What is a key outcome expected from a Drug Utilization Review (DUR)?

A key outcome expected from a Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is to reduce unnecessary prescriptions and adverse events. DUR entails a systematic review of a patient's medication history and includes aspects such as the appropriateness of prescribed medications, potential drug interactions, and duplication of therapy.

By focusing on these areas, DUR identifies and mitigates risks associated with medication use, ensuring that the prescribed therapies are appropriate for the patient's clinical needs. This process ultimately leads to improved patient safety and can help in preventing adverse drug reactions, which is particularly important in a healthcare environment where polypharmacy (the use of multiple medications) is common.

The goal of DUR aligns with the overall objective of promoting safer, more effective medication use, thus enhancing patient outcomes. Consequently, the emphasis on reducing unnecessary prescriptions contributes not only to patient safety but also to healthcare resource management by eliminating ineffective or harmful treatments.