[Is there an improvement of drug safety in Germany in recent years?]

The goal of drug therapy to prolong life or to improve the quality of life can be accomplished by modern drug therapy to a respectable degree. However, the risks of drug therapy have increased through more specific drugs and lead to often surprisingly multi-faceted side effects as in the case of biologicals. We have performed a systematic review of meta analyses, clinical studies, and reviews of the last five years concerned with adverse drug reactions (ADR) and adverse drug events (ADE). From these data emerges a distinct lack of reliable studies for Germany on incidence, severity and preventability of ADR and ADE; however, there are indications of their increase as is also evident from other countries. There are indications also for a better incidence management culture and better documentation. The step to utilize computerized physician order entry and decision support systems is a proven method to reduce medication related problems, leading also to reduction of in-hospital time and reduced drug expenses. Taking this decisive step to improve drug safety requires an appreciation of the magnitude of the problem and the determination to change an established but inferior system of drug administration in a fundamental way.