Social Crises and Their Impact on Medicine Consumption
This register-based study investigates the trends in prescribing medicines, medicine consumption in outpatient care, and medicine prices, costs, and paid reimbursements during the COVID-19 epidemic in Finland. In addition, the study generates constant overview data to support with national decision-making and monitoring of the epidemic. The study period for medicine consumption is 2017–2022, and the focus is on antimicrobials, insulins, and medicines used for treating mental health problems.
Research data on medicine use and pharmacotherapies produced in this project can be used in the impact assessment and monitoring of the ongoing pandemic as well as when discussing treatment backlog, which becomes more and more important as the pandemic continues. In addition, the results can be used in preparing for future pandemics and other social crises as well as to support the conversation around security of supply in Finland.
Researchers
- Heini Kari, Leading Researcher
- Pekka Heino
- Hanna Koskinen
- Fredriikka Nurminen
- Hanna Rättö
- Leena Saastamoinen
Project Implementation Period
27.4.2020–31.12.2024
