Table 3 Various purposes for developing a pharmacoeconomic clinical registry and how querying the registry can inform decision making

1. Helps the researcher understand the evolution of PE literature in a specified topic

The earliest literature evaluating the PE of contraception was published in 1972. While being a crude analysis from modern PE literature standards, it provides useful information regarding the cost effectiveness of contraceptives available at that time. Since the mid 1990’s the PE literature in this area has been steadily increasing.

The variability in the conduct of these PE analyses of HCs over the years provides guidance on how future CEAs need to be conducted

2. To evaluate trends, compare published models and identify gaps in the literature to guide future research

Given the impact of underlying disease on contraceptive failure, for example, the potential for DDIs, very few studies considered contraceptive use in special populations. There is also a lack of data on the impact of HC failure on QOL

Provides decision-makers, funding agencies and researchers with evidence regarding potential areas of future research focus and the need to generate this data along with PE studies in developing regions.

3. Provides a systematic approach to evidence collection to build PE models, especially when published data is sparse.

PE evidence pertaining to the cost implications of DDIs with HCs is lacking in the literature. The registry provides a quick and ready access to data sources that can provide the inputs to develop a PE model to address this question which could help in clinical guideline recommendations for practitioners and decision makers.

Quantifying the cost implications of DDIs with HCs, along with clinical data can provide regulatory agencies with an estimate of the magnitude of the problem

4. Data obtained can be used to perform systematic reviews of economic evaluations and meta-analysis

A systematic review of economic evaluations can be performed using the articles retrieved to generate more robust evidence.

Systematic reviews of economic evaluations can help critically evaluate studies for their methodological and reporting quality, thus guiding future studies in the field.

5. Helps evaluate economic literature from a global perspective to guide policy decisions

There is a lack in studies conducted in developing countries, where the disease burden of drugs involved in DDIs (such as tuberculosis and HIV medication) is high. Evidence from burden of illness and cost analysis conducted in developing countries can be used to supplement the existing evidence and develop budget impact models.

Understanding the landscape of the target population (women at risk of DDIs with HCs) in various countries can inform policies on optimal contraceptive choice in these populations