Drug Utilization Review

Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is a systematic process of evaluating prescription drug use, prescribing patterns, and patient behavior in order to ensure appropriate medication therapy. It is a key component of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical care.

Overview

DUR involves a comprehensive review of patients' prescription and medication data before, during, and after dispensing to ensure appropriate medication decision making and positive patient outcomes. The three types of DUR include prospective, concurrent, and retrospective.

• Prospective DUR is performed before medication is dispensed. It involves evaluating a patient's therapy before medication is dispensed to prevent inappropriate medication use.
• Concurrent DUR is performed during the time of dispensing. It involves ongoing monitoring of drug therapy and patient behavior to ensure appropriate use of medication.
• Retrospective DUR is performed after medication has been dispensed. It involves reviewing past patterns of medication use and outcomes to identify areas for improvement and intervention.

Purpose

The primary purpose of DUR is to ensure that drugs are used appropriately, safely, and effectively for the health and welfare of the patient. It aims to prevent medication errors, adverse drug reactions, and drug interactions. It also seeks to improve patient compliance and ensure cost-effective use of medications.

Process

The DUR process involves several steps:

1. Patient history: Gathering and reviewing the patient's medication history, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and other therapies.
2. Drug therapy review: Evaluating the appropriateness of the drug therapy based on the patient's condition and potential drug interactions.
3. Patient counseling: Educating the patient about their medication, including how to take it, potential side effects, and what to do if a dose is missed.
4. Documentation and follow-up: Documenting the review and any interventions made, and scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's response to the therapy.

Role of Pharmacists

Pharmacists play a crucial role in DUR. They are responsible for conducting the review, identifying potential problems, and intervening when necessary. They also educate patients about their medications and promote medication adherence.

See Also

• Pharmacy Practice
• Pharmaceutical Care
• Medication Errors
• Adverse Drug Reactions
• Drug Interactions