A Clinical Study On Assessment Of Drug Related Problems In Geriatric Patients At Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

The geriatric population is at high risk of drug related problems (DRPs) due to the age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes. Furthermore, a higher incidence of drug related problems could result from age associated increased prevalence of multiple chronic diseases, which causes the use of complex therapeutic regimens. Drug-related problem (DRP) can be defined as: ‘an event or circumstance involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with desired health outcomes’. According to this point of view, a potential problem is a circumstance that may result in drug-related morbidity or fatality if no exploit is carried out. To assess Drug related problems in geriatric Patients and its possible contributing factors. A totally 300 patients were participated in this study, among the subjects reveals that 170  were male while 130 were female. 38.3% out of total subjects were higher between 65-70 years of age, In the study population of geriatrics among males was 56.6% and among females was 43.3%. More geriatrics was observed among male gender. The mean age of males were 56.6±53.0 and females were 43.3±41.2.A total of 541 DRPs were identified in all 300 study subjects, having a DRP frequency of 2.36 ± 2.01 per patient and categories as related to; drug without indication 4.06%, indication without drug 4.43%, drug not appropriate for therapy 2.77%, supratherapeutic dose 0.55%, additive toxicity 0.88%, therapeutic duplication 2.21%, adverse drug reactions 8.13%, drug–drug interaction  22.55% and PCNE assessment of potential inappropriate medications in elderly prescribing 51.08%. Of the total 541 indirect intervention recommended by clinical pharmacist, 162 were implemented, 324 were apprehended and acknowledged and 55 were unknown for their outcomes. Our study findings concluded that provide insight into the type of pharmaceutical care service required. Pharmacists and physicians could collaborate to develop drug use guidelines and policies in developing a safer healthcare system; this study advocates for the possibility of a collaborative and joint effort.