Rational therapeutic choices (Introduction to evidence-based medicine and pharmacoeconomy)

Teacher(s)

Defourny Noémie (compensates Henrard Séverine); Dujardin Nathalie; Henrard Séverine; Spinewine Anne (coordinator);

Language

French

Main themes

- Evidence-based medicine: basic principles; primary and secondary sources of information: methodology and critical appraisal; - Methodology of experimental and observational studies relative to the efficacy and safety of medicines, and critical appraisal; - Methodology of secondary sources of information (systematic reviews, meta-analysis, clinical guidelines), and critical appraisal - Basic principles in pharmacoeconomy and applications to pharmacotherapy - Basic principles relative to health insurance, and to economic factors influencing the use of medicines in Belgium and in Europe

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of the course, students should be able: - To explain the concept of clinical evidence, and the relative strength of different levels of evidence including data from the scientific literature and other sources of information (such as summary of product characteristics, data from the pharmaceutical industry, recommendations from health authorities, ); - To explain the concept of clinical therapeutic guidelines, and to elaborate on their use in clinical practice ; - To explain the basic principles of pharmacoeconomy and to explain how it can contribute to make rationale therapeutic choices ; - To explain the economic and political principles underlying decisions relative to the use of medicines in Belgium and in Europe, and to debate on the role that pharmacists have with that respect.

Content

Part 1. Evidence-based medicine
- basic principles of evidence-based medicine; Primary sources of information (experimental and observational studies); secondary and tertiary sources of information (systematic reviews, meta-analysis, clinical practice guidelines, consesus meetings, other sources of information); drug advertising.
- each part is adressed according to the following questions: what is the evidence? Where can I find them ? How to analyze them critically ?
Part 2. Pharmacoeconomy
Introduction to the Belgian health care system; principles and methods in pharmacoeconomy and in health economic evaluation; drug reimbursement and pricing in Belgium.

Teaching methods

This course includes a mixed approach including lectures, some homework (reading, online exercises), and participation in face-to-face seminars. Teachers pay special attention to making as much as possible the link between theory and practice by illustrating their statements with up-to-date examples concerning different types of drugs and health products.

Evaluation methods

The assessment of learning achievements involves 2 components:

1. The completion of the online exercises, the participation in the seminars and the results of the simulation test made during the quadrimester contribute to 3 points out of 20.
2. A written exam with theoretical as well as practical questions relating to the different parts of the course (EBM and pharmacoeconomics). The skills relating to searching information are assessed through practical questions where the student uses a computer with access to the sources of information seen in the course.

Other information

The participation to the seminars and online exercises is requested. In accordance with Article 72 of the RGEE, the teachers can propose to the jury to object to the registration to the course examination (at the January or September session) for a student who would not have attended (partially or fully) these activities.

Teaching materials

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Faculty or entity

FARM