ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUG-PRESCRIBING BEHAVIOR OF AUSTRALASIAN RHEUMATOLOGISTS 1984-1994

The prescribing behaviour of Australian and New Zealand rheumatologist s was studied in 1994 using a questionnaire, and the results compared with a similar questionnaire administered in 1984. Perceived differenc es in efficacy and toxicity for disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and cytotoxics were reported. Over the decade, methotrexate and sulphasalazine have become the most commonly used anti-rheumatic a gents, and methotrexate is clearly seen as the most effective drug. Wi de variations in monitoring practices for DMARDs were reported, highli ghting the need for cost-effectiveness studies on monitoring. There wa s low usage of functional outcome measurements in assessing patients.