Effects of a drug utilization review on prescribing antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean deliveries

The ability of America's medical care system to identify and eliminate inefficiency and waste is essential if this nation is to continue to enjoy its present high standard of health care. Drug use review is a control mechanism which represents one approach to the problem of assuring the quality and economy of the drug use process. A Drug Utilization Review Program is an authorized, structured, and on-going program that reviews, analyzes and interprets patterns of drug usage in health care delivery systems against predetermined standards. The program identifies areas of suboptimal drug therapy and prescribes measures aimed at correcting deficiencies in an effort to maintain the highest quality of patient care attainable. The objectives of the study are: 1.) To develop criteria for appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean section; 2.) To conduct a Drug Utilization Review of antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean deliveries at the University of Utah Hospital during the first six months of 1983.; 3.) To present findings of the DUR and a review of supporting literature to OB-GYN housestaff; 4.) To conduct a subsequent DUR to evaluate the effects of the presentation on antibiotic prophylaxis; and 5.) To recommend additional measures if indicated to increase the incidence of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean section.