A study of problems with corticosteroid and bronchodilator use in terms of cost of Debaratana Nakhonratchasima hospital.

Abstract

     This research was survey research aimed to Analyzing the significantly high value of using bronchodilator inhalers combined with corticosteroids and the role of pharmacists in reducing the usage costs. Collecting data on inhaled corticosteroid-combination inhaler usage among both outpatient and inpatient patients at Debaratana Nakornratchasima hospital for the past 5 years (October 1, 2017 - September 30, 2022), with totals of 396, 438, 480, 507, and 532 patients, respectively. Comparing patient numbers, service frequency, medication quantities, and medication costs using self-developed Structured Query Language (SQL) programs along with certain standard reports from the hospital's healthcare system (HOSxP).

     The research results found that outpatients were admitted for treatment an average of 3.9 times per person per year, receiving 9.4 bottles per person per year, or 2.4 bottles per visit. On average, outpatients revisited in the same month 67 times per year, totaling 163 visits per year, 195,080 baht per year. Outpatients whose condition did not improve required admission as inpatients in the following month, averaging 22 cases per year, 52 times per year,  66,631 baht per year. Discharged inpatients later returned as outpatients due to exacerbation or relapses, averaging 24 cases per year, with 51 outpatient visits per year and a medication cost of 58,757 baht.