Accessing Finnish prescription and dispensation data for pharmaceutical industry use: A qualitative study of benefits and barriers

Authors

• Johanna M E Palvimo Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki; Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5788-5619
• Anne M Juppo Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1805-8991
• Heli M Bollström Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3079-5623
• Juha H O Turunen Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9913-1240

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23996/fjhw.178099

Keywords:

drug industry, secondary data analysis, qualitative research

Abstract

The study investigates how pharmaceutical companies currently utilize, and how they could further utilize, prescription and dispensation data from the centralized outpatient medication data sources Kelasto and Kanta services for research, pricing, reimbursement and marketing purposes, within the Finnish Act on the Secondary Use of Health and Social Data. Based on expert interviews, the study examines current data access methods, challenges in accessing data, and the law’s impact on secondary data use. The study also explores how improved access to prescription and dispensation data could support strategic decision-making in the pharmaceutical sector.

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews (n=10) to explore pharmaceutical industry’s perspectives on accessing prescription and dispensation data. Interviews were conducted in Finnish via Microsoft Teams between November 2024 and April 2025 and analyzed using content analysis. Participants were purposively selected and represented various roles within pharmaceutical or consulting companies operating in Finland. The study examined current data access methods, regulatory challenges, and strategic impacts of the Secondary Use Act. The research process and study setting followed national ethical guidelines for research in the human sciences.

According to the present study, prescription and dispensation data are vital for pharmaceutical companies in developing strategies, conducting Real World Evidence (RWE) studies, and when performing market analysis. Prescription and dispensation data enable data-driven decisions, market positioning, and efficient execution of pricing and reimbursement tasks.

Data access challenges and regulatory complexity shape how pharmaceutical companies use and obtain prescription and dispensation data. The Secondary Use Act has improved data access consistency, but interviewees noted long data request and data permit processing times, strict interpretations of the act, and challenges in accessing detailed data through Findata.

The study highlights the importance of prescription and dispensation data for pharmaceutical companies and identifies challenges in the current regulatory framework. Interviewees emphasized the need for clearer guidance and more efficient processes under the Secondary Use Act. Suggested improvements include a national implementation guide, better coordination between data controllers, and broader access to aggregated data. These changes could enhance data-driven decision-making and regulatory efficiency. The results of this study can also provide valuable input for the continued development and enhancement of the Secondary Use Act.