Related Experiment Videos
Drug complications in outpatients
T K Gandhi1, H R Burstin, E F Cook
1Division of General Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|March 16, 2000
Summary
Outpatient drug complications are common, affecting 18% of patients and often going undocumented. Better communication about medication side effects is crucial, especially for those with multiple health issues.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Patient Safety
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Outpatient drug complications are understudied.
- Understanding their incidence and impact is vital for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence and characteristics of outpatient drug complications.
- Identify clinical and nonclinical correlates.
- Evaluate the impact on patient satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart reviews and patient surveys.
- 2,248 outpatients (20-75 years old) from 11 ambulatory clinics.
- Analysis of reported drug complications versus documented adverse drug events.
Main Results:
- 18% of patients reported drug complications, compared to 3% documented in charts.
- Correlates included multiple medical problems, more medications, and failure to explain side effects.
- Patient satisfaction was significantly lower among those reporting complications.
Conclusions:
- Drug complications in ambulatory settings are frequent but often undocumented.
- These events increase healthcare utilization and decrease patient satisfaction.
- Improved communication regarding medication side effects is needed, particularly for high-risk patients.