E-DRUG: National Drug Formularies or Compendia
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A variety of resources are available in different countries that could be described as a national medicines information resource. For example the BNF in the UK, the Australian Medicines handbook in Australia and the New Zealand Formulary in New Zealand. I am also aware of other national formularies such as in Oman, Qatar, Brasil, India and Kazakhstan.
These resources vary in what they cover, for example a comprehensive list of all registered medicines, with or without detailed prescribing information, or a restrictive list based on funded or recommended medicines. Some are published and maintained commercially and others are published by a national body such as the Ministry of Health. Finally, some are available on-line (usually with restrictive IP access) or only available as hard copy.
I am currently scoping a research project to investigate the features of an ideal national medicines resource. I would appreciate the following information from practitioners from as many countries or settings as possible to give a snapshot of worldwide resources and their use. This information will only used to create dialogue and inform a more formal survey if the project looks useful and viable.
1. Do you have a national medicines information resource e.g. formulary or compendium ?
2. What are its features, e.g. comprehensive list, restrictive list, drug monographs, additional clinical information
3. Accessibility e.g. hard copy, online, freely available
4. Any other comments
You can email me directly as below
David J Woods
Professional Practice Fellow
School of Pharmacy
University of Otago,
Dunedin
NEW ZEALAND
David Woods <david.woods@otago.ac.nz>
david.woods@otago.ac.nz