What is the role of a drug formulary?

A drug formulary serves as a comprehensive list of medications that are approved for use within a particular healthcare institution. This list is crucial for several reasons: it helps standardize treatment options, ensures the availability of essential medications, and promotes cost-effective prescribing by highlighting drugs that are preferred within the institution. By restricting the list to approved medications, a formulary fosters a more controlled and efficient medication management process, enhancing patient safety and therapeutic outcomes.

In the context of formularies, the other options do not align with the primary purpose. For instance, a formulary does not specifically focus on listing the most expensive medications; rather, it often includes formulary medications that may be more cost-effective. While adherence guidelines can be related to the broader management of medication therapy, they are not the central function of a formulary. Similarly, while evaluating the effectiveness of new drugs is a critical component of pharmacology, it falls outside the scope of what a formulary accomplishes. The role of a formulary is more about ensuring that the medications deemed safe and effective are accessible to healthcare providers and patients within the institution.