Collaborating with physicians in the drug-usage evaluation process

The Joint Commission requires that DUE be performed by the medical staff with pharmacy department participation. To gain physician acceptance of the DUE process, it must be promoted as a means of ensuring quality care and improved patient outcomes, employing an educational rather than punitive approach. Peer interaction is the ideal method to enforce and reenforce desired practices. The pharmacy department can play a major role in ensuring appropriate prescribing practices by reporting information, serving as an educational resource, facilitating physician participation, and overseeing the DUE process.