Barriers to implementing pharmacoeconomics: interview study

Background: Pharmacoeconomics estimates the value of pharmaceutical products and services and provides healthcare decision-makers with valuable information. Pharmacoeconomic evaluations have not been found to be influential in the Jordanian health care system. Although pharmacoeconomics as a concept is becoming more recognized in the pharmaceutical world, there are still some barriers to its implementation.Objective: To establish the perceived barriers to the implementation of pharmacoeconomics in Jordan.Method: A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. Participants were chosen if they might benefit from the application of pharmacoeconomics; such as members of Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees (PTCs) in public, private, and teaching hospitals; administrative pharmacists on drug pricing committees; those who produce pharmacoeconomic data such as academics; and administrative pharmacists in the Joint Procurement Department (JPD). The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.Result: Three main barriers to the implementation of pharmacoeconomics were identified. These were related to the nature of the decision-making process, the lack of pharmacoeconomic data, and inadequate knowledge about pharmacoeconomics.Conclusion: The current use and impact of pharmacoeconomic evaluations in Jordanian healthcare decision-making is restricted, in part, due to the barriers outlined by the respondents.