title: Use of centrally developed pharmacoeconomic assessments for local formulary decisions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of Otago (UO), Dunedin, New Zealand. june.tordoff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
authors.forename: June M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tordoff
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Pauline T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Norris
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Reith
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D017850:Economics, Pharmaceutical; D005572:Formularies, Hospital as Topic; D009520:New Zealand; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires