What is a significant benefit of conducting drug utilization reviews?

Conducting drug utilization reviews (DURs) plays a crucial role in enhancing patient safety, primarily by ensuring that prescriptions are appropriate, effective, and safe for the individual patient. During these reviews, pharmacists assess various aspects of medication therapy, including potential drug interactions, allergies, and overall medication management. By identifying and addressing these issues before medications are dispensed, DURs help prevent adverse drug events and improve the overall quality of care.

In addition to improving patient safety through better prescribing practices, DURs can also help optimize pharmacotherapy, ensuring that patients receive the most suitable medications for their conditions. This thorough evaluation contributes to better health outcomes and can also promote adherence to prescribed treatments. Thus, the implementation of DURs is an essential practice within the pharmacy profession aimed at providing safer and more effective medication use.