FLIPFormulary Myths
Drug formularies are pivotal tools for delineating and directing prescribing to the "drugs of choice." Full realization of their potential has been hampered by insufficient comparative data on drug efficacy/safety and local resources for formulary development. However, misconceptions concerning fundamental formulary concepts pose an even more formidable obstacle.
In a 1990 paper, Drug Formularies: Myths-in-Formation, Rucker and Schiff identified statements by P&T members pertaining to misconceptions about the concept of a formulary. Rucker and Schiff also outline the operational requirements for a more effective formualry.
In 2005 the Institute for Safe Medical Practices (ISMP) conducted a survey to assess whether Formulary Committees were still plauged by these misconceptions. Unfortunately, they found that these myths still exist.