Drug utilisation observational studies (DUOS) as an instrument for the detection of changing treatment habits – the example of the DUOS „Risperidone in acutely exacerbated patients with schizophrenia„

Methodologically well conducted drug utilisation observational studies (DUOS) may be suitable for the documentation of treatment habits in clinical practice. Apart from controlled clinical trials they may serve as an instrument of disease management. It is not their aim to provide a proof of efficacy rather than to document the practical use of a compound and effects occurring in unselected patients. In long-term DUOS, additionally, changes in treatment habits and their impact on the assessment of effectiveness and safety may be investigated.

The results of the DUOS „Risperidone in acutely exacerbated patients with schizophrenia“ which was conducted over a period of 7 years show that despite a substantial dose reduction over time efficacy was maintained, tolerability and acceptance were assessed to be better, and the proportion of patients receiving a psychopharmacological co-medication was considerably reduced. The high number of documented patients supports the generalisability of results. Consequently, the results of this DUOS may help optimising dosing strategies in acutely exacerbated schizophrenic patients.