Grampian Health Board's joint drug formulary.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Hospital and general practice formularies often differ, leading to potential inconsistencies in drug selection and cost.
• Developing a unified formulary can streamline drug management and improve cost-effectiveness across healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a model for a joint general practice-hospital formulary.
• To use ulcer healing drugs as a case study for formulary development.

Main Methods:

• A joint formulary development group created draft guidelines based on an existing hospital formulary.
• Guidelines were circulated to local general practitioners for consultation.
• Revised guidelines were submitted to the health board's medicines committee for approval and distribution.

Main Results:

• The selection of ulcer healing drugs by general practitioners and hospital doctors showed high coincidence.
• Significant cost variations were observed for one-day treatment courses between hospital and general practice settings.
• Six drugs were more expensive in hospitals, while five were more expensive in general practice.

Conclusions:

• A joint formulary for hospitals and general practice can be developed through consultation, as drug choices are largely consistent.
• Implementing a joint formulary can influence health board drug expenditure.
• A unified formulary can standardize drug choices for patients transitioning between hospital and community care.