Average daily quantities: A tool for measuring prescribing volume in England

No perfect unit exists for measuring prescribing volume, because of the lim itation of the prescription item and the Defined Daily Dose system. A speci fic English and easily understandable unit was thought desirable to allow d iscussions in the field with doctors about aspects of their prescribing. An expert group was therefore established to produce appropriate volume units (Average Daily Quantities, ADQs) for important drug groups, based on DDDs, average prescribed daily doses, and any available information on therapeut ic equivalence. This system will be a useful tool for discussions with doct ors concerning their prescribing. It is of some value for researchers perfo rming drug utilization studies and studies on prescribing in England. The A DQ values will be reviewed regularly to ensure that changes in licensed dos es, actual prescribing patterns, and DDDs are reflected, and that new drugs can be included. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.