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Published on: September 30, 2020
[Drug related problems and hospital admissions]
José Miguel Sotoca Momblona1, Silvia Canivell Fusté, Laia Alemany Vilches
1Hospital Clínico, Barcelona, España. jmsotoca@clinic.ub.es
Drug-related problems (DRP) frequently lead to hospitalizations, with a significant portion being preventable. This study highlights the high prevalence of DRPs contributing to admissions, emphasizing the need for better medication management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmacovigilance
- Health Services Research
Context:
- Drug-related problems (DRP) are a significant concern in patient care.
- Urban health centers manage large patient populations, increasing the potential for DRPs.
- Hospital admissions due to medication issues represent a substantial healthcare burden.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of DRPs leading to hospitalization in an urban healthcare setting.
- To identify the proportion of these DRP-related admissions that are avoidable.
- To explore the primary medical conditions associated with DRP-induced hospitalizations.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed hospital admissions from an urban health center.
- DRPs were identified in 13.4% of discharges, with 12% implicated in hospital admission.
- Over half (57.3%) of DRP-related admissions were deemed avoidable, primarily in internal medicine, cardiology, and pneumology.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the significant and often preventable burden of DRPs on hospital resources.
- Highlights the need for improved medication management and patient monitoring to reduce avoidable hospitalizations.
- Provides data for targeted interventions in primary care to mitigate DRPs and associated healthcare costs.
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