Pharmacoeconomics: a Reliable Tool for Decisions on New Medicines?

Abstract

Aim:To provide a literature-based review of the reliability of pharmacoeconomics as a tool for decisions on new medicines. Method: Medline and Embase databases were searched. Articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals were selected according to relevance, and bibliographies searched for other relevant articles. All articles were assessed for information and opinions on the use of pharmacoeconomics, methodology and quality of studies, and reliability in decision-making. Results: Over 1000 articles were retrieved and 120 selected for review. The review indicated that, although pharmacoeconomics is increasingly used in decision-making, its methodology is still developing. Methodological guidelines, well-established in some countries, can improve the quality of studies, but there is scope for improvement in adherence to guidelines. To improve confidence in pharmacoeconomics, studies need to be peerreviewed by experts before publication. Bias, unintentional or otherwise, can be found in all types of economic analysis and needs to be considered. To avoid bias, methodological guidelines should be closely adhered to, and all financial interests and sources of funding disclosed. There is a need to educate users to understand economic analysis, recognise any inherent bias, and assess the quality of the studies they intend to use. Conclusion: Providing methodological guidelines are followed, methodology is transparent, and bias is minimised, pharmacoeconomics can be a reliable tool to assist in decisions on the introduction of new medicines.

Pharmacoepidemiology‐QUM Vadis?

“…In recent editorials and publications, pharmacists have been encouraged to apply pharmacoepidemiology skills, although the term itself did not routinely appear. [6][7][8][9] Although courses in pharmacoepidemiology are offered by other universities (e.g. University of New South Wales, courses in Pharmaceutical Medicine and Drug Development) I enrolled in the University of Newcastle Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology).…”