Identification and resolution of drug-related problems in the cardiovascular surgery unit of a tertiary hospital in China: a retrospective study

Objective: The prevalence and characteristics of drug-related problems (DRPs) in the cardiovascular surgery unit have not been adequately explored, leaving a gap in our understanding of this critical issue. This study aimed to address this gap by determining the prevalence, characteristics of DRPs and identifying factors associated with their occurrence.

Methods: During a non-consecutive 48-month study period, a retrospective analysis was conducted to investigate DRPs and the interventions carried out by pharmacists for patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. The study collected data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and pharmacist interventions.

Results: A comprehensive data analysis revealed 671 DRPs among the 623 hospitalized patients, averaging 1.08 DRPs per patient. The most prevalent type of DRPs observed was "Unnecessary drug-treatment P3.2", accounting for 56.18% (377/671). The primary cause of DRPs was drug selection (C1), followed by dose selection (C3). Pharmacists proposed 1,628 interventions, averaging 2.43 interventions per DRP and 2.61 interventions per patient. Most interventions were accepted and fully implemented by physicians or patients, resulting in 537 (80.03%) of the total DRPs resolved. Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the frequency of DRPs was correlated with age, the length of hospitalization, diagnosis of valvular disease, presence of infectious desease and the number of different types of drugs used by the patients.

Conclusions: DRPs are a prevalent issue within the cardiovascular surgery unit, mainly due to drug selection. Clinical pharmacists' presence has proven effective in mitigating and preventing DRPs, thus optimizing medication therapy.