@article{ref1,
title="Sources of European drug consumption data at a country level",
journal="International journal of public health",
year="2014",
author="Ferrer, Pili and Ballarín, Elena and Sabaté, Mònica and Laporte, Joan-Ramon and Schoonen, Marieke and Rottenkolber, Marietta and Fortuny, Joan and Hasford, Joerg and Tatt, Iain and Ibáñez, Luisa",
volume="59",
number="5",
pages="877-887",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at outlining the characteristics of nationwide administrative databases monitoring drug consumption in Europe. <br><br>METHODS: Internet and bibliographic databases (April 2010) were searched and experts in drug utilization (DU) research interviewed to find nationwide administrative medicines consumption databases in Europe, with data for the out- and inpatient healthcare sector. A questionnaire was developed to gather additional information. We collected data providers, websites, accessibility, data sources, healthcare settings, population coverage, medicines-related data, patient and prescriber data, periods covered, and linkage to other databases. <br><br>RESULTS: Thirty-one administrative nationwide medicine consumption databases in 25 countries were identified. Questionnaires were responded for 20 databases. Eleven provided wholesalers' sales data, 11 on reimbursed, 5 on prescribed, and 4 on dispensing medicines. Fifteen databases provided inpatient drug consumption data, mainly wholesalers' sales. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Nationwide administrative databases are of value to all stakeholders involved in the conduct and interpretation of post-marketing safety studies, and in the conduct of DU research. The endorsement of the anatomical therapeutic chemical/defined daily dose methodology by these databases contributes to data harmonization. However, there is still a lack of information on inpatient medicines consumption at a patient-level.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1661-8556",
doi="10.1007/s00038-014-0564-8",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00038-014-0564-8"
}