FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Drug Usage Evaluation (DUE)?
Drug Usage Evaluation (DUE) aims to understand
how and why drugs are used as they are, and by this means, to improve
drugs use to ensure the best possible health outcomes. DUE is a
cyclical process where reviews of drug use are followed by strategic
interventions with the aim of improving patient care and use of
resources. It is a tool by which the quality of patient care can
be improved and the process is exactly the same as the process undertaken
in a quality cycle. The cycle can be repeated as often as necessary
until the goal is achieved.
How can I find out if someone else has done a
similar audit?
The QUM map is a great place to start. The project
aims to provide a comprehensive map of current major quality use
of medicines (QUM) initiatives in Australia. Visit www.qummap.net.au/public/index.asp
Do we have to do it alone?
If you want peer support, why not join NSW TAG's
DUE Support Group. Members of the group have 'been there' and have
learnt from experience where the pitfalls are. Some of them may
have done similar projects. An easy way to extend your skills is
to be part of a multicentre DUE. This way you can share resource
and expertise while helping to solve a broader, perhaps community-wide
problem.
Contact David Maxwell on 02 83822852 or nswtag@stvincents.com.au
What other organisations have an interest
in DUE?
Australian organisations include:
ASCEPT - Australasian Society of Clinical and
Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists - visit www.ascept.org
VDUEG (Victorian Drug Usage Evaluation Group) - visit http://www.health.vic.gov.au/vmac/partnerships/vdueg.htm
SHPA (Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia) Committee of
Specialty Practice - visit www.shpa.org.au
Where can I find more information?
'Understanding, influencing and evaluating Drug
Use'; Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2001. This reference
book by Jonathan Dartnell looks at drug use at both national and
local levels, how drug use can be changed and the methodology of
drug usage evaluation
Visit www.tg.com.au
How do I get started?
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists
of Australia Drug Usage Evaluation Starter Kit has been developed
to assist the DUE practitioner by providing basic introductory information
to determine a starting point for DUE activities within an institution.
It has a section of text outlining the steps involved in the DUE
process and a section containing examples of forms and presentation
aids, which can be used.
Contact SHPA at www.shpa.org.au
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