Comprehensive pharmaceutical services for a state correctional facility.

Abstract

A contractual model for comprehensive pharmaceutical services involving a major medical center pharmacy, a university, and a state department of corrections is described. Project goals and methods for the provision of services are described. These include areas of formulary development, inventory management, drug distribution, on-site placement of pharmacy operations, and educational development. Impact of the program was assessed over a 30-month period. Development of policies and procedures for drug use in a correctional setting enabled implementation of a strict patient population-specific drug formulary. Procedural changes resulted in an 83% decrease in on-site drug inventories and a 62% decrease in quarterly drug expenditures. A one-time saving of more than $26,500 resulted from the decrease in on-site inventory, and an annual saving of $44,000 is projected for decreased drug expenditures. All but five controlled substances were removed from the formulary, and only 13 nonprescription items remained in the formulary. An educational course on health care in correctional settings provided exposure for pharmacy students to this new area of institutional practice. The contractual model proved both cost-effective and functional for the department of corrections.