The lack of variation in responses across the various regions of Canada was surprising. The only statistically significant difference in responses by geographic region was the higher average scores in Quebec than in British Columbia and Ontario for perceived importance of prior authorization requirements as a method to optimize the use of pharmaceuticals. This difference [...]
There was consensus among the responÂdents that changes in physician prescribing habits was the most important factor influencÂing demand for pharmaceuticals. The ranking of this factor was not affected by demographic characteristics. Interestingly, the methods that were perceived to best optimize the use of pharmaceuticals (clinical practice guidelines, disease management programs, and formulary management) are [...]
Perceived Importance of Drug-Related Issues Appropriateness of drug use, medication errors, and proper drug utilization were considered the drug-related issues with the highest perceived importance to respondents, whereas access to prescription drugs, breakthrough medications, and patent duration were the issues with the lowest perceived importance (Table 5).
Of the 500 surveys distributed, 15 had the wrong address or could not be delivered for some other reason and were therefore omitted from the survey population. Overall, 272 (56.1%) of the 485 usable surveys were completed and returned. More than half of the respondents were women, almost two-thirds had at least 16 years of [...]
Study Procedures A national sample of 500 individuals, from the total of 2581 CCHSE members (2003 membership year), were selected to receive the survey. The computerized random selection was performed by CCHSE staff. Mail and e-mail addresses were provided by CCHSE, and the survey was administered in both English and French. The survey sample was [...]
Survey Development This study represented a partnership between the research team, which was funded by Health Canada, and the Canadian College of Health Service Executives (CCHSE). The CCHSE is a national, nonprofit, professional association dedicated to developing, promoting, advancing, and recognizing excellence in health care leadership. It has about 3000 individual members who work in [...]
INTRODUCTION Ensuring value for money spent on drug therapyis one of the most challenging aspects of health care management. In Canada, pharmaceuticals continue to be the single fastest-increasing health care expenditure, representing 17.5% of the total in 2005, up from just 9.5% in 1985. Moreover, total spending on drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter) in Canada [...]
