When reviewing medication management, what is the goal of a medication use evaluation (MUE)?

The goal of a medication use evaluation (MUE) is to improve medication safety and effectiveness. This process involves systematically assessing various aspects of medication use, including prescribing practices, patient adherence, and therapeutic outcomes. By conducting MUEs, healthcare professionals can identify areas where medications may not be used optimally, leading to potential adverse effects or suboptimal therapeutic outcomes.

The evaluation typically focuses on specific medication therapies, populations of patients, or specific clinical outcomes. Ultimately, the findings from MUEs can be used to implement changes in clinical practice, develop guidelines, or provide education to prescribers and patients to enhance the overall quality of care.

While prescriber preferences and inventory costs may be components of medication management practices, they are not the primary focus of MUEs. Additionally, although enhancing patient adherence is important, it is just one aspect of the broader goal of ensuring that medications are used safely and effectively. Thus, the overarching aim of a medication use evaluation is centered around improving overall patient care with a focus on medication outcomes.