THERAPEUTIC DRUG-MONITORING - IMPROVED PERFORMANCE THROUGH EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION

A pilot study done at our institution and previous studies in the literature indicate that therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is frequently performed without a proper indication. In addition, samples are often improperly collected or interpreted by physicians. The purpose of this study was to determine if a pharmacy-based educational intervention could positively influence the performance of TDM in a teaching institution. A cost-savings analysis on the reduction of drug levels not indicated or improperly sampled was also performed. The study consisted of a preliminary data collection period, an educational intervention, and a postintervention data collection period. The pre- and posteducational intervention periods consisted of a 1-month concurrent review of aminoglycosides, digoxin, and theophylline serum levels. The educational intervention consisted of in-service programs and newsletter. There were 188 and 211 serum drug levels analyzed during the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively. Overall, the educational intervention significantly increased the number of drug levels obtained for rational indications, correctly sampled and appropriately interpreted by physicians (p < 0.001, χ2 analysis). Cost savings associated with this program was $2,788 in patient charges ($559 in hospital costs) per month. This study demonstrated that TDM may be significantly improved through education. © 1990 Raven Press, Ltd., New york.