Developing the role of the drug and therapeutics committees: perceptions of chairs

Abstract

According to Swedish law, every county is required to have a local drug and therapeutics committee (DTC) to contribute to safe and cost-effective drug use. The law presents merely a framework and gives no detailed instructions addressing, for example, organisation and methods. The aim of this study is to explore the variation of conceptions of the role of the DTCs among committee Chairs and to compare the results with an earlier study. Data were collected by questionnaires and telephone interviews with committee chairs, which were analysed using a phenomenographic approach. Four conceptions were identified, namely: traditional, patient-aware, influential, holistic and cooperative, which all involved prescribers. In one conception the DTC acted as an expert to decision-makers. One conception included the notion that cooperation across the bureaucratic borders was important. Patients were involved in two conceptions. Comparison with the earlier study showed a trend toward higher patient awareness and a higher agreement on DTC goals with an increased focus on quality issues. This study demonstrates an alternative research method bringing in new perspectives when exploring activities within healthcare. Patient involvement in the work of the DTCs is increasing, but should be further explored and developed.