DUEs for the '90s: multicentered, outcome-oriented.
The likely development of healthcare alliances and affiliations will create a logical role for multicentered DUEs that study treatment regimens or indications in a healthcare system made up of several institutions. Such a study is under way in New Jersey, involving 15 hospitals. The DUE is evaluating usage patterns of ticarcillin/clavulanate and two other broad-spectrum antibiotics. A multicenter DUE presents challenges, such as the need for additional resources and for consensus among disparate elements; but this methodology also opens up expanded roles for pharmacists, including participation in quality assurance activities.
Rutgers University, College of Pharmacy, Piscataway, NJ.
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D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017723:Drug Utilization Review / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D014481:United States