IMPACT OF PHARMACIST-LED MEDICATION REVIEW AND PATIENT EDUCATION ON DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS AND COMPLIANCE AMONG HOSPITALIZED CARDIOVASCULAR PATIENTS: AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-led medication review, identify and resolve drug-related problems (DRPs) and improve patient compliance before and after counselling among cardiovascular inpatients in a tertiary hospital in Sindh, Pakistan.

Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sukkur, Sindh from November 2023 to November 2024. A total of 385 cardiovascular inpatients aged 18 years or older were enrolled. DRPs were assessed using PCNE classification V9.1. Patient compliance was measured using the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) by comparing before and after counselling. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.

Results: Of 385 patients, 61% were male and 39% female. Out of which 696 drug related problems were identified. Among 696, 223 (58%) adverse drug reaction, 190 (49.4%) drug interaction, 62 (16%) duration of treatment too short , 54 (14%) untreated indication, 39 (10%) drug use without indication, 31 (8%) drug dose too low, 27 (7%) duration of treatment too high, 23 (6%) drug dose unclear, 19 (5%) drug dose too high, 16 (4%) inappropriate drug form, 12 (3%) too many drugs prescribed for an indication. For 696 DRPs identified and provided with 223 interventions which includes 64 (28.7%) drug withdrawal, 49 (21.8%) symptomatic treatment, 79 (35.6%) addition of new drug, 5 (2.3%) dosage form altered, 18 (8%) dose altered and 8 (3.4%) others. Patient compliance improved from 53% before counselling to 73% post counselling.

Conclusion: Pharmacist-led interventions significantly identify and resolve DRPs and improved patient compliance. Hence the study addresses the importance of clinical pharmacist into the hospital is highly recommended.