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There is increasing focus on drug expenditure across Europe as this is now the largest or equaling the largest component in ambulatory care, with costs continuing to rise driven by aging populations, rising patient expectations and the continual launch of new premium priced drugs. This has resulted in multiple supply and demand side reforms across Europe to help contain costs. However, countries need to continually learn from each other to help maintain the European ideals of comprehensive and equitable healthcare. This can be achieved by undertaking cross national studies analyzing DU consumption data alongside expenditure and health care policies in high volume classes in ambulatory care. CNC studies have been undertaken for the statins, proton pump inhibitors and ACEIs/ ARBs in collaboration with EuroDURG and health authorities/ health insurance companies from across Europe.
Utilization data (in DDDs β defined daily doses) was typically collected from 2001 to 2007/ 2008. Demand-side measures were categorized under the β4Esβ β education, engineering, economics and enforcement. The findings show that multiple and intensive supply and demand side measures appreciably enhanced prescribing efficiency, with the demand side measures appearing additive mirroring other studies.
In addition in the case of enforcement (prescribing restrictions), their nature and follow-up also appreciably influenced subsequent utilization patterns and overall prescribing efficiency. More studies are planned to add to the knowledge base including the influence of demand side measures with enhancing the utilization of losartan among the ARBs following its availability as a generic.
LINKS:
EuroDURG Participation in Scientific Projects -ATC Browser
