Medication related problems

Abstract

The improper use of drugs can leads to patient morbidity and even mortality. Drug therapy problems are the clinical territory of the pharmaceutical care practitioner and the resolution of identifying drug therapy problems help patients to achieve their goals of therapy and understand the best possible outcomes from drug therapy. To identify, resolve and prevention of drug therapy problems, the practitioner must understand how patients with drug therapy problems present in the clinical setting. Stating the problem and identifying the cause requires involves clinical judgment by the practitioner. All patient problems involving medications can be categorized into seven types. These include all side effects, toxic reactions, treatment failures, or the need for additive, synergistic, or preventive medications, as well as noncompliance. During 2002, there were 3.3 billion prescriptions dispensed from community pharmacies throughout the United States and over 44,000 hospitalized patients die each year resulting from medical errors. Recent research, on drug-related problems and adverse drug reactions has identified several categories of risk factors that may be used to identify patients who are susceptible to drug related problems and adverse drug reactions. It is essential that practitioners who intend to provide pharmaceutical care understand the descriptions and identification of each type of drug therapy problem as well as their common causes. Continuous referral to the seven categories of drug therapy problems ensures that a consistent, rational, comprehensive, and effective care plan can be established for even the most complicated patient.