The effect of RMO/medical guidelines based on a critical assessment of antibiotic drug prescription.

The French RMO (References Medicales Opposables) are prescription guideline s based on a critical assessment of antibiotic drug prescription. The Frenc h RMO recommendations are not necessarily well accepted by medical practiti oners, as they impose constraints. However; they have aroused the interest of the medical profession, as these guidelines have established a level of efficacity regarding specific medical treatment or paraclinical examination . RMO2, which concerns the prescription of commonly used antibiotics for ot orhinolaryngological/respiratory infections, provides an example of the adv antages and drawbacks of such an approach. Its effect on prescription behav iour is probably significant, as prescription patterns have altered in line with the RMO2 guidelines. The economic impact in terms of health cost has remained within acceptable limits. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medic ales Elsevier SAS.