Retrospective Drug Utilization Review, Prescribing Errors, and Clinical Outcomes

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Abstract
Retrospective drug utilization review programs are structured ongoing initiatives that interpret patterns of drug use in relation to predetermined criteria and attempt to minimize inappropriate prescribing.1 The 1969 Task Force on Prescription Drugs (convened to consider a Medicare drug benefit) concluded that although the idea held promise, evidence of effectiveness was needed before widespread adoption.2 This recommendation was not heeded, however, and retrospective drug utilization review has since been required of all Medicaid programs and implemented by most private-sector drug benefit programs. It has also been included in recent proposals for a Medicare drug benefit.