Which of the following is a primary purpose of a formulary?

The primary purpose of a formulary is to enhance patient care. A formulary is a comprehensive list of prescription medications that are approved for use within a specific healthcare system or organization. By effectively curating this list, healthcare providers can ensure that patients have access to safe, effective, and cost-efficient medications. This helps in making informed prescribing decisions, promotes the use of medications that have proven efficacy, and ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment options.

Formularies are designed based on clinical evaluations of drug effectiveness, safety, and patient outcomes. By prioritizing medications that have demonstrated positive health impacts, formularies play a crucial role in not just controlling costs but also improving the overall quality of care patients receive.

The other options, while related to aspects of pharmacy practice, do not align with the primary mission of a formulary. For example, increasing pharmacy revenue might occur as a secondary effect, but it is not the core intention. Limiting drug choices could be seen as a consequence of having a formulary, but the ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of care. Encouraging brand loyalty may indirectly occur through the formulary process, but again, it is not the fundamental objective. The central focus remains on improving patient outcomes through careful medication management