Using Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data for pharmacoepidemiological research: challenges and approaches
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Intraventricular Drug Delivery and Sampling for Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Study
Published on: March 31, 2022
Ellie Page1, Anna Kemp-Casey2, Rosemary Korda3
1National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, ellie.paige@anu.edu.au.
Abstract:
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) dataset provides detailed information about subsidised medicines dispensed in Australia and is increasingly used for pharmacoepidemiological research. Use of the PBS dataset provides unique opportunities for such research, but comes with its own set of challenges that must be considered and addressed. This paper outlines some issues that commonly arise when using PBS data - relating to accurate identification of medicine dispensings and how to define medicine exposure - and suggests some possible approaches for dealing with them. The paper is intended as an introductory resource for researchers.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Dosage Regimens: Partial Pharmacokinetic Parameters
Measurement of Bioavailability: Pharmacodynamic Methods
Analysis of Population Pharmacokinetic Data
Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

