5PSQ-132 Adverse drug events attended in emergency department: analysis, economic impact and preventive measures adopted

<h3>Background and Importance</h3> The increase of polytherapy leads to a higher inappropriate use of medication. The incidence of adverse drug events (ADE) are increasing and some of them are severe, preventable and have a significant public health and economic impact. Studies show the importance of incorporating preventive measures in order to improve patient’s safety and healthcare system resources. <h3>Aim and Objectives</h3> To determine the prevalence of patients attending the Emergency Department (ED) because of an ADE, to identify the implicated drugs, and to classify the causes and level of preventability. The economic impact of preventable ADE was determined and preventive measures adopted were described. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> Observational and cross-sectional study included patients above 18 years of age who were attended in ED because of an ADE in a tertiary-level hospital on 15 March 2023 at 12:00 pm. The drugs involved and the ADE were identified. The degree of prevention was defined according to the Schumock-Thornton algorithm. The economic burden was conducted, including an assessment of the costs associated with the tests required, treatments, human resources and hospital stay. Strategies to prevent ADE were proposed by a multidisciplinary team. The study was approved by the hospital Ethics Committee. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 75 patients who were enrolled, seven (9.33%) attended for an ADE. The median age was 74 years (range: 16–98 years). The responsible drugs were digoxin (bradycardia), furosemide (heart failure), apixaban (gastrointestinal bleeding), vincristine (neutropenic fever), nitrofural (erythema), moxifloxacin (myalgia) and amoxicillin (diarrhoea). Four (57.1%) ADE were probably preventable, one (14.3 %) definitely preventable and two (28.6 %) not preventable. The overall healthcare cost of preventable ADE was 9,317 €. In order to prevent ADE a bundle of measures were implemented, including pharmaceutical care in ED, the assessment of therapeutic appropriateness and a follow-up on discharge. Finally, a data intelligence tool was developed, incorporating algorithms that generated alerts to detect ADE. <h3>Conclusion and Relevance</h3> Adverse drug events have an important prevalence and economic impact on the healthcare system. In this study, approximately 70% of them could have been prevented, which suggests the contribution of prevention measures to reduce ADE, improving the quality and resources of the healthcare system. <h3>References and/or Acknowledgements</h3> <h3>Conflict of Interest</h3> No conflict of interest