Computer-focused modification of physician prescribing behavior.

Prescribing data downloaded from the MUMPS-based hospital information system of the Department of Veterans Affairs has been used to target specific interventions aimed at changing physician prescribing patterns. Focused interventions aimed at specific groups of physicians, patients, clinics, and drugs have proven effective in reducing pharmaceutical costs by rationalizing prescribing patterns. The results indicate the potential usefulness of a microcomputer with a commercial database program in manipulating hospital information system data.