TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Sources of European drug consumption data at a country level
JO  - International journal of public health
A1  - Ferrer, Pili
A1  - Ballarín, Elena
A1  - Sabaté, Mònica
A1  - Laporte, Joan-Ramon
A1  - Schoonen, Marieke
A1  - Rottenkolber, Marietta
A1  - Fortuny, Joan
A1  - Hasford, Joerg
A1  - Tatt, Iain
A1  - Ibáñez, Luisa
SP  - 877
EP  - 887
VL  - 59
IS  - 5
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1661-8556
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00038-014-0564-8
ID  - ref1
ER  -