A Hospital-based Perspective Observational Study on Medication-related Problems in Clinical Practice

Abstract Background: One of the most significant problems seen during a patient’s hospital stay is medication-related problems (MRPs). MRPs are linked to longer hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and higher morbidity and mortality rates. There are numerous domains and sub-domains that make up MRPS. Identification and resolution of such MRPs are largely the responsibility of a clinical pharmacist. To determine the prevalence of MRPs, to categorize them into various domains and identify the risk factors linked with them. Materials and Methods: An observational longitudinal study was conducted on 195 hospitalized patients. The socio-demographic details and medication chart of all patients were observed for 3 days. Each medication chart was evaluated for MRP (if any) and was classified into its domains and sub-domains. Results: MRP prevalence was found to be 24.61%. It was observed that, prescribing error (42, 89.3%) and unnecessary drug therapy (35, 81.3%) were the major MRP among the other. Statistical Analysis and Network Graph showed strong correlation between medication error and chronic disease and polypharmacy. Conclusion: There were many MRPs and a high prevalence rate for MRPs. Medication error and indication type had the greatest observed MRP. There was a significant association between medication error and chronic disease, medication error and polypharmacy, inappropriate drug therapy and geriatric patients, and medication error with polypharmacy.