The hospital formulary must evolve with medical advancements by adding new medications and removing those that are outdated or unsuitable.
1) Addition of Drugs
Request Submission
Initiation: Clinicians submit a formal request to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee.
Justification: Provide evidence of the drug’s efficacy, safety, and necessity.
Evaluation Process
Clinical Review: Assess clinical trial data and therapeutic benefits.
Comparative Analysis: Compare with existing formulary medications.
Pharmacoeconomic Assessment: Evaluate cost-effectiveness.
Committee Decision
Discussion: Deliberate on the drug’s merits and potential impact.
Voting: Achieve consensus or majority approval.
Implementation
Policy Update: Amend formulary documents and guidelines.
Education: Inform staff about the new drug and its appropriate use.
2) Deletion of Drugs
Identification of Candidates
Safety Concerns: Identify drugs with adverse effects or recalls.
Obsolescence: Recognize medications replaced by better alternatives.
Utilization Data: Note low usage or redundancy.
Evaluation Process
Clinical Assessment: Review reasons for potential removal.
Risk-Benefit Analysis: Consider implications for patient care.
Committee Decision
Discussion: Evaluate the necessity of retaining the drug.
Consensus: Decide on deletion based on evidence.
Implementation
Policy Update: Remove the drug from formulary documents.
Communication: Notify staff and provide alternative options.
Inventory Management: Adjust stock levels and purchasing orders.
3) Importance
Clinical Relevance: Ensures the formulary reflects current best practices and therapeutic options.
Cost Efficiency: Optimizes budget by including cost-effective medications.
Patient Safety: Removes drugs with safety concerns or limited efficacy.
Operational Efficiency: Maintains an up-to-date and streamlined medication list for healthcare providers.
Consistently managing the addition and deletion of drugs ensures the formulary remains effective, safe, and aligned with the hospital’s clinical and financial goals.