Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is a systematic process that evaluates the prescribing, dispensing, and use of medications. This process helps ensure individuals receive safe and effective drug therapy within the healthcare system. Its primary purpose is to assess medication use patterns to promote appropriate and beneficial treatment outcomes, optimizing therapeutic effectiveness for patients.
Understanding Drug Utilization Review
DUR is a structured, ongoing evaluation of how medications are prescribed, dispensed, and used by patients. This comprehensive review compares a patient’s medication history and current prescriptions against predetermined criteria for appropriate therapy. It serves as a quality-improvement activity promoting the effective use of medicines.
The core objectives of DUR include improving patient health outcomes, ensuring appropriate medication use, and managing healthcare costs effectively. By reviewing medication data before, during, and after dispensing, DUR supports optimal medication decision-making. This process is a component of medication management and quality assurance within healthcare settings.
The Process of Drug Utilization Review
Drug Utilization Review is conducted through three main types, each serving a distinct phase of medication management: prospective, concurrent, and retrospective DUR. These types collectively create a comprehensive framework for medication oversight.
Prospective DUR
Prospective DUR evaluates a patient’s planned drug therapy before a medication is dispensed. This allows healthcare professionals to identify and resolve potential problems, such as drug allergies, drug-drug interactions, or contraindications, before the patient receives the medication. For example, a pharmacist might check if a prescribed dose is appropriate for a patient’s age or weight.
Concurrent DUR
Concurrent DUR occurs during treatment, involving the ongoing monitoring of drug therapy to promote positive patient outcomes. This real-time review allows for immediate intervention if issues arise. Pharmacists can alert prescribers to problems like duplicate therapy or over/underutilization during this phase.
Retrospective DUR
Retrospective DUR reviews drug therapy after the medication has been dispensed and used. This type of review analyzes past utilization patterns to identify trends in prescribing, dispensing, or administering drugs. It can uncover patterns of overutilization, underutilization, or inappropriate medication use within a population.
Common Issues Identified by Drug Utilization Review
Drug Utilization Review identifies and prevents various medication-related problems that can affect patient safety and treatment effectiveness. Common issues include:
- Drug-drug interactions: Occur when two or more medications negatively influence each other’s effects, potentially reducing effectiveness or causing side effects.
- Duplicate therapy: A patient is prescribed the same medication or multiple medications with similar effects, which can lead to excessive dosing or unnecessary costs.
- Underutilization or overutilization: Patients are either not taking enough, taking too much, or using medication for an incorrect duration.
- Incorrect dosing: The prescribed amount is either too high or too low for a patient’s condition, age, or weight.
- Contraindications: Specific situations where a medication should not be used due to potential harm, such as a known allergy or pre-existing health condition.
- Medication non-adherence: Patients do not take their medications as prescribed, often leading to worsened health outcomes.
The Importance of Drug Utilization Review
Drug Utilization Review enhances patient safety by reducing medication errors and preventing adverse drug events. By identifying potential problems, DUR contributes to improved patient outcomes. This systematic review ensures patients receive appropriate and effective treatments.
DUR also contributes to cost efficiency within healthcare systems. It prevents unnecessary prescriptions and avoids expenses associated with preventable adverse events. By addressing inappropriate medication use, DUR helps manage healthcare resources effectively. It supports healthcare providers and plans in adhering to regulations and best practices related to medication use.