Physicians' assessment of the Bavarian drug-expenditure control system: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2014 a new system for drug expenditures, the Wirkstoffvereinbarung (WSV, English: Active substance agreement) was implemented in Bavaria. In pre-defined indication groups, economic prescription of medications shall be enabled based on the selection, quantity, and proportion of an individual drug. Ambulatory care physicians receive quarterly trend reports on their prescribing behavior. This study examines physicians' perceptions of the WSV.

Methods

Qualitative interviews (n = 20) and seven focus groups (n = 36) were conducted with ambulatory care physicians (e.g. general practitioners, cardiologists, pulmonologists). The methodology followed Qualitative Content Analysis.

Results

Physicians generally accepted the necessity of prescribing economically. The

SUBMITTER: Zeschick N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10483772 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature