Computer-based support system for formulary decisions.

Abstract

A system is described in which opinions about potential formulary drugs are given numerical values that are compiled into computer-generated reports. The Formulary Decision Support System (FDSS) is a menu-driven database management and statistical package that quantifies pharmacy and therapeutics (P & T) committee drug evaluations. Each P & T committee member inserts numbers on a computer-generated form to rate a given drug for a given indication according to criteria such as effectiveness, cost, and adverse reactions. Each individual rates the drug in relation to the ideal drug for a given indication and rates the relative importance of the criteria in the evaluation (e.g., effectiveness may be twice as important a consideration as cost). Individuals' evaluations are weighted on the basis of level of responsibility and experience or specific practice area. FDSS also compiles individuals' data to indicate overall committee ratings. The system requires P & T committee members to covert subjective opinions to numerical data that permit comparisons among drugs.