Generating And Validating A Global Framework Of Pharmaceutical Development Goals And Corresponding Indicators

INTRODUCTION: The imperative of meeting current global healthcare challenges requires advancing pharmacy practice in a global context. This research aimed to design and develop a valid and consented set of global goal-oriented pharmaceutical development frameworks and corresponding indicators to support and guide systematic practice transformation needed to meet the national and global pharmaceutical healthcare demands of changing population demographics. METHODS: Part 1 of the research project This research used a mixed-methods approach. A series of international expert focus groups were conducted to evaluate the acceptance of a set of proposed global pharmaceutical development goals (PDGs). This was followed by recruiting global pharmacy leaders who participated in a modified nominal group technique to further develop the content of the initial PDGs framework. In a subsequent study, a qualitative modified Delphi approach was employed by a panel of international experts to ensure the credibility and content validity of the framework outputs and generate consensus on a final matrix of the proposed global PDGs. Part 2 of the research project A content analysis of the relevant collated data followed by a Delphi process of an international Expert Group was performed to identify and establish initial consensus on potential indicators aligned with the published PDGs framework. Delphi method’s outcomes were used to conduct a global cross-sectional online questionnaire to assess and validate the relevancy and availability of the proposed indicators. RESULTS: Part 1 of the research project A globally validated and consented set of systematic PDGs (systematic framework) for development comprising 21 PDGs along with their descriptions and mechanisms to shape and guide global pharmacy practice transformation. Part 2 of the research project A set of correlated and validated transnational evidence-based indicators that will monitor national-level progress and measure the advancement of the 21 PDGs worldwide across workforce/education, practice, and pharmaceutical science. CONCLUSION: A systematic and globally consented set of PDGs, along with evidence-based progress indicators, was generated to monitor the sustainable advancement of pharmaceutical practice and support a needs-based roadmap for pharmacy practice transformation

Efficiency review of Austria’s social insurance and healthcare system: volume 1 – international comparisons and policy options

In 2016, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE Health) was engaged by the Austrian Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection to undertake an efficiency review of the country’s social insurance system (see Appendix A for the original Concept Note). The review was specifically targeted at health competencies within the social insurance system; for this reason, consideration of accident and pension insurance, as well as other forms of care covered by Federal and Länder governments, were only examined where directly applicable

Opioid agonist treatment in transition: A cross-country comparison between Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Background and aims: OAT is a well developed and successful treatment strategy for opioid dependent patients in Europe. It has significantly contributed to the fight against the HIV and HCV pandemics, leading to an increased life expectancy in this population. Building on the OAT experiences in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland and their models of care, the objective of this study is to analyse experiences and changes in patient structures to identify necessary adaptations for the system of care. Methods: We analysed national register-based data from patients receiving OAT during the period spanning from 2010 to 2020 in Austria, Germany (cases), and Switzerland. We examined and compared OAT policies and practice at national levels through a review of literature and publicly available policy documents. Results: Across these three countries, the life expectancy of OAT patients increased substantially. The mean age increased from 33.0 in 2010 to 39.1 in 2020 in Austria, from 35.6 years to 41.5 years in Germany (cases), and from 39.6 to 47.1 in Switzerland, respectively. In all three countries, the percentage of patients/cases aged 60 years and older increased more than tenfold between 2010 and 2020. Conclusions: Integrated support models, reliable care structures, internationally comparable high treatment coverage, flexible prescribing practices, and a wide range of available OAT medications are successful strategies. The experiences in these countries indicate that it is possible to address the complex and chronic nature of opioid dependence and its concurrent mental and physical health challenges, resulting in an increasing life expectancy of OAT patients

Study on impact analysis of policy options for strengthened EU cooperation on Health Technology Assessment (HTA): annexes

The study’s overall aim was to support the Impact Assessment process of the EC and inform this process by generating data and evidence. In doing so, it provides inputs for analysing the impact of the current situation (baseline scenario) as well as potential future policy options (POs) for EU cooperation on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) beyond 2020 and utilises the data and information collected to undertake an Impact Assessment of the different cooperation options. The POs for further cooperation at EU level were proposed by the European Commission (EC) and combined with potential business models by the authors in close cooperation with the EC. In order to establish the baseline scenario, a case study comprising a product sample of health technologies was analysed, which included 20 Pharmaceuticals, 15 medical devices and five ‘other technologies’ (including complex health interventions). The study team collected detailed information on the HTA process each technology underwent in the MS. Additionally, the costs of performing a HTA were identified for both the technolo-gy developer and the HTA body. Finally, the case study captured the influence of the regulatory framework on technology developers. In order to analyse impacts of identified POs on future European cooperation in the field of HTA, a survey was performed on the economic and social impacts, complemented by focus groups, a number of interviews and findings from a literature review. A multi-criteria analysis served as an analytical approach for assessing impacts for each stake-holder group. Finally, a cost prognosis was performed to estimate potential costs and savings for implementing and maintaining the investigated POs and business models. An expert panel was involved throughout the study and validated the data obtained. Study results provide an overview of current HTA practices and processes in Europe including advantages and drawbacks. An analysis of various POs for a future cooperation on HTA across Europe is provided

Launching the new OIE

global information syste

Austria. Report on the drug situation 2006.

Commissioned each year by the EMCCDA and produced by the national focal points of the Reitox network, the National reports draw an overall picture of the drug phenomenon at national level in each EU Member State. These data are key information to the EMCCDA and are an important resource, among others, for the compilation of its Annual repor