ASSESSMENT OF CLINICAL PHARMACIST INTERVENTION IN TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL OF SOUTHERN INDIA

Abstract

Introduction: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are frequent in hospitalization where multiple changes in patient’s medication regimens and lack of continuity of care may be accompanied. Objectives: To assess clinical pharmacist intervention on the drug related problems in medicine ward of tertiary care hospital. Method: It was a prospective, observational and interventional study carried over a period of 4 months. Results: A total of 240 patients were followed out of which 49 patients were intervened for having one or more drug related problems. Male (61.30%) predominance was noted over females (38.70%). Drug related problems were more commonly seen in patients aged above 60 years, (53.10 %). A total of 71 drug related problems were identified. Most of the DRP observed in the study resulted from the inappropriate drug dosing problems (25.35%) followed by drug selection (23.94%). Majority of the clinical pharmacist recommendations were on drug discontinuation (29.58%) and drug doses change (22.53%). Moderate significance of DRPs were noted high (47.89 %), whereas (39.44 %) were minor and (12.67 %) were major. The acceptance rate of intervening clinical pharmacist recommendation and change in drug therapy was found to be high (70.59%).Conclusion: Clinical pharmacist involvement in inpatients care can significantly help to identify, resolve and prevent the DRPs among patients in the hospital. The study concluded that the clinical pharmacist have a significant role in patients care at hospital.