E-DRUG: Updating National Formularies
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Dear Colleagues,
It is a commonly held view that a national formulary is an essential part of a National Drug Policy. In this regard the Omani National Formulary (ONF) was prepared, edited and published by the Rational Drug Use Directorate (DRDU) in June 2003. This was achieved after extensive collaboration with a large number of local experts in each field.
When considering such a venture a much-overused expression that crops up is �you are re-inventing the wheel� which is usually a reference to the availability of the ubiquitous (and excellent) BNF. I am usually at pains to point out that �the wheel can always be improved� and a local formulary is essential to guide our local prescribers by concentrating on the drugs actually used in country. In addition we are able to include things like course of treatment and unit costs for local prescribing.
We have recently conducted an extensive survey to gather feedback on the use and usefulness of our ONF. A short introductory background to the history and preparation of the formulary was included with the questionnaire. Although the results are not fully analysed and published yet it appears that most of our health workers want regular updates, more extensive drug information and more appendixes. In addition there are issues about trusting the formulary (presumably due to lack of regular updates).
It seems an impossible task to come up with an ideal solution that would suit everyone (without reproducing the BNF). The cost of frequent updates alone would appear to be prohibitive and it is debatable if it is really necessary. One solution might be to consider incorporation into the hospital information system as the Omani health system is more than 80% computerised nowadays.
I was wondering if anyone could share his or her experiences with national formularies. I would be interested to hear about frequency of updating and any other issues that have cropped up. I would also like to share the results of our questionnaire when they are ready for dissemination if there is any interest.
Kind Regards
Brian Gunn
Dr Brian C. Gunn
Section Head of Research
Directorate of Rational Drug Use
Ministry of Health, Sultanate of Oman, Box 393, Muscat PC113
gunnbc<AT>hotmail.com