The Experience of the British Health System’s Reforms after the 1989 Working for Patients White Paper, and its Possible Application for the Rational Use of Pharmaceuticals in Spain

Abstract

Background: The analysis of the different governmental actions taken by thc UK to rationalie the use of pharmaceuticals and the possibility of appling this ratinonles and method in Spain. Methods: International and British literature were reviewed before a personal visit interviewing British health profesionals on the centra, regional and district level. Particular attention was given to the evaluation of and or information on generic drugs, the Indicative Prescribing Scheme and the Prescribing Analyses and Cost (PACT); the new roles of medical and pharmaceutical advisers for Primary Care prescriptions; the new "Medical Resource Centres" (MeReC) and "Medical Advisers Support Centre" (MASC); the role of the pharmacist in the hospital and community pharmacy is also analysed. Results: The British approach has improved precripcion use and patient care and has helped to discipline uncontrolled growth in pharmaceutlcal expenditures. Conclusions: Similar measures can probably be implemented in other health systems. independently of whether or not the basic principles behind the reformed Bhitish system which are still unproven over the long run are adopted.