THE Department of Health is seeking submissions from relevant stakeholders as part of a formal review of the delivery of the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) Program by NPS MedicineWise.
Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom has been appointed to undertake the probe, which is the result of a 2018-19 Budget measure to review NPS MedicineWise in regard to its government-funded activities.
The formal terms of reference for the review have been released, saying it is expected to provide a "robust evaluation" of the delivery of QUM programs, including an examination of the interactions between NPS MedicineWise and relevant government and non-government agencies involved in broader QUM programs.
"NPS MedicineWise has been receiving Commonwealth funding for over 20 years without a substantial review," the terms of reference note, with the most recent review undertaken in 2017 and sponsored by NPS MedicineWise itself.
The investigation will aim to provide clarity and guidance on NPS MedicineWise's governance, performance, transparency and accountability requirements "and the robustness of evaluations supporting the effectiveness of its activities, including savings claims to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Medical Benefits Schedule," the Department said.
The review will be undertaken in three parts: one focusing on governance, transparency and accountability including the impact of the QUM Grant Program on the organisation's VentureWise commercial arm; a second component looking at the delivery of the QUM Grant Program and NPS MedicineWise's long-term sustainability; while part three will focus on savings evaluation methodology and reporting of broader health outcomes.
"The review will also provide options to inform the efficient, flexible and innovative delivery of the QUM Grant Program as well as a robust evaluation of its outcomes and savings," the terms state.
Submissions to the review are due by 24 Jan 2019 via email to NMP@health.gov.au, with the final report to be provided to the Department of Health by 30 Apr.
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