Comparison of a clinical pharmacist– managed anticoagulation service with routine medical care: impact on clinical outcomes and health care costs

1. Patients in the pharmacistmanaged group spent a higher percentage of time in target therapeutic international normalised ratio range (64%) than those in the physicianmanaged group (59%). 2. Patients in the pharmacistmanaged group experienced a lower incidence of bleeding (1.6 events per 100 patient-years) than those in the physicianmanaged group (3.1 events per 100 patient-years). 3. Mean cost per patient per month in the pharmacist-managed group (HK$593) was lower than that in the physicianmanaged group (HK$764). 4. The pharmacist-managed anticoagulation service was less costly and more effective than the physician-managed service.