Evolution of the Centers for High Cost Medication in São José do Rio Preto, State of São Paulo: experience report

Abstract

Objective: To describe the evolution of the Center for High Cost Medication (CEDMAC) of the Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FUNFARME), State of São Paulo, from 2010 to 2017, presenting the construction of the service and the pharmacoeconomics study in the years 2015 to 2017. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive empirical study with a qualitative and quantitative approach, whose unit of analysis is CEDMAC. The pharmacoeconomics study was performed through the financial quantification obtained through dose optimization. Results: Between 2010 and 2015, there were an average of 894 medical and nursing care. From 2015 to 2017, the number of medical and nursing care, drug administration and treated patients increased by 764.7%, 243.6% and 173.9%, respectively. CEDMAC doubled the number of its employees from 7, in 2010, to 14, in 2017.And, the service saved R $ 535,323.71 with the optimization of doses of drugs between the years 2015 to 2017. The medical specialties most frequently followed were rheumatology, gastroenterology and proctology, and the administered drugs most commonly in this period were adalimumab and infliximab, both Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blockers. Conclusion: The implantation of the center resulted as an important strategy for the strengthening of the national and state policies of pharmaceutical assistance in the rational use of medicines, contributing to the best use of the drug; and filling an important gap in knowledge and experience in structuring the center and optimizing financial resources.