The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of the emerging discipline of pharmacoeconomics and its relationship to the outcomes research movement. The relationship of pharmacoeconomic research and clinical trials will be described and contrasted. Also, information on the application of pharmacoeconomics in the evaluation of drug therapy and pharmaceutical care services that enhance the cost-effectiveness of drug therapy will be presented. This will include a discussion of the economic consequences of drug related problems and the impact of pharmaceutical care on drug related morbidity / mortality. Finally, the role of the pharmacist and physician with regard to pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research will be highlighted including strategies in which a pharmaceutical company may implement to successfully establish a pharmacoeconomic educational program within the organization.

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