Use of centrally developed pharmacoeconomic assessments for local formulary decisions.

PURPOSE: The distribution, content, timeliness, use, and influence of pharmacoeconomic assessments (PEAs) of drugs in New Zealand public hospitals were examined. METHODS: In April 2005, a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey was sent to chief pharmacists at all 29 New Zealand hospitals employing a pharmacist. The questionnaire asked pharmacists about the use and influence of PEAs in their hospitals' formulary decision-making process. Answers were given using a scale of 1 to 6, with 1 being the most positive response. RESULTS: Of the 29 surveys mailed, 24 (83%) were completed. Data on 12 PEAs were analyzed. Assessments were seen and summaries read in most hospitals (median, 77% and 65%, respectively). Full documents were read in fewer hospitals (35%). In general, the PEAs were considered moderately easy to understand, provided a concise summary, and contained adequate detail of the methodology. Of the 24 respondent hospitals, 21 had assessment processes for new medicines; hence, a total of 252 hospital evaluations of Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC)-assessed drugs were possible. A total of 132 possible evaluations (52%) were undertaken. More evaluations (106 [42%]) took place before PHARMAC's PEAs were distributed and fewer (26 [10%]) after distribution. Where used, the PEAs appeared to have a modest effect on hospital decisions. CONCLUSION: The provision of 12 PEAS by PHARMAC to hospitals in New Zealand had only a modest influence on their formulary decision-making process, mostly due to the lack of timeliness of the PEAs. The timely delivery of centrally developed PEAs may be essential to generating a greater effect on the formulary decisions at a wider level.