Pharmacoeconomic considerations regarding hospice and palliative care according to pharmacists and hospice managers.

This study focused on pharmacoeconomic issues affecting pharmacists in residential hospices in Poland. We conducted a questionnaire survey among hospice pharmacists and their managers. The results revealed that the amount of money received from the National Health Fund is insufficient for drug purchasing and therefore hospices often raise additional funds from external sources. Because of the limited financing, pharmacists and hospice directors undertake various activities to reduce costs. Generic drug reimbursement, pharmacoeconomic analysis and participating in tenders to purchase drugs are the most common measures undertaken to decrease expenditure.