Drug Use Reviews (DURs) refer to a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of a patient's medication profile by a healthcare professional, typically a pharmacist. It involves assessing the appropriateness, safety, and effectiveness of a patient's drug therapy regimen, with the aim of optimizing patient outcomes. DURs are conducted to identify and prevent potential drug interactions, adverse effects, or contraindications that may arise from a patient's medication use.
The process of Drug Use Reviews typically entails collecting and analyzing relevant patient information, such as medical history, current diagnoses, current medications, and laboratory results. Pharmacists use this information to evaluate the patient's drug therapy for appropriateness and adherence to evidence-based guidelines or standards of care. They also look for potential duplications or overutilization of medications, as well as identifying any allergies or drug allergies that may impact the patient's treatment.
By conducting Drug Use Reviews, healthcare professionals can provide personalized recommendations and interventions to optimize medication therapy. This may involve adjusting drug doses, discontinuing unnecessary medications, suggesting appropriate alternatives, or providing counseling to the patient about their medications. The ultimate goal is to enhance patient safety, improve medication adherence, and achieve better health outcomes.
DURs are typically conducted in various healthcare settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. They may be part of routine medication monitoring or specialized programs targeting specific patient populations, such as the elderly or individuals with chronic conditions. DURs are an integral component of medication management and contribute significantly to the overall quality and safety of patient care.
