Use of cimetidine in hospitalized patients: the role of continuing medical education.

In 1983, the highest selling drug in Canada was cimetidine (Tagamet®-Smith Kline & French). A clinical review was initially conducted in 1981-82 to assess how physicians in a rural hospital in British Columbia prescribed cimetidine. The study was repeated and showed that prescribing patterns improved. Attempts to improve quality of care through continuing medical education are extremely important, particularly in light of escalating medical costs.