Why are drug utilization reviews (DURs) conducted?

Drug utilization reviews (DURs) are a crucial component of pharmaceutical care aimed at enhancing patient safety and medication efficacy. The primary purpose of conducting a DUR is to evaluate patient medication records and ensure that prescribed medications are being used appropriately. This includes checking for potential drug interactions, verifying that the medication is appropriate for the patient's condition, confirming proper dosing, and identifying any contraindications.

By conducting these reviews, healthcare professionals can identify and mitigate any issues that may arise from medication therapy, ultimately leading to better patient health outcomes. DURs help in promoting the rational use of medications which aligns with the overarching goals of healthcare to ensure that patients receive safe, effective treatments.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary objective of DURs. Promoting new drugs, while potentially a concern for pharmaceutical marketing, does not align with the safety and efficacy focus of DURs. Cost-effectiveness, although important in healthcare decision-making, is not the primary function of a DUR, which is more about patient safety. Tracking pharmacy sales trends is unrelated to the clinical aspects that DURs address, which center on individual patient care rather than sales data.