Identification of drug-related problems during pharmaceutical care services - introduction to the Geriatric Department at the Universit

  • Ivana Baralić Knezevic
  • Branka Arsenovic Clinical Department of Geriatrics, Zvezdara University Medical Center, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Katarina Stefanovic Clinical Department of Geriatrics, Zvezdara University Medical Center, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Prim dr Primary Healthcare Center, Vozdovac, Belgrade, Serbia
Keywords: clinical pharmacy, drug-related problems, geriatrics

Abstract


Introduction: Patients with multiple comorbidities and undergoing polypharmacy are at a high risk of experiencing drug-related problems (DRPs). These DRPs can lead to in­creased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.

Objective: This study aims to identify the prevalence and causes of DRPs in geriatric inpatients, as well as the fac­tors that contribute to them. Additionally, the study intends to evaluate the implementation of ward-based pharmacy ser­vices in the geriatric department.

Method: The pharmacist analyzed inpatient therapy, identified DRPs, and formulated recommendations. DRPs were categorized according to the PCNE-DRP classification, version 9. A total of 100 patients, of which 52% were men, average age of 79.7±7.88 years, were included in the study.

Results: Our study found that on average, each patient had 2.36 drug-related problems (DRPs). The most common DRP was related to treatment safety, accounting for 44.9% of cases, followed by treatment effectiveness (33.1%) and unnecessary drug treatment (22%). The main cause of DRPs was inadequate drug selection (61%) and inadequate dose se­lection (38.1%). Patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic renal failure had more DRPs than those without these con­ditions. In total, we identified 229 interventions to address these DRPs. However, the acceptance rate of these recom­mended interventions was low at 25.9%.

Conclusion: The rate of drug-related issues in elderly hospital patients was found to be high, but the rate of accep­tance of interventions to address these issues was low. In or­der to enhance the implementation of pharmaceutical servic­es and improve healthcare for elderly patients, it is crucial to improve the collaboration between healthcare providers and pharmacists. Recognizing the unique skills and expertise that pharmacists bring to the table can facilitate their integration as a valuable member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team

 

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Published
2024/04/23
How to Cite
Baralić Knezevic, I., Arsenovic, B., Stefanovic, K., & Trifunovic-Balanovic, D. (2024). Identification of drug-related problems during pharmaceutical care services - introduction to the Geriatric Department at the Universit. General Practice, 30(1-2), 15-28. https://doi.org/10.5937/opmed0-48159
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Original article