What are formularies used to improve?

Formularies are essential tools in healthcare and pharmacy settings, designed primarily to enhance the quality of patient care. They consist of a list of medications that are approved for use within a particular health system or insurance plan. By establishing a formulary, healthcare providers can ensure that medications chosen for inclusion meet specific efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness criteria.

The main goal of formularies is to guide prescribers toward appropriate medication choices that optimize patient outcomes. By having a defined list of preferred drugs, formularies help standardize care, reduce errors, and ensure that patients receive treatments that adhere to established clinical guidelines. This not only contributes to individualized patient care but also aids healthcare professionals in making informed decisions, leading to better therapeutic outcomes.

While formularies may indirectly impact supply chain management or the range of products available, their primary focus remains on improving patient care. Aesthetic aspects of packaging are generally outside the scope of what formularies address, further supporting the idea that enhancing the quality of patient care is their fundamental purpose.