Healthy Skepticism Library item: 20352

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Rucker TD, Schiff G.
Drug formularies: myths-in-formation.
Med Care 1990; 28:(10):928-42
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2232923

Abstract:

Drug formularies are pivotal tools for delineating and directing prescribing to the “drugs of choice.” Full realization of their potential has been hampered by insufficient comparative data on drug efficacy/safety and local resources for formulary development. However, misconceptions concerning fundamental formulary concepts pose an even more formidable obstacle. This article identifies statements illustrating formulary misconception a) made by physicians attending Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee meetings during a three-year period and b) appearing in published sources. The paper highlights basic objectives and operational requirements of an effective formulary, and contrasts this definition with 20 myths and misinformation culled from these two sources. Not only does such misinformation impair formulary development, many critics are so preoccupied with alleged shortcomings that progress in minimizing the real limitations of formularies has been impeded.

Keywords:
Attitude of Health Personnel Formularies, Hospital* Humans Pharmaceutical Preparations* Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee* Physicians*