Pharmacy audit: an aid to continuing education

Participation by pharmacists in drug-specific reviews of patient care is discussed. Criteria for drug usage review are illustrated along with data resulting from a comparison study of care using such criteria. Audit procedures are adapted from retrospective audit procedures published by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. Recommendations for improving the deficiencies identified in the drug usage review include the use of a drug-specific protocol for use in a continuing education seminar.