Introduction to drug utilization research

Björn Wettermark, Monique Elseviers, Anna Birna Almarsdóttir, Morten Andersen, Ria Benko, Marion Bennie, Irene Eriksson, Brian Godman, Janet Krska, Elisabetta Poluzzi, Katja Taxis, Robert vander Stichele, Vera Vlahovic-Palcevski

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Abstract

Drug utilization research can be defined as ‘an eclectic collection of descriptive and analytical methods for the quantification, the understanding and the evaluation of the processes of prescribing, dispensing and consumption of medicines, and for the testing of interventions to enhance the quality of these processes’.

The discipline may be seen as the bridge between pharmacoepidemiology and health services research. It is also closely connected to clinical pharmacology, with the principal aim of drug utilization research being to facilitate the safe and effective use of medicines in populations.

Research in drug utilization began to develop in the 1960s. Some pioneering studies focused on assessing differences in drug utilization between countries or regions. Other studies focused on factors influencing the prescribing patterns of physicians.

The eclectic nature of drug utilization research requires expertise in a broad range of research methodologies. Part 2 of the book provides guidance on a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods used in drug utilization research.

The numerous applications of drug utilization research are illustrated in Part 3, which include sections on comparative drug utilization research, drug utilization and health policy, drug utilization in specific populations and therapeutic areas, determinants of drug utilization, adherence and drug utilization research, the role of drug utilization within the field of pharmacoepidemiology and the assessment and improvement of the quality of medicine use.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TitelDrug Utilization Research : Methods and Applications
ForlagWiley
Publikationsdato8 apr. 2016
Sider3-12
Kapitel1
ISBN (Trykt)9781118949788
ISBN (Elektronisk)9781118949740
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 8 apr. 2016

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