The role of community pharmacists in identification and solving of drug-related problems among ambulatory patients

Pharmacotherapy is the most often used type of therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately the huge amount of money is consumed due to lack of safety or effectiveness of medicinal products. Most of the pharmacotherapy problems are identified as a drug-related problems (DRP). The Drug-Related Problem is an event or circumstances involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with desired health outcomes. The aim of our analysis was the qualitative and quantitative description of DRP among chronically ill patients. We have analyzed the Medication Drug Review of 93 patients in Cracow. Results. Almost 13% of patients used more than 10 medicinal product. The 789  DRPs was identified, the most often occur an adverse drug events and about 11% are DRP recognized as lack of effectiveness of therapy. About 1/3 of all DRPs is connected to OTC medication only or combination of OTC and prescribed medication. Conclusion. The community pharmacists should be involved in identification and solving DRPs among ambulatory patients

The role of community pharmacists in identification and solving of drug-related problems among ambulatory patients

Pharmacotherapy is the most often used type of therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately the huge amount of money is consumed due to lack of safety or effectiveness of medicinal products. Most of the pharmacotherapy problems are identified as a drug-related problems (DRP). The Drug-Related Problem is an event or circumstances involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with desired health outcomes. The aim of our analysis was the qualitative and quantitative description of DRP among chronically ill patients. We have analyzed the Medication Drug Review of 93 patients in Cracow. Results. Almost 13% of patients used more than 10 medicinal product. The 789  DRPs was identified, the most often occur an adverse drug events and about 11% are DRP recognized as lack of effectiveness of therapy. About 1/3 of all DRPs is connected to OTC medication only or combination of OTC and prescribed medication. Conclusion. The community pharmacists should be involved in identification and solving DRPs among ambulatory patients