How to evaluate and interpret outcome studies

The pharmacoeconomic literature is a vast and powerful, source of informati on for pharmacists and others who must make decisions about services and pr oducts. Published studies can provide data quickly and inexpensively, but t hey may not necessarily meet criteria for quality and may not be generaliza ble to a specific situation. Guidelines are available that are intended to standardize stud)I methods, minimize potential bias, and increase the compa rability and credibility of data. Before relying on a published study decis ion-makers should ensure that it meets criteria related to objective, persp ective, pharmacoeconomic method, design, interventions, costs, outcomes, di scounting, results, sensitivity analysis, extrapolation from conclusions, a nd sponsorship. A sound study can be used to support decisions in such dive rse areas as individual patient treatment, formulary management, drug-use g uideline development, disease management initiatives, and pharmaceutical se rvice evaluation. A decision-maker may be able to use the results by applyi ng them at face value, employing a sensitivity analysis, performing a meta- analysis, incorporating the data into a pharmacoeconomic model, or reproduc ing the study on a smaller scale. The selection of an application strategy should be based on the potential impact of the decision on the quality and cost of care, with more rigorous and complex strategies reserved for more e xtreme impacts. Published pharmacoeconomic data can help pharmacists make b etter and more informed decisions about pharmaceutical services and product s.