Outcomes of a decision support prompt in community pharmacy-dispensing software to promote step-down of proton pump inhibitor therapy

Abstract

AIM To evaluate the effect of a computerized decision support prompt regarding high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy on prescribing and medication costs. METHODS A prompt activated on dispensing high-dose esomeprazole or pantoprazole was implemented in 73 of 185 pharmacies. Anonymized prescription data and a patient survey were used to determine changes in prescribing and associated medication costs. RESULTS The pharmacist-recorded PPI intervention rate per 100 high-dose PPI prescriptions was 1.67 for the PPI prompt group and 0.17 for the control group (P < 0.001). During the first 28 days of the trial, 196 interventions resulted in 34 instances of PPI step-down, with 28 of these occurring in PPI prompt pharmacies. Cost savings attributable to the prompt were AUD 7.98 (£4.95) per month per PPI prompt pharmacy compared with AUD 1.05 (£0.65) per control pharmacy. CONCLUSION The use of electronic decision support prompts in community pharmacy practice can promote the quality use of medicines. © 2011 The Authors. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology © 2011 The British Pharmacological Society.