The Role of Computers in Drug Utilization Review

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Abstract
Four major aspects associated with the implementation of drug utilization review are examined, and reference is made to selected methods by which computer technology can be employed to support this activity. The paper assumes that the primary purpose of drug utilization review is to optimize the quality of patient care. The relative role of empirical vs. normative standards is discussed. Because of the excessive amount of inappropriate prescribing, limited value is seen for the use of profile data in evaluating prescription practices. It is suggested that standards of drug prescribing, dispensing and usage, as developed by professional experts, must also be set forth in terms of patient condition, place of treatment, maximum and minimum quantities, patient titration, laboratory results, multiple medications, refills, etc. The paper distinguishes - between retrospective, prospective and concurrent review of medication records. Because of delays that seem to be inherent in retrospective review, significant advantages are proposed for the development of the latter concepts by means of computer assistance. The paper calls attention to the importance of feeding back drug insurance data and review experience to professional schools so that fundamental steps to strengthen formal training programs can be undertaken. The problem of prescription, record confidentiality is treated in terms of various procedural steps that may be invoked to minimize inadvertent disclosure. The potential role of computers in helping to control the problem of drug dependency within the area of legal drugs is noted.

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