Date of Award

1997

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Business Administration

First Advisor

Daniel W. Kemper

Second Advisor

Lisa Boling

Third Advisor

Laura DeRigne

Abstract

This thesis will examine intravenous to oral medication streamlining in hospitalized patients.

For multiple reasons the cost of healthcare has been rising over the past ten years. As a result of rapidly escalating expenditures, pharmacoeconomic strategies that center on reducing costs without adversely affecting patients' outcomes are commonplace throughout the pharmaceutical industry.

The literature demonstrates that the early transition from intravenous to oral medications is an opportunity to decrease hospital and patients' costs without compromising patients outcomes. It is important to note that an inappropriate or careless transition can result in a drastic increase in cost, therefor, patients should be carefully evaluated prior to any streamlining activities.

It is obvious that the development of a thoroughly researched program is necessary to assure costs decrease. Since intravenous to oral streamlining programs have been implemented throughout the United States it will prove crucial to review the successes and failures of various institutions. Examining the work of others should facilitate the development of safe, effective, and economically sound program.

This study will focus on intravenous-to-oral medication streamlining and its advantages in the hospital setting. Specifically, this thesis will investigate the possibility of designing an Intravenous-to-Oral Medication Streamlining Manual that will be rated favorably by subject matter experts.

Two subject matter experts participated in the study. Both experts were female healthcare workers, one nurse and one pharmacist. The subjects were asked to review the manual and complete a survey. The resultant data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics and a univariate t test.

Results of the statistical analysis yielded evidence to support the rejection of the null hypothesis and acceptance of the actual hypothesis. The subject matter experts indicated that an Intravenous to Oral Medication Streamlining Manual was developed that was rated favorably.

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