Drug-usage evaluation: traditional versus outcome-based approaches.
The use of outcome assessment with DUE can provide more detailed information on the impact of drug therapy on the overall health status of the patient, rather than just the narrow view of the drug-prescribing process within the institution. These studies may justify additional pharmacists to help in the selection of drugs and their potential to affect overall quality patient care. In addition, the Joint Commission is recommending that measurement of health outcomes is important in QA. The Joint Commission has stated in their Agenda for Change program "that patient outcomes are influenced by all activities of a health care program." The Joint Commission plans to develop standards that "describe in functional terms what the key jobs are that need to be done to produce good patient outcomes." The major problem with adding outcome measures in the assessment of DUE programs is the evolutionary nature of the available technology to measure these patient outcomes. Incorporation of outcome measures into DUE programs can provide measures of the impact of drug therapy on the patients' HQOL. This HQOL is potentially a better reflection of patient outcomes and the assessment of quality of care.
Kier
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KL
College of Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, Ada.
Pathak
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DS
D004363:Drug Utilization; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D007591:Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012107:Research Design; D014481:United States