Using Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data for pharmacoepidemiological research: Challenges and approaches

Ellie Paige*, Anna Kemp-Casey, Rosemary Korda, Emily Banks

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    65 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) dataset provides detailed information about subsidised medicines dispensed in Australia and is increasingly used for pharmacoepidemiological research. Use of the PBS dataset provides unique opportunities for such research, but comes with its own set of challenges that must be considered and addressed. This paper outlines some issues that commonly arise when using PBS data - relating to accurate identification of medicine dispensings and how to define medicine exposure - and suggests some possible approaches for dealing with them. The paper is intended as an introductory resource for researchers.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article numbere2541546
    JournalPublic Health Research and Practice
    Volume25
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2015

    Cite this