An innovative approach to pharmacy management in a state correctional system

J Correct Health Care. 2012 Jan;18(1):53-61. doi: 10.1177/1078345811421732. Epub 2011 Oct 18.

Abstract

Numerous models are employed for medication distribution and pharmacy services management in correctional facilities. Since 2003, the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) have collaborated on a pharmacy management program designed to better integrate medical care, improve medication utilization, and reduce pharmaceuticals costs. The program introduced staff education, waste-reduction strategies, treatment protocols, and a responsive formulary system. RIDOC pharmaceutical expenditures grew at a rate of approximately 1.5% Per Inmate Per Year from 2003 to 2009, considerably below the annual pharmaceutical inflation rate. Analyses of projected and actual drug spending indicate that RIDOC benefited from savings of almost $5 million during this period. This innovative approach to pharmacy management addressed many pharmaceutical care issues that had challenged RIDOC while providing educational opportunities for doctor of pharmacy students in this practice setting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / economics
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / economics
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Drug Costs / statistics & numerical data
  • Drug Utilization
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / economics
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C / economics
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training / organization & administration
  • Pharmaceutical Services / economics
  • Pharmaceutical Services / organization & administration*
  • Policy
  • Prisons / economics
  • Prisons / organization & administration*
  • Rhode Island

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents