Developing an evaluation and monitoring framework

The problem

PHARMAC, New Zealand’s pharmaceutical management agency, recognised a critical need for a robust framework to evaluate and monitor medicine access equity. Despite efforts to improve access to medicines for all New Zealanders, significant disparities persisted, particularly among Māori and Pacific populations. The existing methods for tracking progress towards equitable access were inadequate, making it difficult to address these disparities effectively.

Our approach

Synergia was engaged to develop a comprehensive evaluation and monitoring framework that would enable PHARMAC to systematically track and assess medicine access equity.

Our approach involved:

We conducted extensive consultations with PHARMAC staff, Māori and Pacific health leaders, and other key stakeholders to understand the challenges and needs within the current system.

Based on these insights, we developed a tailored framework that incorporated both qualitative and quantitative measures. The framework was designed to capture the full spectrum of factors influencing medicine access, including cultural, economic, and systemic barriers.

We provided PHARMAC with tools and training to ensure the framework could be implemented effectively, allowing for ongoing monitoring and adjustments as needed.

Impacts

The evaluation and monitoring framework delivered several key benefits to PHARMAC:

Enhanced decision-making: The framework provided a clear, evidence-based structure for evaluating medicine access, enabling PHARMAC to make more informed decisions about where to allocate resources and how to address inequities.

Improved equity: By highlighting specific areas where disparities in access were most pronounced, the framework helped PHARMAC target interventions more effectively, leading to better health outcomes for Māori and Pacific communities.

Sustainable impact: The framework’s flexibility and focus on continuous improvement ensure that PHARMAC can adapt to changing conditions and maintain its commitment to equity over the long term.

Through this project, Synergia helped PHARMAC strengthen its ability to monitor and improve medicine access equity, contributing to a more equitable healthcare system for all New Zealanders.