Medication use evaluation (MUE): A review of current literature and how-to guide for preceptors and pharmacy students

ObjectiveTo review current literature for educational outcomes related to medication use evaluations (MUEs) and to discuss the process and benefits of students completing MUEs.MethodsPubMed, Google Scholar, Google, Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, and the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education were searched using various terms including “drug utilization evaluation” or “medication utilization evaluation” and “student.”ResultsThere is little published literature on student-assisted MUEs. Only three articles address this topic, and only one discusses assessment of learning outcomes.ConclusionMore educational research is needed on student-assisted MUEs as there are potentially numerous educational benefits. Completing an MUE may satisfy several key areas of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Center for Advancement of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) Educational Outcomes, including Outcome 2.2 (Medication use systems management), Outcome 2.4 (Population-based care), and Outcome 3.1 (Problem solving). Completing an MUE allows students to experience a hands-on, real-world approach to learning about research through the medication use process while also satisfying key ACPE learning outcomes and improving patient care.