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Medicine shortages data-sharing framework

Dynamic Model of Medicine Availability (DMMA version 2.0)
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Find out how we model supply and demand data to manage the most serious national medicine shortages. Download the Framework or read key information about our framework on this page.

About the data-sharing framework

Our Framework allows us to share information to help manage shortages of medicines with serious impact on public health in a hospital setting.

  • We model up-to-date supply and demand data to test different shortage management scenarios and choose the best management approach.
  • We communicate the modelling outputs to state and territory health departments, specialist health professionals and other relevant groups as needed.
  • We publish management strategies, including estimates of medicine availability, on the TGA website.

We only model national shortages that could have a serious impact on public health and when they cannot be managed by regular processes. We expect requests for information under the data-sharing framework to be limited. Our experience has been that stakeholders approach us to help manage serious shortages.

Criteria for triggering a data-sharing request

Only the most serious national shortages of medicines used in a hospital setting are eligible for modelling under our framework. We will ask you to provide supply and demand data if the medicine shortage meets all these criteria:

  • the medicine is used in the hospital setting
  • the medicine is at risk of shortage or is in shortage
  • the medicine is of significant clinical interest
  • unavailability of the medicine would have or is having a serious national impact
  • modelling of medicine shortage prevention or management is in the interest of public health.

Our data-sharing process

The process for data sharing under our Framework is outlined below. Sharing data in this situation is voluntary.  

By providing us with information, you agree to the release of information as part of this process. 

ProcessSteps
TGA assessment and request
  • We identify (or identify risk of) a serious national shortage
  • We assess against the criteria for triggering a request
  • If the shortage meets all criteria, we send a request for data to sponsors, state and territory health authorities, wholesalers and the private hospital sector
  • We send you an Excel spreadsheet template for the data
Forecast modelling
  • The TGA and/or the Medicine Availability Working Group (MAWG) adviser runs the model 
Legislative basis
Individual and aggregated data sharing
  • After you give us your data, we collate it with other data supplied to form aggregated data
  • We share individual and aggregated data only with:
    • the MAWG adviser who runs the model
    • the area in the Department that manages the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to inform recommendations on PBS medicines that are or are likely to be impacted by the shortage

Aggregated visual sharing 

 

  • Before anyone can receive information from the TGA, they must sign a confidentiality deed
  • Aggregated visuals are the de-identified model outputs with stock displayed as a percentage of demand; we do not share individual stock data
  • If needed, we will share the aggregated visuals with specified individuals or organisations, including the MAWG and the Medicine Shortage Action Group (MSAG)
Sharing conclusions and recommendations
  • We publish management strategies, including estimates of medicine availability, on the TGA website.
  • As part of this process, we usually give those involved in developing the recommendations an opportunity to review the public statement
  • We share the public information, which includes predictions of medicine availability and conservation recommendations, with state and territory health departments. MAWG representatives or MSAG members may share this information through their own communication channels

How we protect your information

We recognise the commercially sensitive nature of the information you provide. We treat your data as official information.

Before receiving information from us, those receiving it must sign a confidentiality deed.

We also protect your information by restricting its release. We heavily restrict the release of more sensitive information (individual and aggregated data sets). We only share the de-identified information (aggregated visual) if needed to help manage a shortage. We can only share aggregated visuals with specified persons or bodies for the purpose of shortage management.

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