Prescrizione Farmaceutica in Umbria. Analisi Dei Dati Relativi Al 2006 (Pharmaceutical Prescription in Umbria (Italy). Analysis of the Data of 2006)

摘要

Aim of this report is to analyse the characteristics of drug prescription within the Umbria region in 2006. In comparison to 2005 a 3.1% increase in the pharmaceutical expenditure was observed in the National Health Service (NHS) in Umbria (a corresponding 3.5% increase was observed in Italy). In terms of drug use, 864 doses of medicines per 1000 inhabitants were prescribed every day. Age represented the most important determinant of drug use: around 60% of DDDs and expenditure are received by the population older than 65. Drug expenditure paid for by the NHS (mainly, GPs prescriptions and in-hospital use) represented 75% of the total; out of pocket expenditure (mainly, drugs for minor conditions and over-the-counter drugs) accounted for the remaining part. Cardiovascular drugs, the most widely used therapeutic category in terms of both doses and expenditure, and in particular statins, showed a constant increase over the last 10 years. The analysis of prescribing variability, and the pattern of use for many therapeutic categories, suggest the need to promote a more appropriate drug use in general practice.