This method starts from two sets of data:
(a) the number of episodes of each health problem treated by the type or types of facilities for which drug requirements are to be estimated;
(b) average standard treatment schedules agreed for each health problem defined.
The quantity of drugs given as a standard treatment for each health problem, multiplied by the number of treatment episodes of that problem, gives the total quantity of drugs required for it.
Quantity of the drug specified for a standard course of treatment |
× |
Number of treatment episodes of the health problem |
= |
Total quantity of a drug required for a given health problem |
This calculation is repeated for each health problem and its corresponding drugs. Where a drug is used for more than one health problem, the respective totals are added together to obtain the total quantity required. These quantities may then be divided by the total number of treatment episodes of all kinds, expressed in thousands, to give the average drug requirements per 1,000 treatment episodes. Different versions of this method have been used in several countries in recent years (2-5,8).