The Canadian journal of hospital pharmacy
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This study was designed to determine the extent of insulin wastage and the extrapolated cost of wastage for Ontario hospitals. The five hospitals in the study were chosen to include differences in patient mix and drug distribution systems. Beginning and ending inventories of all insulin types were taken spanning a six-week period. ⋯ This was equivalent to up to $8,000 a year for the largest hospital surveyed and translates to an estimated cost of $360,000 a year in all Ontario hospitals. Therefore, hospitals should estimate their insulin wastage and seek ways to reduce it. The pharmaceutical industry should be encouraged to develop cost-effective insulin delivery systems.