Building an effective medicines optimisation model: a health system approach

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Pharmaceutical Policy
• Global Health

Background:

• Effective medicines optimisation is vital for healthcare systems.
• A robust health and pharmacy system is a prerequisite for successful medicine optimisation models.
• Current research often separates medicine use and access, hindering holistic approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the essential features of an effective medicines optimisation model.
• To emphasize the necessity of a strong health system as a foundation.
• To explore the interplay between medicine use, access, and pharmacy practice.

Main Methods:

• A commentary synthesizing existing knowledge and expert opinion.
• Analysis of key components for medicines optimisation.
• Comparative country case studies (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Türkiye, Malaysia, India) illustrating health system status and pharmacy practice.

Main Results:

• A strong health system is fundamental for developing and implementing medicines optimisation.
• Key elements include health technology assessment, economic evaluation of pharmacy services, rational prescribing, and quality use of generic medicines.
• Pharmacy practice development and the pharmacist's role are critical components.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening the health system must precede the implementation of pharmaceutical care and medicines optimisation.
• Integrated approaches considering medicine selection, access, pricing, and advertising are essential.
• Global examples highlight the varying stages of pharmacy practice development and its impact on medicines optimisation.