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Biomedical subjects

T D Rucker

Publications and source records attributed to T D Rucker.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Drug formularies: myths-in-formation.

Drug formularies are pivotal tools for delineating and directing prescribing to the "drugs of choice." Full realization of their potential has been hampered by insufficient comparative data on drug efficacy/safety and local resources for formulary development. However, misconceptions concerning fundamental formulary concepts pose an even more formidable obstacle. This article identifies statements illustrating formulary misconception a) made by physicians attending Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee meetings during a three-year period and b) appearing in published sources. The paper highlights basic objectives and operational requirements of an effective formulary, and contrasts this definition with 20 myths and misinformation culled from these two sources. Not only does such misinformation impair formulary development, many critics are so preoccupied with alleged shortcomings that progress in minimizing the real limitations of formularies has been impeded.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1979

Relative drug safety and efficacy: any help for the practitioner?

Approaches are discussed for assuring that the most useful entity is prescribed when a drug is the treatment of choice. Several attributes of pharmaceutical preparations that are likely to influence health status are mentioned. Three models for increasing drug-of-choice prescribing are discussed: the regulatory model, the formulary model, and the drug use review model. Four options regarding formulary preparation are presented: the federal government, a consortium of professional groups, regional expert committees, or local groups. Research is needed to determine which methods hold promise for increasing the frequency of rational prescribing.

Drug Information Services↗
PubMed1976

Drug information for prescribers and dispensers: toward a model system.

Four alternative ways of providing health care professionals with drug information are examined in terms of medical and social values. It is assumed that maximum patient benefit will result when prescribing decisions can be made in an environment of enlightened neutrality. The alternative of maintaining the status quo is discarded because it does little to provide practitioners with complete data. The second alternative notes major reforms that would further regulate promotional efforts and upgrade the qualifications of detailmen. Because this approach yields a suboptimum solution, a third alternative introduces the concept of a National Drug Education Foundation. This countervailing force would disseminate objective drug information to clinicians through 2,000 therapeutic consultants, subsidize professional journals and schools, develop regional drug information centers, and conduct a variety of related functions. Foundation operations are estimated to cost $167 million per year or about one-seventh of current expenditures for drug promotion and information. Since commercial inputs would not only be redundant but also tend to negate Foundation efforts, the fourth model contends that social benefits can be optimized only when such outlays are terminated.

Advertising↗
PubMed1976

Hospital formularies: organizational aspects and supplementary components.

The organizational aspects and supplementary components of 44 formularies in teaching hospitals of 500 beds or more were compared. The aspects of formularies studied included prescribing regulations and technical aids, economic considerations, information on pharmacy services and procedures, information regarding drug products, hospital regulations, and format and readability. Many inconsistencies were found in the organization of the formularies and in the types of supplementary sections they included. It is suggested that the formulary has not been employed effectively as a document for transmitting drug information and hospital regulations.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗