Processes for the Assessment and Introduction of New Medicines in New Zealand Hospitals

Aim: To determine the processes used for the assessment and introduction of new medicines in New Zealand public hospitals. Method: In July 2002, a questionnaire‐based, cross‐sectional survey was undertaken of the processes used to assess and introduce new medicines in all 30 public hospitals in New Zealand employing one or more pharmacists. Results: 29 hospitals (97%) responded. 22 hospitals (76%) used formal processes for the introduction of new medicines and 7 (24%) used informal processes. Formal processes were used more frequently by tertiary and secondary hospitals. 24/29 hospitals reported 261 applications for new medicines (median 6.5, range 1 to 66)—58% approved with restrictions, 22% with no restrictions, 10% rejected and 10% pending. Most decisions (79%) were made in 1 to 3 months. 27 hospitals (93%) had Medicine and Therapeutics Committees and 80% of decisions had input from the committee. Clinicians provided data on acquisition cost more frequently than on cost‐effectiveness. Provision of economic data appeared low, particularly for ‘cost per life year gained’ and ‘cost per quality adjusted life year’. Conclusion: The majority of hospitals used a formal process to introduce new medicines. Data on efficacy, safety and acquisition cost were considered important in decision making; the use of pharmacoeconomic data was limited. J Pharm Pract Res 2004; 34: 267–71.