Download the Atlas
- BC Rx Atlas, 2nd Edition
(Sept 2009)
Due to the size of the document, we encourage you to download the report chapter-by-chapter. The full report, individual chapters, supplementary data, and PowerPoint slides of key findings are available here: - Download report and slides
Supplementary Atlas
Atlas Fast Facts
Data Source: Population Data BC, BC PharmaNet
Population Studied: BC residents
Population Size: Approx. 3.9 million
Period: 2006
Specific Regions: 79 Local Health Areas in BC
Statistical Methods: Regression Analysis
Prescription drugs are used to treat many medical conditions, to reduce pain and discomfort associated with illness or injury, and to facilitate the preparation for, conduct of, and recovery from surgical procedures. As a result, prescription drugs have become one of the most commonly used forms of health care: one that accounts for approximately $30-billion in spending nationwide.
Because of the potency and cost of pharmaceuticals, it would be ideal if all patients who needed medicines — and only patients who needed medicines — accessed them and used them appropriately. This 2nd edition of The British Columbia Rx Atlas details variations in prescription drug spending and use across 79 Local Health Areas in British Columbia.
Based on advanced statistical analyses of B.C.’s PharmaNet database, this atlas is the first study ever to measure small-area variations in prescription drug use and spending while taking into consideration differences in the health needs of local populations.
The atlas details regional variations in spending and use of all types of prescription drug combined, and separately for the 20 leading therapeutic categories.
The atlas also provides information about drug use by age group, provincial subsidy for medicines, and the numbers of drugs listed on B.C. provincial formulary coverage.
Appendices of The British Columbia Rx Atlas, 2nd edition, contain information about regional rates of potentially inappropriate prescription drug use (e.g. long term use of benzodiazepines), and information about area-level socio-economic and cultural characteristics that help to explain some of the findings.
