Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research—Is Intersectoral Collaboration Possible?

Abstract

This paper describes an organization, The Institute of Health Economics in Alberta, Canada, that has been created by multisectoral collaboration and is engaged in pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research and applications. Since its establishment, a number of academic researchers have been attracted to Alberta from elsewhere. A multisectoral process (that incorporates both quality and relevance) of developing research programs has been implemented. Multidisciplinary and multicenter groups are being put together to undertake research programs in disease-specific areas. Some of these will provide help to government decision makers regarding the introduction of new, expensive health technologies. Studies are also underway to try and improve drug compliance, particularly among the elderly.

Challenges faced include the different time frames that decision makers and researchers have for research projects. It has also been a challenge translating expressed research needs of “users” to meaningful research questions. However, the structure of the institute has enabled such obstacles to be clearly defined and addressed.