처방의 질 향상을 통한 의약품 비용규제에 대한 제언

Improving the Quality of Prescribing as a Measure of Cost Containment Strategies

Due to the lack of demand-side measures, pharmaceutical cost containment policies have not efficiently achieved cost savings in Korea. Rational use of medicines (RUM) has been partially introduced, yet its impact was minimal to improve prescribing behaviors in a manner of pursuing evidence and cost-effectiveness. Given that irrational prescribing including extravagant prescribing, over-prescribing, under-prescribing, incorrect prescribing, and multiple prescribing, are easily observed, the RUM should be considered and systematized as an alternative to the current flood of new drugs incorporating advanced technology and high cost in order to ensure patient safety and sustainability of the healthcare system in the future.