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Comprehensive drug-use evaluation program in a health maintenance organization
C C Cotterell1, L Dombroske, E A Fischermann
1Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Anaheim, CA 92807.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|August 1, 1991
Summary
A comprehensive drug-use evaluation (DUE) program, coordinated by pharmacists, improved drug quality and patient care in a health maintenance organization (HMO). This collaborative DUE program has physician support and meets quality assurance standards.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Pharmacy Practice
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) require robust systems for monitoring and improving medication use.
- Effective drug-use evaluation (DUE) programs are essential for ensuring patient safety and optimizing therapeutic outcomes within healthcare systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and implementation of a comprehensive DUE program within an HMO setting.
- To evaluate the impact of the DUE program on drug use quality and patient care.
Main Methods:
- Establishment and utilization of drug therapy management protocols.
- Periodic review of drug-use statistics by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee.
- Monitoring of pharmacist interventions and departmental drug use evaluations.
Main Results:
- The DUE program, supported by physicians, enhanced the quality of drug use.
- Identified opportunities for further improvement in patient care quality.
- HMO facilities received no recommendations in Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations surveys.
Conclusions:
- A collaborative DUE program involving pharmacists and physicians can significantly improve medication management in HMOs.
- The integrated DUE program contributes to the overall quality assurance of the healthcare organization.
- The program demonstrates successful interprofessional cooperation in optimizing patient care.