Can adverse drug reactions be prevented
About: This article is published in Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.The article was published on 1980-02-01. It has received 13 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Dose dumping.
Citations
More filters
TL;DR: Drug-induced hospitalizations account for approximately five percent of all admissions, and should include the Third World and nonindustrialized nations as well as specific cultural groups.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:To review and summarize studies reporting rates of drug-related hospital admissions.DATA SOURCES:Manual and computerized literature searches using MEDLINE, Index Medicus, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts as databases (key words: Drug, drug-related, or iatrogenic; admission, hospital admission, or hospitalization; and ADR or adverse drug reaction). References from retrieved articles were searched to locate further studies.STUDY SELECTION:Included were English-language studies of humans admitted to the hospital because of medications. Problems investigated were admissions prompted by adverse drug reactions (ADRs) when drugs were used by the patient and admissions resulting from a patient's noncompliant or unintentionally inappropriate drug use. Excluded were cases involving drug abuse, alcoholism, suicide attempts, intoxication, or inadequate prescribing.DATA SYNTHESIS:Between 1966 and 1989, ADR rates from 49 hospitals or groups of hospitals in a variety of international settings were pu...
504 citations
TL;DR: The evidence for a relationship between chronological age and adverse drug reactions is reviewed and the contribution of related factors, such as multiple drug therapy and increased morbidity, are evaluated.
Abstract: t has been stated that adverse drug reactions are the inevitable price we pay for the benefits of modem drug therapy.'f2 Certainly, adverse drug reactions I are costly both in terms of the human illness caused and in economic term^.^,^ Furthermore, iatrogenic disease can undermine the doctor patient relati~nship.~ The problem of adverse reactions is particularly pertinent to elderly patients because they consume a disproportionate amount of drugs. While those over 65 years of age comprise only 11.7% of the population in the United States, 31% of all drugs are prescribed for this age group.6 Similarly, in the United Kingdom the elderly are dispensed twice as many prescriptions as the national average.' Moreover, alterations in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics with advancing age may alter the response, both wanted and ~nwanted.\",~ We have reviewed the evidence for a relationship between chronological age and adverse drug reactions and have attempted to evaluate the contribution of related factors, such as multiple drug therapy and increased morbidity.
314 citations
TL;DR: The proportion of ADR-related admissions has not decreased in the last decade and, given the increasing numbers of acute medical admissions, the absolute numbers may have actually increased.
Abstract: Background: In this pilot study, we have investigated the frequency of adverse drug reaction (ADR)-related admissions to an acute medical assessment unit. Although ADRs are thought to be responsible for 5% of hospital admissions, there have been no recent studies in the U.K.
Objective: To pilot such a study for estimating the incidence of ADR-related admissions to an acute medical assessment unit.
Method: Data were collected for 200 patients including details of concurrent illness, drug usage and reasons for admission. ADRs were assessed for causality using two previously published classification systems.
Results: ADRs were responsible for admission in 15 (7.5%) patients, were present in an additional three (1.5%) patients and may have contributed to the deaths of two (1%) patients. Of the 15 ADRs suspected of causing an admission, three were considered to be ‘possible’ or ‘unlikely’, with the remaining 12 considered to be ‘probable’ or ‘certain’. The proportion of patients identified in this study with ADR-related admissions is either similar to or larger than that found in comparable studies carried out in other hospitals. Nearly all ADRs were Type A reactions in that they were predictable and therefore potentially preventable.
Conclusion: This study suggests that the proportion of ADR-related admissions has not decreased in the last decade and, given the increasing numbers of acute medical admissions, the absolute numbers may have actually increased. Furthermore, the nature of drugs causing admissions has not changed substantially over the last 20 years. Strategies to reduce the burden of ADR-related admissions are urgently needed.
61 citations
TL;DR: This pilot study investigated the frequency of adverse drug reaction (ADR)‐related admissions to an acute medical assessment unit and found that ADRs are responsible for 5% of hospital admissions, but there have been no recent studies in the U.K.
Abstract: Background: In this pilot study, we have investigated the frequency of adverse drug reaction (ADR)‐related admissions to an acute medical assessment unit. Although ADRs are thought to be responsible for 5% of hospital admissions, there have been no recent studies in the U.K.
48 citations
TL;DR: The present study demonstrates the benefit of a clinical pharmacology programme focused on rational pharmacotherapy during the clinical years of medical education.
Abstract: The present study aims to assess the short- and mid-term post-graduation impact of a pharmacotherapy course in the fifth year at Marmara University School of Medicine by an objective (OSCE) and a subjective (questionnaires) evaluation. Statistical comparison of pretest, posttest-exposed case and posttest-unexposed case scores indicated both a retention and a transfer effect of training. The post-course questionnaire revealed that 95%of the students found the course useful and necessary; 97% reported that they will apply a rational pharmacotherapy approach using this model and communicate better with their patients. The post-graduation questionnaire also showed that the majority of them have learned general principles of rational pharmacotherapy(90%), gained good prescribing (90%) and communication skills (87.5%), and understood the importance of non-pharmacological treatment alternatives (100%). In general, they stated that they would apply the principles during their medical practice and they believed their colleagues would do too. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the benefit of a clinical pharmacology programme focused on rational pharmacotherapy during the clinical years of medical education.
38 citations