Evaluation of drug use for respiratory problems in Depok, Indonesia, before and after implementation of the national formulary

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the quantity and quality of drug utilization (DU) in patients with respiratory problems at a hospital in Indonesia before and after the implementation of the national formulary. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in 2013 and 2015 at the Depok Hospital in Indonesia. Prescriptions and data from patients were recapitulated, reviewed, and evaluated using the anatomical therapeutical chemical classification/defined daily doses (DDDs) and DU90% methodologies. The results were statistically analyzed and compared before and after implementation of the national formulary. Results: The quantity of drug use in DDD/1000 inhabitant per day was increased from 0.17 to 0.26 between 2013 and 2015. The quality of drug use was also increased following a decrease in the number of drugs in the DU90% segment. The percentage of drugs that adhered to the national formulary was 88.67%; however, no significant difference was noted before and after the implementation of the national formulary. Conclusion: The quantity, quality, and adherence of drug use to the national formulary was increased at the Depok city hospital after the implementation of the national formulary.