Drug-Related Problems in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Hypertension: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 diabetic patients whom also diagnosed with hypertension often received a complex medication regimen. The situation may lead to the increased risk of drug-related problems (DRPs). The aim of the study was to identify the DRPs in type 2 diabetic patients whom also diagnosed with hypertension in the following domains: problems, causes, and interventions. Methods: The prospective study was conducted from October to December 2015 at a secondary-care hospital in Indonesia involving 90 inpatients who meet the predetermined inclusion criteria. Identification and classification of DRPs were based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) version 5.01. Correlation among subject’s independent factors and the number of DRPs was also analysed. Results: As many as 261 DRPs were identified, averaging 2.88 (SD=0.23) problems per patient. Drug choice problem was the most frequent problems (n=144, 55.17%) while drug/dose selection was the main causes (n=184, 62.16%). From a total 155 interventions, the majority was conducted at patient /carer level (n=94, 60.65%). The bivariate analysis showed that the number of medications (r=0.49, p<0.01) and the length of stay (r=0.25, p<0.05) significantly correlated with the number of DRPs. Based on linear regression analysis, the number of medications significantly predicted the number of DRPs (β=0.50, p<0.001). Conclusion: Since the risk of DRPs in type 2 diabetic and hypertension patients relatively high, early detection by the pharmacist is needed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of drug therapy.