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. 2023 Dec;45(6):1326-1348.
doi: 10.1007/s11096-023-01590-0. Epub 2023 May 26.

Economic evaluation of pharmacy services: a systematic review of the literature (2016-2020)

Wiraphol Phimarn  1 , Kritsanee Saramunee  2 , Areerut Leelathanalerk  3   4 , Pornchanok Srimongkon  3   4 , Suratchada Chanasopon  3   4 , Panumart Phumart  3   4 , Pawich Paktipat  1   3   4 , Zaheer-Ud-Din Babar  5
Affiliations

Economic evaluation of pharmacy services: a systematic review of the literature (2016-2020)

Wiraphol Phimarn et al. Int J Clin Pharm. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Economic evaluation is crucial for healthcare decision-makers to select effective interventions. An updated systematic review of the economic evaluation of pharmacy services is required in the current healthcare environment.

Aim: To conduct a systematic review of literature on economic evaluation of pharmacy services.

Method: Literature (2016-2020) was searched on PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. An additional search was conducted in five health economic-related journals. The studies performed an economic analysis describing pharmacy services and settings. The reviewing checklist for economic evaluation was used for quality assessment. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and willingness-to-pay threshold were the main measures for cost-effective analysis (CEA) and cost-utility analysis (CUA), while cost-saving, cost-benefit-ratio (CBR), and net benefit were used for cost-minimization analysis (CMA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA).

Results: Forty-three articles were reviewed. The major practice settings were in the USA (n = 6), the UK (n = 6), Canada (n = 6), and the Netherlands (n = 6). Twelve studies had good quality according to the reviewing checklist. CUA was used most frequently (n = 15), followed by CBA (n = 12). Some inconsistent findings (n = 14) existed among the included studies. Most agreed (n = 29) that pharmacy services economically impact the healthcare system: hospital-based (n = 13), community pharmacy (n = 13), and primary care (n = 3). Pharmacy services were found to be cost-effectiveness or cost-saving among both developed (n = 32) and in developing countries (n = 11).

Conclusion: The increased use of economic evaluation of pharmacy services confirms the worth of pharmacy services in improving patients' health outcomes in all settings. Therefore, economic evaluation should be incorporated into developing innovative pharmacy services.

Keywords: Community pharmacy; Economic evaluation; Hospital; Pharmacy service; Primary care; Systematic review.

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References

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