Drug-related Problems among Inpatients of General Medicine Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Background: Identification of drug-related problems (DRPs) is a medication management service that can add value to individual patient care. Determination of DRPs daily is a promising approach for optimizing treatment. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence of DRPs identified along with the risk factors that contribute to its development. Setting: This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 newly admitted patients to the general medicine department. Patient medical records were reviewed in 3 stages – medication reconciliation, medication order review, and discharge summary review, and DRPs were categorized based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe V9.1. Patient characteristics such as age, gender, polypharmacy, comorbidities, nonadherence, and type of illness were recorded. Results: Out of 300 patients, 78.7% had DRPs. The incidence of DRPs was found to be 0.26 cases/people-months. Although age >60 years, gender, polypharmacy, nonadherence, comorbidities, and chronic ailments were risk factors for DRPs, only polypharmacy and comorbidities could be proven statistically. Conclusion: DRPs are an emerging issue within the confines of the health-care system and should be scrutinized to avoid negative outcomes. A stage-wise analysis of patients who are at risk will ensure better patient care.