The cost and use of prescription drugs is on the rise
Prescription drugs are getting more expensive every year. This means that in Canada, the government is spending more and more money on prescription drugs. The government needs affordable and long-term drug policies to make sure that all Canadians get the medicines they need no matter where they live or how much money they make.
The need to improve prescription drug use
Some drugs, like antibiotics and antidepressants are used too often while others, like medication for asthma and high blood pressure are not used enough. This can lead to harmful drug reactions, falls and fractures, and hospital visits. Negative consequences like these are dangerous for patients and expensive for the healthcare system.
Errors by doctors and pharmacists are sometimes the reason for harmful drug events. Also, the current system for checking for harmful drug events is not effective enough.
Drug costs are the fastest growing portion of healthcare budgets. Using computers to let doctors know about the costs of the drugs they prescribe may reduce the costs to patients and improve their health by improving drug safety.
Project Goals
Two main goals of this research project:
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To find out if doctors are more likely to prescribe less expensive drugs for high blood pressure if they are given the cost of these drugs on their computers.
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To find out if patients are more likely to take their medication for high blood pressure if they are paying less.
What we found
More to come...
