National Survey of Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee in Saudi Arabia: Formulary Management System

Objective: Formulary management is an integrated patient care process which enables physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to work together to promote clinically sound cost-effective medication therapy and positive therapeutic outcomes. Effective use of healthcare resources can minimize overall medical costs, improve patient access to more affordable care and provide an improved quality of life. A formulary not only includes a list of medications and medication-associated products but also includes medication-use policies, important ancillary drug information, decision support tools and organizational guidelines. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to provide the guiding principles for the Formulary Management System at Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a 4-month cross-sectional national survey of Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee at MOH hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The survey consisted of two parts: the first part collected demographic information and the second part contained 93 questions divided into four domains. The scope, structure and responsibilities, the formulary management system, the evaluation of drug formulary and decision-making and the committee meetings organization and management. The electronic survey was distributed to 50 drug information centers at MOH hospitals. It analyzed the formulary management system at MOH hospitals in Saudi Arabia through Survey Monkey system. Results: A total of 50 drug information centers responded to our questionnaire. The statement with highest score was related to the committee formulary system of medications usage through ensuring the safety of prescribing, distribution, administration and monitoring of medications (3.8); the process for managing drug product shortages (3.76); and the medications are requested for the addition or deletion from the drug formulary (3.68). Most of the hospitals had an open drug formulary (30 (60%)), with remaining responders having closed drug formulary (20 (40%)) with the total number of medications in the drug formulary (300–899) at 32 (64%) of the responded hospitals. The average score of type of method related to drug usage evaluation statements was 3.36, with the statement with high average score was review of medication error report (3.94) and review of medication sentinel incident reports (3.48), whereas the statement with lowest score was an investigational drug therapy approved (2.88). Conclusion: Two-thirds of the hospitals had open drug formulary. Drug utilization evaluation system should review for the majority of the hospital. update the formulary management system required with close monitoring for all MOH hospitals in Saudi Arabia.