Drug utilization research in Peru: Is real-world data available?

Background: Drug utilization research (DUR) is used to provide evidence-based data to inform policies and make decisions. The aim of this study was to map and describe available data sources for drug utilization research in Peru. Methods: We performed a search of data sources providing information on medication use on the website of governmental organizations. We also conducted a literature review using PubMed, LILACs, and BVS. Independently, researchers screened eligible data sources. Data characterization included accessibility, coverage data provider, type of data sources, and setting. We performed a descriptive analysis. Results: We identified seven data sources, CENAFyT, ICI, IDI (SISMED), and ENSUSALUD from MINSA, and CRI-ESSALUD, SGSS/ESSI, and ENSSA from ESSALUD. These presented information on adverse drug reactions (n = 2), drug consumption, and distribution (n = 2), prescription and drug dispensing (n = 1), and surveys addressed to medication users (n = 2). ENSUSALUD was the only data source publicly available. VIGIFLOW and ENSUSALUD have a national granularity from the public and private sectors. The setting of the data sources was both hospital and ambulatory care. Two data sources have individual-level data on adverse drug reactions and one on prescriptions. Four studies on drug utilization research in Peru were derived from ENSUSALUD. Conclusion: In Peru, few data sources are available for drug utilization research. There is an increased need to monitor medications for decision-making purposes. Local and international initiatives and partnerships of the government with academic institutions and the private sector might be a good strategy to increase the transparency of health data and for supporting decision-making using drug utilization research.