The formulary decision-making (FDM) process involves many factors that must be considered in order to determine whether a specific drug product should be placed on a formulary. Still, the frequency of use, and the need for more information of the factors used in FDM is unknown at this time. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to identify: (1) which outcome measures, pharmacoeconomic methodologies, and sources of information are used in the FDM process, and (2) areas in which formulary decision-makers require more information. METHODS: A mail survey, based on the literature and two focus groups held with pharmacists involved in FDM, was developed in the summer of 2000. The final survey was mailed to 40 registrants to a FDM conference (before the conference was held) and to 25 other pharmacists involved in FDM in Atlantic Canada. Respondents were asked to rate their organization's use and their personal need for more information of 27 different factors, tools, and techniques.Data analysis was performed using SumQuest Survey Software, v. 7.0. and JMP, v. 3.2.1. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of the 64 (60.9%) useable surveys were completed and returned. Out of 14 outcome measures considered, relative efficacy of the drugs was identified as being the most frequently used, while quality-adjusted life years was identified as being the least frequently used. Cost-effectiveness analysis was identified as being the most commonly used pharmacoeconomic technique, while cost-consequence analysis was identified as being the least frequently used. Cost-consequence analysis was identified by the respondents as being their single greatest learning need. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional outcome measures such as relative efficacy and cost of the drug still appear to be the main factors used in FDM in Atlantic Canada. The findings have provided an insight into the FDM process and have identified topics for future continuing education events.