Kate Schaddelee
4 Benefits Of Medication Utilization Reviews
At end-of-life, the goal isn’t to treat illnesses. It is to make sure that the patient is comfortable and can have a dignified passing. With that...
When it comes to hospice formularies, they should always be focused and concise. If a medication cannot be related directly to one of the top 10 hospice diagnoses, it should not be on the list. Curious to learn more? Read on for our top 5 formulary tips.
Discuss care goals to determine the best medications
It’s best to take some time to discuss any pain or symptom management goals that patients have. Remember, when creating your formularies, it should be for symptom management only. If it does not bring comfort in some form, don’t include it.
Ensure medication availability
When creating a formulary, you should select medications that are always available at ANY pharmacy at ANY time. It can be difficult to manage patient symptoms if you cannot get a medication in time.
Make sure to discuss patient safety
Talk with patients and families about any fall or bleeding risks, adverse drug effects, etc. that may come from medications.
Keep in mind clinical safety guidelines & patient goals
The CDC has specific surveillance criteria for infections and the use of antibiotics. When you remove antibiotics from formularies, you’re helping fight bacterial resistance while providing better patient outcomes and overall cost savings.
Controlling hospice medication costs
Did you know it’s unnecessary to include every drug class in your formulary? Selecting 1 or 2 in a couple of drug classes keeps your costs down and ensures medications stay in stock.
Still have questions?
Our dedicated PharmDs can help you create a perfect formulary that is optimized for patient comfort and cost-efficient for your hospice.
Scehdule a discovery call with our team or get in touch with one of our specialists today!
About BetterRX
BetterRX's mission is to radically change patient care by ending medication delays that cause needless suffering. BetterRX offers efficient ordering technology, medication tracking, real-time PPD & cost alerts, and committed local pharmacies. Learn more about BetterRX, our CRX Platform, Better ePrescribe, and Pharmacy tools.
Top 3 Problems With Third Party ePrescribes
We have talked with a number of hospice partners and compiled a list of the top 3 problems that come with third-party ePrescribes. Do any of these...
Considerations For Inhaler Use In Hospice
As patients approach the end of life, changes in breathing are common and can impact their comfort and quality of life. While inhalers are often used...