Barriers to implementing pharmacoeconomics: interview study

Background Pharmacoeconomics estimates the value of pharmaceutical products and services and provides healthcare decision-makers with valuable information. Pharmacoeconomic evaluations have not been found to be influential in the Jordanian health care system. Although pharmacoeconomics as a concept is becoming more recognized in the pharmaceutical world, there are still some barriers to its implementation. Objective To establish the perceived barriers to the implementation of pharmacoeconomics in Jordan. Method A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. Participants were chosen if they might benefit from the application of pharmacoeconomics; such as members of Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees (PTCs) in public, private, and teaching hospitals; administrative pharmacists on drug pricing committees; those who produce pharmacoeconomic data such as academics; and administrative pharmacists in the Joint Procurement Department (JPD). The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Result Three main barriers to the implementation of pharmacoeconomics were identified. These were related to the nature of the decision-making process, the lack of pharmacoeconomic data, and inadequate knowledge about pharmacoeconomics. Conclusion The current use and impact of pharmacoeconomic evaluations in Jordanian healthcare decision-making is restricted, in part, due to the barriers outlined by the respondents.

Automated summary

The study identified three main barriers to the implementation of pharmacoeconomics in Jordan, related to the nature of the decision-making process, the lack of pharmacoeconomic data, and inadequate knowledge about pharmacoeconomics. These barriers restrict the current use and impact of pharmacoeconomic evaluations in Jordanian healthcare decision-making.