DUEs for the '90s: multicentered, outcome-oriented

The likely development of healthcare alliances and affiliations will create a logical role for multicentered DUEs that study treatment regimens or indications in a healthcare system made up of several institutions. Such a study is under way in New Jersey, involving 15 hospitals. The DUE is evaluating usage patterns of ticarcillin/clavulanate and two other broad-spectrum antibiotics. A multicenter DUE presents challenges, such as the need for additional resources and for consensus among disparate elements; but this methodology also opens up expanded roles for pharmacists, including participation in quality assurance activities.