Current principles and application of pharmacoeconomics

Area of Science:

• Pharmacoeconomics
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Economics

Background:

• Anti-infective drugs represent a significant portion of prescription volume and healthcare expenditure.
• Cost-containment policies highlight the importance of understanding the economic impact of antibacterial treatments.
• Misconceptions persist regarding the terminology and methodologies within pharmacoeconomics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the historical development (genealogy) of pharmacoeconomics.
• To explain the diverse methodologies employed in applying pharmacoeconomics to anti-infective treatments.
• To address the misunderstandings surrounding pharmacoeconomic principles and practices in this field.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of pharmacoeconomics literature.
• Analysis of methodologies used in pharmacoeconomic evaluations of anti-infective drugs.
• Conceptual clarification of key terms and approaches.

Main Results:

• The paper traces the evolution of pharmacoeconomics as a discipline.
• It details various quantitative and qualitative methods applicable to anti-infective drug assessment.
• It aims to provide a clear framework for understanding pharmacoeconomic principles.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of pharmacoeconomics is essential for optimizing anti-infective drug therapy.
• Clarifying methodologies ensures accurate and effective economic evaluations.
• This work provides a foundational understanding for researchers and policymakers in health economics and infectious diseases.