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Brücken bauen – von der Evidenz zum Patientenwohl: 19. Jahrestagung des Deutschen Netzwerks Evidenzbasierte Medizin e. V.

Deutsches Netzwerk Evidenzbasierte Medizin e. V.

08.03. - 10.03.2018, Graz

Evidence-based policy making in the field of pharmaceuticals – or how to better design a pharmaceutical policy?

Meeting Abstract

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  • author presenting/speaker Nina Zimmermann - WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Policies, Pharmacoeconomics Department, Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (GÖG/Austrian Public Health Institute), Vienna, Austria
  • Sabine Vogler - WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Policies, Pharmacoeconomics Department, Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (GÖG/Austrian Public Health Institute), Vienna, Austria

Brücken bauen – von der Evidenz zum Patientenwohl. 19. Jahrestagung des Deutschen Netzwerks Evidenzbasierte Medizin. Graz, Österreich, 08.-10.03.2018. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2018. Doc18ebmV-07-6

doi: 10.3205/18ebm044, urn:nbn:de:0183-18ebm0449

Published: March 6, 2018

© 2018 Zimmermann et al.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. See license information at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.


Outline

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Background: In the context of pharmaceutical care, policy makers have been struggling to address the challenge of reconciling different, partially conflicting policy objectives related to medicines: ensuring timely and equitable patient access, sustainable funding of pharmaceutical care and cost-containment, and granting reward for innovation to the pharmaceutical industry. All countries employ a mix of policy measures, with different design and rigour and different impact on patient outcomes. The aim of our study is to survey differences and similarities in pharmaceutical policies in European countries and to analyse the main drivers and incentives for achieving the policy objectives.

Methods: A comparative descriptive analysis of pharmaceutical systems in European countries was conducted. Qualitative and quantitative data/information were gained through a survey among 46 competent authorities involved in the Pharmaceutical Pricing and Reimbursement Information (PPRI) network. Pre-filled country questionnaires were sent to the representatives to be validated and updated. In addition, a literature review was conducted. Results of the comparative analysis are reviewed by staff of the WHOCC and external experts.

Results: The study is still ongoing, first results are expected in December 2017. A most comprehensive analysis of policies in European countries will be performed. First disincentives (i.e. lacking transparency on pharmaceutical prices, linear price-based remuneration of pharmacists) could already be identified.

Previous studies confirm the existence in differences in pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement policies, though some identical key characteristics (i.e. control of prices of reimbursable medicines, regulation of distribution remuneration) can be found.

Conclusion: Poorly designed policy measures in the field of pharmaceutical care can have a negative impact on patient access to medicines and sustainable financing. Policy makers should base their decisions on evidence-based information and policy analyses.