Criteria for the Use of Tramadol in Adult Patients: Medication-Use Evaluation Guidelines

OBJECTIVE: To develop a practical medication-use evaluation (MUE) tool flexible enough to be used in a variety of practice settings. SETTING: Institutional health care systems or managed care organizations, although the format may be adapted for use by consultant pharmacists. DESIGN: This MUE has been designed for use as part of a comprehensive outcome monitoring program. It focuses on a particular agent (tramadol hydrochloride) that has significant cost and usage implications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Appropriate patient populations and desired therapeutic outcomes can be identified with the use of this MUE. Customized interventions that are appropriate to each organization may. RESULTS: This MUE can provide a framework for institutional health care systems and' MCOs to use in developing a comprehensive monitoring program for tramadol hydrochloride and an oral analgesic. CONCLUSION: Effective high-quality pharmaceutical care incorporates the use of assessment methods that monitor patient outcomes and medic...