DUES FOR THE 90S - MULTICENTERED, OUTCOME-ORIENTED

The likely development of healthcare alliances and affiliations will c reate a logical role for multicentered DUEs that study treatment regim ens or indications in a healthcare system made up of several instituti ons. Such a study is under way in New Jersey, involving 15 hospitals. The DUE is evaluating usage patterns of ticarcillin/clavulanate and tw o other broad-spectrum antibiotics. A multicenter DUE presents challen ges, 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 activit ies.