Drug-related Problems Identified through Routine Prescription Review in Cardiovascular Outpatients: A 3-year Retrospective Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64960/srimedj.v41i5.271160Keywords:
drug-related problems, cardiovascular diseases, prescription review, preventable adverse drug eventsAbstract
Background and objectives: Patients with cardiovascular diseases commonly have complex treatment regimens, which increase the risk of drug-related problems (DRPs). This study aimed to collect and describe the characteristics of DRPs identified by pharmacists in the outpatient department.
Methods: This retrospective descriptive study collected data on DRP events identified in the outpatient at the Queen Sirikit Heart Center of the Northeast between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2025.
Results: A total of 3,777 patients with DRPs were included. Patients were male (2,017 patients; 53.4%), with a mean age of 64.1 ± 13.1 years. A total of 6,722 DRP events were identified. The most common DRP was noncompliance (1,173 events; 17.5%). The majority of DRPs were identified through routine prescription review, followed by medication reconciliation. Most DRPs severity levels were categorized as category B according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention criteria. (5,119 events; 76.2%). Warfarin was the drug most commonly associated with DRPs (2,176 events; 32.4%). Most DRPs were managed in accordance with the type of problem identified.
Conclusion: Routine outpatient prescription review by pharmacists can identify DRPs, and the most common problem was noncompliance. Most DRPs severity were categorized as level B. The methods used to identify most DRPs were prescription review and medication reconciliation, respectively. The management of DRPs was consistent with the type of problem identified. Findings from this study may support the development of DRP surveillance and management processes in outpatient pharmaceutical care services.
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