A study of pharmacists-joint total parenteral nutrition in haematopoietic cell transplantation in accord with diagnosis related groups: A retrospective clinical research

J Pharm Policy Pract. 2024 Jun 25;17(1):2361320. doi: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2361320. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Background: Within Diagnosis Related Groups, based on service capability, efficiency, and quality safety assessment, clinical pharmacists contribute to promoting rational drug utilisation in healthcare institutions. However, a deficiency of pharmacist involvement has been observed in the total parenteral nutrition support to patients following haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) within DRGs.

Methods: This study involved 146 patients who underwent HCT at the Department of Haematology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, spanning from January 2020 to December 2022.

Results: Patients were allocated equally, with 73 in the control group and 73 in the pharmacist-involved group: baseline characteristics showed no statistics significance, including age, body mass index, nutrition risk screening-2002 score, liver and kidney function, etc. Albumin levels, prealbumin levels were significantly improved after a 7-day TPN support (34.92 ± 4.24 vs 36.25 ± 3.65, P = 0.044; 251.30 ± 95.72 vs 284.73 ± 83.15, P = 0.026). The body weight was increased after a 7-day support and before discharge (58.77 ± 12.47 vs 63.82 ± 11.70, P = 0.013; 57.61 ± 11.85 vs 64.92 ± 11.71, P < 0.001). The length of hospital stay, costs and the rate of re-admissions were significantly shortened (51.10 ± 1.42 vs 46.41 ± 1.86, P = 0.048; 360,162.67 ± 91,831.34 vs 324,070.16 ± 112,315.51, P = 0.035; 61.64% vs 43.84%, P = 0.046).

Conclusions: Pharmacist-joint TPN support enhances the service efficiency score of medical units, ensuring the fulfilment of orders and rational medication.

Keywords: Diagnosis Related Groups; Total parenteral nutrition; haematopoietic cell transplantation; pharmacists.

Grants and funding

This study is supported by Dalian Key Field Innovation Team Project [No.2021RT14].