviewed per person, (2) availability of CR-BBD information per person, (3) changes that could be made for each person, and (4) potential/likely cost savings (per person per month). Finally, we described the availability of CR-BBD information for each participant categorized by the 19 therapeutic classes of medications for which there were Best Buy Drugs reports. Data were collected via self-administered surveys, in-person interviews, and telephone interviews. The results showed that almost all of the participants in the information sessions held for this study had at least one medication for which Best Buy Drug information was available with significant savings potential to be gained by using the recommended Best Buy Drug. Potential cost savings through the use of recommended Best Buy Drugs was $89.47 per person per month averaged over all participants (n = 172) and was $157.20 per person per month for those with savings over zero dollars (n = 98). Thirty-two percent of respondents to our evaluation survey reportedly sought more information from a physician and 30 percent sought more information from a pharmacist. We concluded that provision of information about effectiveness, safety, and cost to patients has the potential for achieving significant cost savings. Recommendations regarding (1) the timing of provision, (2) targeting of recipients and (3) traversing impediments are given.   Type: Original Research

scholarly journals Web-Face-to-Face Mixed-Mode Design in a Longitudinal Survey: Effects on Participation Rates, Sample Composition, and Costs

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 385-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annamaria Bianchi ◽  
Silvia Biffignandi ◽  
Peter Lynn
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Mode ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Longitudinal Survey ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Mode Design ◽  
Cumulative Response ◽  
Sample Composition ◽  
The Uk

AbstractSequential mixed-mode designs are increasingly considered as an alternative to interviewer-administered data collection, allowing researchers to take advantage of the benefits of each mode. We assess the effects of the introduction of a sequential web-face-to-face mixed-mode design over three waves of a longitudinal survey in which members were previously interviewed face-to-face. Findings are reported from a large-scale randomised experiment carried out on the UK Household Longitudinal Study. No differences are found between the mixed-mode design and face-to-face design in terms of cumulative response rates and only minimal differences in terms of sample composition. On the other hand, potential cost savings are evident.

Economic modelling of telehealth substitution of face-to-face specialist outpatient consultations for Queensland correctional facilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Taylor ◽  
Liam J. Caffery ◽  
Paul A. Scuffham ◽  
Anthony C. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Correctional Facility ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Correctional Facilities ◽  
Economic Modelling ◽  
Correctional Staff ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Cost

Objective The provision of healthcare services to inmates in correctional facilities is costly and resource-intensive. This study aimed to estimate the costs of transporting prisoners from 11 Queensland correctional facilities to the Princess Alexandra Hospital Secure Unit (PAHSU) in Brisbane for non-urgent specialist outpatient consultations and identify the cost consequences that would result from the substitution of face-to-face visits with telehealth consultations. Methods A 12-month retrospective review of patient activity at the PAHSU was conducted to obtain the number of transfers per correctional facility. The total cost of transfers was calculated with estimates for transport vehicle costs and correctional staff escort wages, per diem and accommodation costs. A cost model was developed to estimate the potential cost savings from substituting face-to-face consultations with telehealth consultations. A sensitivity analysis on the cost variables was conducted. Costs are reported from a government funding perspective and presented in 2016 Australian dollars (A$). Results There were 3539 inmate appointments from July 2015 to June 2016 at the PAHSU, primarily for imaging, general practice, and orthopaedics. Telehealth may result in cost savings from negligible to A$969 731, depending on the proportion, and travel distance, of face-to-face consultations substituted by telehealth. Wages of correctional staff were found to be the most sensitive variable. Conclusions Under the modelled conditions, telehealth may reduce the cost of providing specialist outpatient consultations to prisoners in Queensland correctional facilities. Telehealth may improve the timeliness of services to a traditionally underserved population. What is known about the topic? Specialist medical services are located in only a few metropolitan centres across Australia, which requires some populations to travel long distances to attend appointments. Some face-to-face specialist outpatient consultations can be substituted by telehealth. What does this paper add? Prisoners from correctional facilities represent one specific population that requires complex travel arrangements for specialist medical appointments. Transportation of prisoners for specialist health appointments represents a substantial cost to the government. This paper quantifies the annual cost in Queensland for transporting prisoners, taking into account fuel and vehicle costs, staff wages, per diem rates, and accommodation. In addition, it quantifies the costs of substituting face-to-face consultations with telehealth consultations. What are the implications for practitioners? This research encourages practitioners to consider using telehealth services for prisoners, as well providing an argument for tertiary centres to include telehealth as a model of care for this population. Telehealth can result in major cost savings and state and federal governments should consider implementation especially in Australia where correctional facilities and specialist services are separated by great geographic distances.

Survive, Revive, Thrive: Chapter 9: Apparent Horizon

2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (06) ◽  
pp. 6-7
Author(s):  
Tom Blasingame
Keyword(s):  
Time Management ◽  
Apparent Horizon ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Charlie Chaplin ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
The People ◽  
Aung San Suu Kyi ◽  
The One ◽  
Almost All

The definition of apparent horizon: the plane or line where the earth or water and sky seem to meet. If you do nothing, you get nothing.—Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese politician/diplomat/author, 1945 You get a lot of advice in this job. A former SPE President told me that these columns should never be about “where we (presidents) went and what we did last month; nobody’s interested in that.” While I have tried to abide by that rule, I can tell you that this past month was an extraordinarily full month, all from the computer screen, of course. I have dealt with the widest possible spectra of SPE membership from freshman students to geriatrics, like myself. It has been both exhausting and inspiring to see and feel the creativity and labor of our SPE members. As unsolicited advice, if you are looking for inspiration, then I encourage you to talk to those who have lost their jobs or even their businesses. I have dealt with several in both groups during the past month. Listen carefully to them. These colleagues look forward to when they can again contribute to our industry and they have that unique never-say-quit attitude that defines our industry. If you want to understand the word “resilience,” just listen. They are truly inspiring.Luck is where opportunity meets preparation. —Seneca, Roman writer, 54 BC–39 AD Frankly, I spend almost all of my time for SPE just as Seneca suggests. The modern interpretation of this is that “the harder I work, the luckier I get” (attributed to the golfer Arnold Palmer). Specifically, I am looking for that “apparent horizon” where SPE can best serve its members in a fashion that presents a multitude of significant opportunities. In short, we are getting prepared to be lucky. Life could be wonderful if people would leave you alone.—Charlie Chaplin, English actor, 1889–1977 The Year(s) of Living Virtually In a recent panel I was involved in, I confess I did not expect (nor hope) to be the one to get the question “Is work-from-home here to stay?”, but I did. I thought I should share my views so you can taunt me with how wrong I am or could be. The obvious answer is yes. The efficiency and effectiveness of work-from-home (or remote working) is well documented, and probably to no one’s surprise, people are working an average of 2 or more extra hours/day when working from home. The positives of work-from-home are obvious. Professionals can work very well with less supervision than anyone might have thought possible before the COVID pandemic. Occasional, or minimal commuting, provides a generally better home life and better time management, and there are exceptional (potential) cost savings from less commuting, travel, etc. There are also negatives for work-from-home. The really bad news is that we probably don’t need as many management personnel. There is significant meeting overload. A rule of thumb is that for 80% of the people, 80% of the meeting time is wasted time. Historically people must be seen in order to be seen as relevant. The presumption being that if one is not seen, then they are not working.

scholarly journals Sugammadex compared with Neostigmine/Glycopyrrolate: An Analysis of Total PACU Time, Responsiveness, and Potential for Economic Impact

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Kayla Leigh Money ◽  
Yoon Jung Lee ◽  
Amber Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Neuromuscular Blockade ◽  
Acquisition Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Average Decrease ◽  
Article Type ◽  
Patient Responsiveness ◽  
Pacu Stay

Studies have previously shown sugammadex works faster and more effectively than neostigmine/glycopyrrolate at reversal of neuromuscular blockade by rocuronium and vecuronium. The purpose of this quality improvement study was to evaluate for differences in patient time spent in the operating room (OR), post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and patient responsiveness between the sugammadex and neostigmine/glycopyrrolate groups at a small surgical center. Additionally, a cost analysis was conducted to assess potential savings associated with sugammadex use, taking into account the differences in OR time, PACU time, and medication acquisition cost. We conducted a prospective analysis of OR time, PACU time, and responsiveness for a total of 152 patients, 76 patients receiving neostigmine/glycopyrrolate and 76 patients receiving sugammadex, undergoing planned surgery over an 8-week period. We identified an average decrease in total OR time of 6 minutes in the sugammadex group (neostigmine/glycopyrrolate [Mean: 86 min, Median: 77 min, Range 32-211 min] vs sugammadex [Mean: 80 min, Median: 77 min, Range 40-150 min]). Furthermore, there was an average decrease in total PACU time of 6 minutes in the sugammadex group (neostigmine/glycopyrrolate [Mean: 60 min, Median: 56 min, Range 32-154 min] vs sugammadex [Mean: 54 min, Median: 51 min, Range: 28-94 min]). Additionally, the percent of patients fully awake at the end of PACU stay was higher in the sugammadex group than the neostigmine/glycopyrrolate group (86% vs 79% respectively). Cost was evaluated for generating hypotheses. The additional cost of using sugammadex was estimated at $77 per person when compared to neostigmine/glycopyrrolate. However, if the use of sugammadex decreased the time in OR and PACU by an average of 12 minutes per patient, it is possible that it could provide a potential savings of $579 per patient after estimating a soft savings of reduced OR, PACU, and staff time. Overall cost saving per patient with sugammadex, which was calculated after subtracting additional medication acquisition cost, is $502. It is possible that if this value is extrapolated to 988 patients, this might suggest a potential cost savings of $495,976 per year. We hope this study provokes future research to determine if Sugammadex is a potentially viable economical option for the routine reversal of neuromuscular blockade.   Article Type: Original Research

Improving geriatric care and reducing hospitalisations in regional and remote areas: The benefits of telehealth

2019 ◽  
pp. 1357633X1988158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Lillicrap ◽  
Christine Hunter ◽  
Peter Goldswain
Keyword(s):  
Service Use ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Wait Times ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Midwest Region ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Patient Emergency

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two geriatrician models of care, the telegeriatric service (TGS) and visiting geriatrician (VG), in regional and remote settings in terms of potential cost-savings to the health system and impact on health service use (HSU). Furthermore, to establish whether longer wait-times for clinic appointments led to increased HSU by study participants. Methods Trends in patient emergency department presentations, hospitalisations and bed-days (HSU) were compared from 18 months before to 12 months after geriatrician appointment for the two services in the Western Australian Midwest region. The relationships between wait times, patient triage level and HSU were modelled. The costs of providing the services were offset against reductions in HSU after appointments. Results The sample comprised consecutive patients using the TGS ( n = 84) and VG service ( n = 124). Patient characteristics were similar, although patients using the VG service had longer wait-times, were triaged as more urgent and demonstrated the highest levels of HSU. Both models were effective with similar rates of reduced HSU following appointments. Increased wait-times and higher patient triage urgency were associated with increased HSU. Discussion Although TGS and VG showed similar reduced rates of HSU, TGS had the capacity to see a higher volume of patients, a broader geographical reach and improved waitlist management. Consequently, TGS was more effective at reducing avoidable hospitalisations and subsequent health deterioration due to shorter wait-times. Whilst face-to-face consultations are recognised as ‘gold standard’ a combination of the two models is most efficient.

Integrated Tubulars Supply Model Provides Cost Savings to Drilling Projects

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Hamzah
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Alternative Scheme ◽  
Safety Stocks ◽  
Storage Location ◽  
Supply Planning ◽  
Drilling Site ◽  
Drilling Project

Classical Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) procurement approach has been practiced in the indus-try with the typical process of setting a quantity level of tubulars ahead of the drilling project, includ-ing contingencies, and delivery to a storage location close to the drilling site. The total cost of owner-ship for a drilling campaign can be reduced in the range of 10-30% related to tubulars across the en-tire supply chain. In recent decades, the strategy of OCTG supply has seen an improvement resulting in significant cost savings by employing the integrated tubular supply chain management. Such method integrates the demand and supply planning of OCTG of several wells in a drilling project and synergize the infor-mation between the pipes manufacturer and drilling operators to optimize the deliveries, minimizing inventory levels and safety stocks. While the capital cost of carrying the inventory of OCTG can be reduced by avoiding the procurement of substantial volume upfront for the entire project, several hidden costs by carrying this inventory can also be minimized. These include storage costs, maintenance costs, and costs associated to stock obsolescence. Digital technologies also simplify the tasks related to the traceability of the tubulars since the release of the pipes from the manufacturing facility to the rig floor. Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) risks associated to pipe movements on the rig can be minimized. Pipe-by-pipe traceability provides pipes’ history and their properties on demand. Digitalization of the process has proven to simplify back end administrative tasks. The paper reviews the OCTG supply methods and lays out tangible improvement factors by employ-ing an alternative scheme as discussed in the paper. It also provides an insight on potential cost savings based on the observed and calculated experiences from several operations in the Asia Pacific region.

Improved Oxygen Dissolution Control for Oxygen Activated Sludge

1988 ◽  
Vol 20 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 101-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Clifft ◽  
M. T. Garrett
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Oxygen Production ◽  
Oxygen Utilization ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Oxygen Dissolution ◽  
The City

Now that oxygen production facilities can be controlled to match the requirements of the dissolution system, improved oxygen dissolution control can result in significant cost savings for oxygen activated sludge plants. This paper examines the potential cost savings of the vacuum exhaust control (VEC) strategy for the City of Houston, Texas 69th Street Treatment Complex. The VEC strategy involves operating a closed-tank reactor slightly below atmospheric pressure and using an exhaust apparatus to remove gas from the last stage of the reactor. Computer simulations for one carbonaceous reactor at the 69th Street Complex are presented for the VEC and conventional control strategies. At 80% of design loading the VEC strategy was found to provide an oxygen utilization efficiency of 94.9% as compared to 77.0% for the conventional control method. At design capacity the oxygen utilization efficiency for VEC and conventional control was found to be 92.3% and 79.5%, respectively. Based on the expected turn-down capability of Houston's oxygen production faciilities, the simulations indicate that the VEC strategy will more than double the possible cost savings of the conventional control method.

Cost-minimization analysis of drugs used in the treatment of Asthma and COPD diseases in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billu Payal ◽  
Anoop Kumar ◽  
Harsh Saxena
Keyword(s):  
Generic Drugs ◽  
Cost Minimization ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Pulmonary Medicine ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Maximum Cost ◽  
Cost Minimization Analysis ◽  
Cost Variation ◽  
The Cost

Background: Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) are well known respiratory diseases affecting millions of peoples in India. In the market, various branded generics, as well as generic drugs, are available for their treatment and how much cost will be saved by utilizing generic medicine is still unclear among physicians. Thus, the main aim of the current investigation was to perform cost-minimization analysis of generic versus branded generic (high and low expensive) drugs and branded generic (high expensive) versus branded generic (least expensive) used in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine of Era Medical University, Lucknow for the treatment of asthma and COPD. Methodology: The current index of medical stores (CIMS) was referred for the cost of branded drugs whereas the cost of generic drugs was taken from Jan Aushadi scheme of India 2016. The percentage of cost variation particularly to Asthma and COPD regimens on substituting available generic drugs was calculated using standard formula and costs were presented in Indian Rupees (as of 2019). Results: The maximum cost variation was found between the respules budesonide high expensive branded generic versus least expensive branded generic drugs and generic versus high expensive branded generic. In combination, the maximum cost variation was observed in the montelukast and levocetirizine combination. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study inferred that substituting generic antiasthmatics and COPD drugs can bring potential cost savings in patients.

Inpatient Insulin Pen Implementation, Waste, and Potential Cost Savings: A Community Hospital Experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 193229682110025
Author(s):  
Urooj Najmi ◽  
Waqas Zia Haque ◽  
Umair Ansari ◽  
Eyerusalem Yemane ◽  
Lee Ann Alexander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Aspart ◽  
Community Hospital ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Hospital Leadership ◽  
Insulin Pens

Background: Insulin pen injectors (“pens”) are intended to facilitate a patient’s self-administration of insulin and can be used in hospitalized patients as a learning opportunity. Unnecessary or duplicate dispensation of insulin pens is associated with increased healthcare costs. Methods: Inpatient dispensation of insulin pens in a 240-bed community hospital between July 2018 and July 2019 was analyzed. We calculated the percentage of insulin pens unnecessarily dispensed for patients who had the same type of insulin pen assigned. The estimated cost of insulin pen waste was calculated. A pharmacist-led task force group implemented hospital-wide awareness and collaborated with hospital leadership to define goals and interventions. Results: 9516 insulin pens were dispensed to 3121 patients. Of the pens dispensed, 6451 (68%) were insulin aspart and 3065 (32%) were glargine. Among patients on insulin aspart, an average of 2.2 aspart pens was dispensed per patient, but only an estimated 1.2 pens/patient were deemed necessary. Similarly, for inpatients prescribed glargine, an average of 2.1 pens/patient was dispensed, but only 1.3 pens/patient were necessary. A number of gaps were identified and interventions were undertaken to reduce insulin pen waste, which resulted in a significant decrease in both aspart (p = 0.0002) and glargine (p = 0.0005) pens/patient over time. Reductions in pen waste resulted in an estimated cost savings of $66 261 per year. Conclusions: In a community hospital setting, identification of causes leading to unnecessary insulin dispensation and implementation of hospital-wide staff education led to change in insulin pen dispensation practice. These changes translated into considerable cost savings and facilitated diabetes self-management education.

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