Drug Use Review (DUR) is a systematic assessment and evaluation of medication usage patterns, primarily aimed at ensuring safe and effective use of prescription drugs. It involves the analysis of a patient's medication history, with the objective of identifying potential drug therapy problems, such as interactions, duplications, contraindications, inappropriate dosages, and other areas of concern. DUR encompasses a comprehensive review process that systematically evaluates and monitors medication regimens, concurrently assesses patient-specific factors, and analyzes prescription drug orders to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.
The primary purpose of Drug Use Review is to promote patient safety and enhance the quality of pharmaceutical care. It aims to identify and resolve issues related to medication therapy in a proactive manner, thereby preventing adverse drug events and improving patient health outcomes. By reviewing medication records and evaluating prescription drug orders, healthcare professionals can identify interventions and recommendations to optimize therapy, such as adjusting dosages, changing medications, or providing additional counseling to patients.
DUR is typically conducted by pharmacists or other healthcare professionals with expertise in medication management. It involves a thorough assessment of the patient's medical history, current medication regimen, and other relevant clinical factors. Modern DUR processes may be facilitated electronically, utilizing prescription monitoring programs, computerized decision support systems, and other technological tools to streamline the review process and ensure timely interventions.
In summary, Drug Use Review is a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of medication usage patterns, aiming to identify and resolve drug therapy problems to ensure safe and effective use of prescription drugs. Through this process, healthcare professionals can optimize medication therapy, improve patient safety, and enhance overall pharmaceutical care.
