What purpose does a "Drug Utilization Review" (DUR) serve?

A Drug Utilization Review (DUR) serves a crucial role in healthcare by ensuring that prescribed medications are appropriate for the patient, necessary for the treatment of their condition, and that they are being used safely and effectively. DUR programs evaluate prescription patterns, checking for errors or potential drug interactions, and also consider patient-specific factors such as allergies, comorbid conditions, and other ongoing medications.

This process helps to improve patient outcomes by minimizing the risks associated with medication therapy and optimizing the overall management of medication regimens. It ensures that healthcare providers are making informed decisions based on evidence and clinical guidelines, contributing to safer prescribing practices.

In contrast, other options do not align with the primary purpose of a DUR. For instance, promoting new drug advertisements does not reflect the patient-centered focus of DUR, while assessing the financial impact of medications deals more with economic analysis rather than clinical appropriateness. Evaluating the effectiveness of over-the-counter drugs is outside the scope of DUR, which primarily deals with prescription medications.