Validating a Drug-Related Problems Classification System in Outpatient Setting in Iran

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Health Services Research
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Medication Therapy Management (MTMs) services aim to enhance collaboration among healthcare professionals for managing chronic diseases and polypharmacy.
• A critical component of MTMs is the identification and resolution of drug-related problems (DRPs).
• Existing DRPs classification systems lack universal acceptance and implementation due to inherent defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a comprehensive system for classifying and documenting drug-related problems (DRPs) specifically for the Iranian patient population.

Main Methods:

• A methodological study involving the review and comparison of four existing DRPs classification systems.
• Development of a comprehensive documentation system based on the reviewed systems.
• Validation of the developed system using expert opinions and content validity assessment.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive list of 53 DRPs categorized under eight headings was initially developed.
• Items with a content validity ratio <0.4 or content validity index <70% were excluded or modified.
• A modified DRPs list was finalized after excluding and modifying eight items, achieving consensus among 20 experts.

Conclusions:

• The developed and validated DRPs list is suitable for standardizing operations in Iranian outpatient clinics.
• This system can contribute to the standardization of Medication Therapy Management services.
• The list's universality and validity, confirmed by expert consensus, support its implementation.