PHS137 - English CCG Formularies: Resources And Priorities

Abstract

Commissioners working in English clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) were surveyed to understand the processes for evaluating local formulary submissions for new drugs, the stakeholders involved and the expertise of stakeholders involved. Commissioners subscribing to The Commissioning Review and who had a valid NHS email address were invited to take an online survey open between 12 June and 12 July 2016. The survey included ten questions and all participants were entered in a prize draw for a £100 Amazon voucher as a thank you for their participation. Preliminary findings show most local formulary decision-making group regularly collaborate with similar groups in other CCGs. Patient or patient-representative groups are represented on, or consulted by, most local formulary groups. Interestingly, such groups were reportedly consulted more frequently than clinical groups and networks during decisions relating to local formulary submissions. Cost effectiveness and budget impact estimates are important factors when deciding whether or not to include new drugs on the formulary. Health economic estimates derived using CCG specific data were considered more frequently than estimates derived from national data. Many, but not all, CCGs conduct their own cost-effectiveness and budget impact assessments. However, only half of respondents indicated that a member of their CCG’s local formulary decision making group had formal training in how to conduct literature reviews or appraise systematic reviews or clinical data. The processes for deciding on inclusion of a new drug on a local formulary vary between CCGs. Regional data are considered more important than national data. However, only half of respondents reported that a member of their local formulary group has received formal training in how to evaluate data forming part of submissions.