Pharmacoeconomics of the Inhaled Anesthesia

Abstract

It has been estimated that the cost of anesthesia has significant impact on the economy of any country. For this purpose, we have selected the topic of pharmacoeconomics of the inhaled anesthesia in order to analyze the costs associated with the use of inhaled anesthesia. In addition, we will be discussing the cost across nations and the role of US government for reducing the cost. Further, we will be analyzing the past studies for understanding the concept of pharmacoeconomics of the inhaled anesthesia.

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Review of Literature2

Pharmaceuticals and Disposables5

Role of Government5

Presentation of Empirical Evidence7

Conclusion and Recommendations10

References12

Pharmacoeconomics of the Inhaled Anesthesia

Introduction

The cost of inhalation anesthesia has received a significant attraction of many researchers. The agents of inhaled anesthetic agent comprise substantial variables of drug budgets. Various considerations should be taken while administering the cost of an inhaled anesthetic such as the cost per mL, waste, concentration and duration of gas delivery, potency, and density. In addition, the use of inhaled anesthetic agents with low solubility in blood and tissue provided a rapid recovery from anesthesia than older, soluble agents, and it also provides the same level of control of depth of anesthesia at a lower fresh gas flow rate and possibly a lower cost than older agents at a higher fresh gas flow rate (Smith 2001). A more rapid recovery may facilitate fast-track recovery and yield cost savings if it allows the completion of additional surgical cases or allows a reduction in personnel overtime expenses. Pharmacists' efforts to reduce anesthetic waste and collaborate with anesthesiologists to improve the use of these agents can help contain costs, but improving scheduling and efficiency in the operating room has a greater potential to reduce operating room costs. Furthermore, various steps can be taken for controlling costs of anesthetic agents without compromise of availability of these agents and patient care (Weiskopf & Eger 1993).

One of the great challenges that are presented to health care providers is to increase efforts to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The anesthesiologist is not released from that responsibility. Today, when we are in the process of globalization, the role of the anesthesiologist should be a great planner, using strategies in making decisions in order to reduce costs, which should not be limiting for therapeutic indications unless there is a greater benefit. The problem of quantifying the cost-benefit justice is inevitable. The cost is easy; however, the benefit is usually more difficult and therefore, there is a tendency to weigh the costs with greater force than the benefits. Regarding the cost-effectiveness, various methods should be appreciated as relevant and useful tools in optimizing technical efficiency may qualify for such procedures as systematic, comprehensive and explicit in the evaluation costs and consequences following the use of drugs (Joshi 2001).

The paper is aimed at analyzing past studies about pharmacoeconomics and different ways used by government to reduce the costs of inhaled anesthesia. In this paper, we will be discussing the concept of pharmacoeconomics and the inhaled anesthesia ...