Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Drug Utilization Review

Drug utilization review (DUR) is a process used in healthcare to evaluate the use of medications to ensure that they are being used safely, effectively, and appropriately. It is an important aspect of healthcare and can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse events.

DUR programs may be implemented by healthcare organizations, pharmacies, insurance companies, or other stakeholders in the healthcare system. These programs can take a variety of forms, but they generally involve reviewing and analyzing medication use data to identify potential problems or areas for improvement.

For example, a DUR program may identify patterns of inappropriate prescribing, such as the use of a medication for a condition it is not approved to treat, or the prescribing of a medication that may interact with other medications the patient is taking. DUR programs may also identify patients who are not taking their medications as prescribed, which can lead to poor treatment outcomes.

DUR programs may also involve interventions to address identified problems, such as providing educational materials to healthcare providers, communicating with patients about their medication use, or implementing protocols to ensure that medications are being used safely and effectively.

Overall, DUR programs can help to optimize drug utilization in healthcare and improve patient outcomes by ensuring that medications are being used safely, effectively, and appropriately.