Characteristics of drug-related problems and pharmacists' interventions in a geriatric unit in China

Abstract

BackgroundData is lacking on the characteristics of drug-related problems in Chinese elderly inpatients and the impacts of clinical pharmacy activities in the geriatric ward in China.ObjectiveTo describe the nature of drug-related problems in elderly inpatients based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe classification, and identify the correlates of the drug-related problems.SettingGeriatric ward of a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China.MethodPharmacists reviewed medication orders over a 12-month period with drug-related problems and interventions documented. Drug-related problems were categorized respectively according to the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe classification. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine factors associated with drug-related problems.Main outcome measureThe causes, interventions proposed and risk factors of potential drug-related problems.ResultsA total of 335 interventions associated with possible drug-related problems for 184 older patients were recorded. The incidence of patients experiencing at least one drug-related problem was 34.5%. Drug therapy problems were most commonly classified within the treatment effectiveness domain. Drug selection accounted for most cause of possible drug-related problems. The most common intervention was starting a drug and the acceptance rate was 91.9%. The factors associated with drug-related problems were the number of prescribed medications, Charlson Comorbidity Index and length of stay (P < 0.05).ConclusionDrug-related problems are common in elderly inpatients. Clinical pharmacy service is necessary to the optimization of drug therapy in older inpatients.