[The national registry EVASTENT: cost-effectiveness analysis of the sirolimus active stent in diabetic and non-diabetic patients]

[Computerized prescription for medical devices: examples, interest and limits]

INTRODUCTION

Related to the good practice contract implemented in hospitals, the prescription dedicated to medical devices, such as pharmaceuticals, could promote safety and good practice.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We attempted to implement a computerized prescription for medical devices. In order to illustrate the method, two examples were selected: the Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and the Drug Eluting Stents (DES).

RESULTS

In partnership with the medical teams was elaborated a computerized protocol which included all the needed items for the good use of NPWT. For DES, a pre-existing questionnaire was used. We updated it in order to integrate new items such as the prescriber's name, the patient's name, the characteristics of the wound, the DES references and the indications.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Computerized prescriptions for high-risk and expensive medical devices seem to be an interesting approach to guarantee the patient care safety and to reduce the budget impacts. In order to monitor the indications funded as fee-for-service medical devices, a prescription will emerge as a gold standard in the future in France. Eventually, this study highlights a new activity of clinical pharmacy for hospital pharmacists dealing with medical devices.