ACPE UPN: 0475-0000-14-007-L04-P. A knowledge based activity.

Abstract

Benchmarking hospital medicines is a powerful tool that could be used to effect change in prescribing patterns. The benefits of which would arguably bring about improved therapeutic outcomes, improved patient safety and reduced drug costs. The question remains however, is benchmarking practical? Hospitals vary immensely, varying in case mix, bed numbers, and finished consultant episodes. In addition, are there specialist hospitals with unique patient cohorts? Hospital pharmacy systems may be unique both in type and in the way they store data. This seminar will present examples of widely implemented benchmarking strategies from Denmark and the UK, outline the approaches taken and examples of successful outcomes.

Teaching Goals:

• to describe the barriers to genuine benchmarking,
• to propose strategies to overcome the barriers,
• to outline the benefits that have resulted,
• to discuss the shortfalls- what is left to do?

Learning Objectives:

After the presentation the participant should be able:

• to outline the issues that exist around benchmarking,
• to describe of the potential benefits,
• to recognise the various approaches that have been implemented, together with the pitfalls.