How a longstanding P & T Committee identifies and meets current therapeutic challenges

The P & T Committee at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, has run smoothly for some time. Nevertheless, it is not immune to today's fiscal and drug therapy challenges. In this exclusive Hospital Formulary interview, Dr. Jeoffrey Stross, chairman; Dr. Richard deLeon, secretary; and Dr. Burgunda Volger, a key University Hospital P & T Committee member, candidly describe their committee's philosophy and the mechanics by which it functions. This committee uses restriction to modify inappropriate prescribing, but it also carries out educational activities. As newer, more expensive, therapies become available, the responsibility to ensure efficacious, safe, economical therapy becomes increasingly complex. The following discussion highlights some of their strategies for success.