Education in pharmacoeconomics: an international multidisciplinary view

Assessment and predictive analysis of health professions students' proficiency in health economics and pharmacoeconomics in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study addresses the growing importance of health economics and pharmacoeconomics in preparing healthcare professionals for economic decision-making, particularly in China's evolving healthcare system. Despite their significance, these subjects are inconsistently included in health education in Southwest China, making it crucial to assess students' proficiency and educational needs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2023, involving medical and pharmaceutical programs across universities in Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and Yunnan. Data on students' knowledge, attitudes, and proficiency were captured using a structured questionnaire. Advanced statistical methods, including descriptive analysis, ANOVA, regression analysis, PCA, and Spearman correlation heatmaps, were employed for data analysis using IBM SPSS and Python. The sample consisted of 781 students, with the survey facilitated via the Questionnaire Star platform.

RESULTS

The survey revealed moderate comprehension of health economics and pharmacoeconomics among 781 health-related students, with an average knowledge score of 2.9. The majority were pharmacy students (45.58%) and aged 21-24 years (65.81%) with a significant female majority (64.92%). Academic year significantly influenced understanding, while gender differences were minimal. Spearman correlation indicated a strong linkage (0.78) between Supply and Demand and Cost Effectiveness, with minimal correlations between knowledge and attitudes towards the educational importance of health economics. Multiple regression analysis highlighted the impact of gender and academic progression on students' comprehension of Supply and Demand concepts, as well as the influence of knowledge levels on their attitudes towards the importance of health economics education. PCA indicated the complex structure of knowledge and attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found moderate knowledge levels in health economics among health professions students in Southwest China, with academic year affecting comprehension and minimal gender differences. Pharmacy students had higher proficiency in pharmaceutical-related areas, but gaps in complex topics like 'Economic Evaluation' highlight the need for targeted educational improvements to better prepare students for healthcare economic decision-making.

A novel game to review pharmacoeconomic content in a pharmacy program

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study reports on the development of a new game designed specifically for a pharmacoeconomics course to meet three objectives: (1) identify four main types of pharmacoeconomic analyses, (2) understand different outcomes for each analysis, and (3) interpret findings of pharmacoeconomic analyses.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING

The game simulated real-world applicability of pharmacoeconomic analyses in a classroom setting using a candy theme. Groups of pharmacy students (N = 62) competed by building formularies that incorporated a minimum number of medications (candies) from each outcome category and at least two specialty services. Each medication and service were assigned a cost and rating according to the outcome associated with each analysis type. The following class session served as a debriefing to assess student perceptions using a written survey. Survey responses ranged from a score of 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree). A separate open-ended question collected feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the game and analyzed into themes.

FINDINGS

Student responses averaged 1.96 (SD = 1.1) for all questions. The highest rated question, "I attained the stated goals/objectives of this activity," scored 1.81 (SD = 1.1). Four overall themes emerged: engaging (n = 10), valuable (n = 19), confusing (n = 17), and disconnected (n = 8). Students highlighted the value of the gaming activity for providing practical, real-life examples to increase their understanding.

SUMMARY

The design and application of gaming in a pharmacoeconomics course proved practical and valuable for student learning.

Competencies for Professionals in Health Economics and Outcomes Research: The ISPOR Health Economics and Outcomes Research Competencies Framework

The need for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) has expanded globally, fueling demand for professionals trained in the discipline. By leveraging the expertise and perspectives of its members, the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) established a set of competencies for HEOR professionals. The resulting 41 competencies were organized into 13 topic domains that collectively comprise the ISPOR Health Economics and Outcomes Research Competencies Framework. In this article, we explain the collaborative process used by the ISPOR Institutional Council and Faculty Advisor Council to identify and validate the framework. This process entailed expertise from the council members combined with natural language processing to examine competencies included in ISPOR Career Center HEOR job postings, qualitative input from a focused Institutional Council-Faculty Advisor Council workgroup, and quantitative input from 3 surveys of mutually exclusive member groups: a general member survey to assess importance and relevance of each competency, a faculty member survey to assess the extent to which HEOR graduate degree programs cover each of the competencies, and a student member survey to assess exposure to each of the competencies. Organization of the competencies into topic domains was achieved by engaging the Education Council, which applied a taxonomy consistent with ISPOR's educational programming. The resulting ISPOR Health Economics and Outcomes Research Competencies Framework has the important potential of serving as a tool to guide academic curricula, fellowships, and continuing education programs, and assessment of job candidates. As the HEOR field advances, so do the job types and the breadth of topics in which professionals must demonstrate competence. Future work will entail revisiting the competencies to ensure their currency and comprehensiveness, and tailoring the framework according to major specialty areas.

Exploring the value of a Doctor of Philosophy program in Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy Research in Saudi Arabia

Background

The need for graduate education in Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy Research (POPR) is becoming increasingly apparent worldwide. However, the number of professionals in this field is inadequate in the Middle East. Therefore, this study aimed at gaining insight into the perceived value of a potential Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in POPR among different stakeholders in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Following the development of a Ph.D. program structure in POPR, a questionnaire was created to explore the perception of its value among decision-makers in different healthcare and governmental institutions. An email with detailed information on the proposed program was sent to 131 identified individuals along with an online link to the questionnaire.

Results

Responses were provided by 107 (81.67%) individuals. The majority of respondents (53.3%) represented large organizations with more than 500 workers; hospitals and academia were the most represented types of institutions. More than 85% of the participants strongly agreed that the program will meet the needs of the healthcare market in Saudi Arabia and that there will be a demand for graduates of the program over the next 5–10 years. However, only 28.04% of the participants declared that they would definitely recommend the program to their colleagues and employees, and 49.53% would consider employing its graduates.

Conclusions

The obtained results indicate a significant interest among different stakeholders in introducing a Ph.D. program in POPR in Saudi Arabia.

Health Economics and Outcomes Research Knowledge Needs Assessment for Latin America

BACKGROUND

An increasing awareness of the importance of health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) skills has been reported in Latin America. There is, however, no published study directly assessing perceived knowledge levels and knowledge gaps on specific HEOR topics among professionals and students in the region.

OBJECTIVES

To assess perceived HEOR knowledge levels and identify knowledge gaps in Latin America.

METHODS

An online needs assessment survey was developed to quantify perceived HEOR knowledge levels and identify knowledge gaps. Members of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research in the Latin American region, regional chapters, and student chapter presidents were invited to participate in the survey. The survey, developed using the SurveyMonkey tool, was distributed to participants electronically. Data were extracted from the survey and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics to summarize the survey respondents' demographic information, current and desired knowledge levels, and preferred method/format for delivery of educational training.

RESULTS

Survey responses were collected from 106 participants. The largest knowledge gap was calculated for methods for integrating medication adherence and persistence in health economic evaluations (mean = 2.30 ± 1.48). The smallest knowledge gap was calculated for types of healthcare costs (mean = 1.01 ± 1.17). Most respondents (74% [n = 66]) preferred to receive educational materials related to HEOR topics through online learning and continuing education programs.

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge gap assessment provided current knowledge gap perceptions among members of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research in Latin America. The survey data collected support a need for developing educational programs for topics with the highest perceived knowledge gap.

Pharmacoeconomic education for pharmacy students in bosnia and herzegovina

Pharmacoeconomic (PE) is becoming more important in pharmaceutical reimbursement decision and drug evaluation. To ensure its appropriate application, conduction and assessment of studies it is important to have well trained and educated professionals. Pharmaceutical faculties all over the world have established PE in under- and post-graduate curricula's. In this pilot research we examine situation in B&H. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, education in this field is poor and only one faculty for pharmacy has introduced PE as subject in its program. Objective of this study is to explore understanding of PE and its concept and analysis and to evaluated adopted knowledge among graduate (fifth year/tenth semester) pharmacy students who have listened subject "pharmacoeconomics" in previous semester. A self-administered questionnaire was developed consisted of 12 questions and survey was conducted among students. Results are analyzed in MS Excel and we used descriptive statistics. Even graduate students have lessons from PE they understand its scope and definition, but do not feel capable for conducting PE studies, but show interest in additional education and getting competencies in this field finding it applicable in their future professional engagements.

Pharmacoeconomics education in US colleges and schools of pharmacy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent of pharmacoeconomics education in US colleges and schools of pharmacy provided to doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students in 2011.

METHODS

E-mails requesting syllabi and information about courses covering pharmacoeconomic topics were sent to all US colleges and schools of pharmacy from which PharmD students had graduated in 2011 (n=103).

RESULTS

Of 87 responding pharmacy colleges and schools, 85 provided pharmacoeconomics education in 2011. The number of hours dedicated to pharmacoeconomic-related topics varied from 2 to 60 per year (mean=20). CONCLUSIONS. Pharmacoeconomics education is provided at almost all US colleges and schools of pharmacy; however, variation in the number of teaching hours and topics covered demonstrates a lack of standardization in the PharmD curriculum. Pharmacy administrators and educators should invest more resources and tools to standardize training in this area.

Pharmacoeconomic education in Egyptian schools of pharmacy

OBJECTIVE. To investigate the status of pharmacoeconomics education in Egyptian schools of pharmacy and compile and construct recommendations on how Egypt and similar countries could improve their educational infrastructure in pharmacoeconomics. METHODS. A modified version of a published survey instrument was sent to all schools of pharmacy in Egypt (n= 24). The data were assessed to identify associations between offering pharmacoeconomics education and school characteristics. RESULTS. Usable responses were obtained from 20 schools (response rate: 83%). Only 7 schools offered pharmacoeconomics education, with a median of 20 teaching hours per semester. Among respondents, 4 schools had instructors with some training in pharmacoeconomics and only 1 school had a faculty member with PhD-level training. Only 4 schools offered graduate-level courses in pharmacoeconomics. Eight additional schools expressed interest in teaching pharmacoeconomics in the near future. Having 1 or more faculty members with training in pharmacoeconomics was significantly associated with offering pharmacoeconomics education (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS. Pharmacoeconomics education in Egypt is still in its infancy and there exists a unique opportunity for well-trained instructors and researchers to fill this gap. Providing structured pharmacoeconomics education to student pharmacists, researchers, and stakeholders can help countries establish an integrated scientific community that can start applying pharmacoeconomic evidence to healthcare decision-making.

Pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research degree-granting PhD programs in the United States

BACKGROUND

Evidence is missing on showcasing current practices of degree programs specific to the field of pharmaceutical outcomes research.

OBJECTIVES

To measure current practices of pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research PhD programs in the United States and synthesize recommendations for improving the success of programs and prospective students.

METHODS

A 23-question online survey instrument was created and distributed to 32 program directors identified in the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research educational directory. Descriptive statistics summarized both the program characteristics (including observed and desired number of faculty and students) and training recommendations (traits of program and student success).

RESULTS

Of 30 eligible programs that conferred a PhD in pharmacoeconomics, pharmaceutical outcomes research, or a related field, 16 respondents (53%) completed the survey. Seventy-five percent of respondents were located in a school of pharmacy. The average observed number of faculty (7.5) and students (11.5) was lower than the average desired numbers (8.1) and (14.7), respectively. Reputation of faculty research and a collaborative environment with other disciplines were rated highest for a program's success. Faculty's mentoring experience and reputation and student funding opportunities were rated highest for prospective students' success.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing and emerging programs as well as prospective students can use these findings to further their chances of success.

Costs of diabetes mellitus in Korea

Outcome research focusing on the economics of the medical field began in the mid-1990s and has included studies about costs, cost effectiveness, and policies. According to the American Diabetes Association, the total estimated cost of diabetes in 2007 was $174 billion. The economic burden of patients with diabetes in Canada is expected to be about $12.2 billion in 2010. Recent Korean studies have analyzed the expenses associated with type 2 diabetes for patients in selected general hospitals. Type 2 diabetic patients without complications cost approximately 1,184,563 won (the equivalent of US $1,184) per patient for healthcare annually. In contrast, patients with microvascular disease due to diabetic complications cost up to 4.7 times that amount, and patients with macrovascular disease incur up to 10.7 times the annual costs for patients without diabetic complications. Diabetic complications ultimately impact the quality of life for patients and patient mortality, and are associated with higher direct medical expenses for patients. To avoid increased medical costs, appropriate management techniques must be implemented to ensure timely care for patients with diabetes.

Pharmacological and combined interventions for the acute depressive episode: focus on efficacy and tolerability

BACKGROUND

Use of antidepressants is the gold standard therapy for major depression. However, despite the large number of commercially available antidepressant drugs there are several differences among them in efficacy, tolerability, and cost-effectiveness. In addition the optimal augmentation strategy is still not clear when dealing with treatment-resistant depression, a condition that affects 15% to 40% of depressed patients.

METHODS

We therefore reviewed the main characteristics of these drugs regarding their efficacy, tolerability, side effects and cost-effectiveness, by accessing all meta-analyses and systematic reviews published from 2004 to 2009. In addition, we reviewed the augmentation strategy of associated antidepressants with neurostimulation therapies (such as transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS] and transcranial direct current stimulation [tDCS]). A search was undertaken in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scielo databases. We included: 21 meta-analyses of antidepressant trials, 15 neurostimulation clinical trials and 8 studies of pharmacoeconomics. We then performed a comprehensive review on these articles.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Although recent meta-analyses suggest sertraline and escitalopram might have increased efficacy/tolerability, other studies and large pragmatic trials have not found these to be superior to other antidepressant drugs. Also, we did not identify any superior drug in terms of cost-effectiveness due to the different designs observed among pharmacoecomics studies. Side effects such as sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal problems and weight gain were common causes of discontinuation. Tolerability was an important issue for novel neurostimulation interventions, such as TMS and tDCS. These therapies might be interesting augmentation strategies, considering their benign profile of side effects, if proper safety parameters are adopted.

Pharmacoeconomic education in US colleges and schools of pharmacy: an update

OBJECTIVES

To determine the extent of pharmacoeconomics education at US pharmacy colleges and schools in 2007.

METHODS

An e-mail survey was developed and sent to pharmacoeconomics instructors at all US colleges of pharmacy.

RESULTS

Of the 90 colleges and schools of pharmacy that completed the survey, 7 colleges and schools did not currently have someone teaching pharmacoeconomics (eg, new school or looking for instructor). For the 83 colleges and schools that had an instructor who taught pharmacoeconomics, 69 covered pharmacoeconomic-related topics in a required course only; 5, in an elective course only; and 9, in both a required and elective course. The number of hours of pharmacoeconomic-related topics presented in required courses ranged from 1 to 48 hours (mean = 21 +/- 14; median = 19).

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacoeconomics education courses are offered at the majority of US colleges and schools of pharmacy. There was a wide range of hours devoted to pharmacoeconomic-related topics and the topics covered in these colleges and schools varied. Although the majority of US colleges and schools of pharmacy offer pharmacoeconomics courses, official guidelines are needed for the specific aspects and topics that should be covered in the classroom.

Farmacoeconomia: análise de uma perspectiva inovadora na prática clínica da enfermeira

O objetivo desse artigo é abordar conceitos e métodos de avaliação farmacoeconômica, analisar e discutir as limitações e perspectivas do uso da farmacoeconomia. Trata-se de um estudo analítico e reflexivo cujo objeto é a aplicabilidade da farmacoeconomia no âmbito da enfermagem. No contexto atual, esta disciplina vem se tornando instrumento essencial, viabilizando tomada de decisões fundamentadas em desfechos e custos. Todavia, o seu uso exige conhecimento atualizado acerca da terminologia e da metodologia das análises, no intuito de assegurar a aplicação e a interpretação correta dos resultados. O grande desafio das enfermeiras é aplicar os instrumentos da farmacoeconomia às questões cotidianas da prática clínica e superar as dificuldades metodológicas relativas à identificação, cálculo e comparação dos custos e desfechos.