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| Authors | L M Azzopardi A Serracino Inglott M Zarb Adami A Bellizzi |
| Abstract | Introduction: The drug reference handbook commonly used by most healthcare professionals in Malta is the British National Formulary (BNF) that does not include all the products imported in Malta. Aim: To explore the possibility to compile and evaluate an addendum to the BNF of those products available for use in local community pharmacies which are not included in the BNF. Method: Data (proprietary name, generic name, dose, manufacturer, price) for medicinal products available in a community pharmacy that are not listed in the BNF was compiled. The Addendum was distributed for evaluation to 35 pharmacists and medical doctors. Results: Out of around 1200 medicinal products in the pharmacy, 550 (46%) were included in the Addendum. The most common classes featured were: blood and nutrition- 96, infections- 62, respiratory- 61, musculoskeletal and joint diseases- 50. The evaluative comments by the health professionals were: useful- 97% (34), and sufficient information presented for each product- 89% (31). Health professionals (94%, 33) were ready to buy the Addendum with 63% (22) willing to pay 12 Euro and 49% (17) buying it every year. Conclusion: The Addendum provided information on medicinal products that was not being presented in the currently used drug reference handbook. The health care professionals look forward to use the Addendum and are willing to pay for the publication. The information in the Addendum should now be extended to include all medicinal products imported in Malta that are not found in the BNF. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | formulary, pharmacy, drug reference handbook |