title: [A survey on the practice of drug prescription in hospitals. Concepts and methodology].
abstract: A clinical practice survey, if patient focused, identifies and analyses complexity of drug use. It is not a clinical audit whose aim is to compare observed practice with predetermined criteria. A clinical practice survey is useful when a problem exists in a low evidence based clinical area or to elaborate clinical guidelines. Implementation is based on epidemiological methodology and project management and needs a framework determined by a facilitator (trained in quality improvement methods and expert in the clinical area concerned), planning (the more higher the number of wards, the higher the complexity) and the project guidelines must be respected. Since lack of physician involvement is a drawback, support provided by the quality centre (if it exists) must be limited to technical aspects. It is important to appreciate the level of quality culture of the organization and the project must be approved by the hospital manager.
authors.affiliation: Simes, Hôpital Marin, Nancy, France.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lepaux
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Briançon
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lecompte
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Delorme
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pinelli
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*