Retrospective analysis of adverse drug reaction enquiries to a hospital drug information service: lessons to be learned to increase in-hospital drug safety

• DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riae036
• Publication Date: 2024-07-18T19:28:42Z
• Authors: Dorothea Strobach; Yvonne Pudritz; Daniela Huttner
• Keywords: Drug class; Specialty; Drug reaction; Adverse drug reaction

Abstract Objectives Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major safety concern and frequent topic of enquiries to hospital information services. Our goal was analyse these regarding background, complexity, nature ADR, involved classes improve in-hospital safety. Methods Retrospectively, ADR German university pharmacy 2018–2022 were analysed enquirer (profession, medical specialty) enquiry details (drugs, suspected ADR/enquiry prior initiation, system organ class, probable cause identified, complexity). Key findings Of 543 enquiries, 516 (95%) asked by physicians, 493 (91%) patient-specific, 390 (71%) on ADRs, 153 (28%) initiation. Enquiries originated frequently from internal medicine (74/13.6%), paediatrics (71/13.1%), neurology (70/12.9%), haemato-oncology (62/11.4%). Most ADRs haematologic (94/17%) hepatic (72/13%). The median number drugs per three (range 0–37), 209 (38%) referred one specific drug, 165 (30%) concerned ≥11 drugs. A for identified in 75 (36%) concerning 155 (94%) with antineoplastic (54/25.8%), nervous-system-drugs (42/20.1%), anti-infective (40/19.1%). (342/63%) complex (multiple/specialist resources). Conclusions usually physicians referring clinical situations. many cases pointing direct positive impact patient care. initiation should be encouraged increase Information main effects helps targeted counselling.