All of the following are considerations in effective design of a pharmacy benefit EXCEPT:

The effective design of a pharmacy benefit program should take into account multiple factors that align with the objectives of both cost management and enhancing employee health. While consumer trends may provide valuable insights into general market behavior, they are not a primary consideration in the foundational design of a pharmacy benefit. Instead, factors such as cost directly influence how benefits are structured financially, ensuring sustainability. Employee health considerations are crucial as they directly affect productivity and overall workforce well-being. Additionally, employee retention is important as a beneficial pharmacy program can enhance job satisfaction and loyalty, reducing turnover rates.

By focusing the design on cost, employee health, and retention, employers can create a pharmacy benefit that not only addresses the immediate financial aspects but also promotes a healthier workforce and a stable employee base. In contrast, consumer trends, while potentially informative, do not have the same imperative impact on direct benefit design as the other factors mentioned.