Patient risk factors for developing a drug-related problem in a cardiology ward

Abstract

Background

Because of the high incidence of drug-related problems (DRPs) among hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases and their potential impact on morbidity and mortality, it is important to identify the most susceptible patients, who therefore require closer monitoring of drug therapy.

Purpose

To identify the profile of patients at higher risk of developing at least one DRP during hospitalization in a cardiology ward.

Method

We consecutively included all patients hospitalized in the cardiology ward of a teaching hospital in 2009. DRPs were identified through a computerized warning system designed by the pharmacy department and integrated into the electronic medical record.

Results

A total of 964 admissions were included, and at least one DRP was detected in 29.8%. The variables associated with a higher risk of these events were polypharmacy (odds ratio [OR]=1.228; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.153–1.308), female sex (OR=1.496; 95% CI=1.026–2.180), and first admission (OR=1.494; 95% CI=1.005–2.221).

Conclusion

Monitoring patients through a computerized warning system allowed the detection of at least one DRP in one-third of the patients. Knowledge of the risk factors for developing these problems in patients admitted to hospital for cardiovascular problems helps in identifying the most susceptible patients.

Keywords:

• cardiovascular diseases
• patient safety
• drug therapy monitoring
• computerized provider order entry
• clinical pharmacist
• pharmacy warning system

Acknowledgments

This study is a part of a PhD program in medicine of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflict of interests in this work.