Why training is the key to successful guideline implementation.

The market for pharmacoeconomic analysis is rapidly expanding. Demand for experienced investigators seems to have outpaced the capacity of both the academic community and industry to train qualified practitioners. The result is that many professionals charged with producing and using cost-effectiveness and other drug-related economic evaluation studies may lack the basic skills required to carry out their duties. This, in turn, raises concerns regarding the credibility and integrity of the field as a whole. In our opinion, the adoption of self-imposed practice guidelines is a necessary first step in confronting these issues. However, the power of guidelines to promote responsible practice will be limited by the technical preparation of the analysts charged with adhering to them. A long term solution requires a collaborative commitment, on the part of both the academic community and the private sector, to targeted graduate training in pharmacoeconomic methods, and to the provision of ample opportunities for continuing professional education.