What is the general purpose of drug utilization review (DUR)?

The general purpose of drug utilization review (DUR) is fundamentally centered around enhancing patient safety and ensuring the effective use of medications. By focusing on decreasing adverse drug effects, DUR plays a critical role in monitoring and evaluating prescribed medications to identify potentially harmful interactions and ensure that drug therapy aligns with established guidelines and individual patient needs.

This systematic process involves assessing patient medication profiles, checking for contraindications, reviewing therapeutic appropriateness, and monitoring for adherence to clinical guidelines. By doing so, healthcare providers are better equipped to intervene when a medication may lead to adverse reactions, thus improving the overall quality of patient care.

While increasing prescription volume, managing medication inventory, and expediting the dispensing process are important aspects of pharmacy operations, they do not encapsulate the primary objective of drug utilization review, which is sharply focused on patient safety and minimizing risks associated with drug therapy.