Incorporating pharmacosurveillance in provincial drug formulary decision-making

The Evaluation Working Group of the TI conducts research on: the appropriateness of prescription drug utilization; the population health impact of prescription drug therapy; the population health and health services utilization impact of drug coverage policies; and the impact of the TI's educational interventions upon prescribing, health services use, and health outcomes in BC. [...] The key objectives of this research project were: • To work with formulary decision-makers in Ontario and British Columbia (BC) to identify pharmacosurveillance information needs; • To develop and refine techniques for producing evidence, and to share those techniques with research teams in both provinces; and, • To assess the impact of pharmacosurveillance on decision-making. [...] The key objectives of this research project were: • To work with formulary decision-makers in Ontario and BC to identify pharmacosurveillance information needs; • To develop and refine techniques for producing such evidence, and to share those techniques with research teams in the two provinces; and, • To assess the impact of pharmcosurveillance on decision-making. [...] Mandatory presentation of evidence in a clear and structured format is a well-accepted part of the process for drug licensing, and clearly defined research methods for producing evidence on drug safety and efficacy are the basis for licensing decisions. [...] Research methods are well accepted, and pharmacosurveillance studies have provided compelling evidence on the use and effects of prescription drugs in the real world.5-12 A logical extension of the role of evidence in drug policy decision-making is a move from the present pre- market analysis of safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness toward a more systematic approach to production and application