National Surveillance of Emergency Department Visits for Outpatient Adverse Drug Events

Abstract

Outpatient use of drug therapies in the United States is common and may confer serious risks along with substantial therapeutic benefits.^1,2 Historically, the public health burden of adverse events from therapeutic drug use among community-dwelling, nonhospitalized patients has been difficult to estimate, but the problem is large and can be expected to increase.^3-5 In 2004, 82% of the US population reported using at least 1 prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or dietary supplement in the previous week and 30% reported using 5 or more of these drugs.¹