Authors: (including presenting author): :
CH Cheung(1)(2), KL Leung(1)(2), KY Poon(1), LK Lui(1), TS Fong(1), TN Lam (2), WY
Chan(1), CK Mak(1), LK Mak(1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Department of Pharmacy, Tseung Kwan O Hospital
(2) School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Keyword 1: :
Medication review
Keyword 2: :
Ward pharmacist
Keyword 3: :
Computer-aided screening
Introduction: :
Medication review during hospitalization is essential to detect any drug-related problems (DRPs) and improve patients’ clinical outcome. Yet, due to the high turnover rate in the medical ward, ward pharmacists have limited time to perform daily medication reviews. A computer-aided screening tool is designed to aid ward pharmacists in prioritizing patients during daily review, enhancing the safe and effective use of pharmacotherapy.
Objectives: :
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a computer-aided screening tool in assisting identification of DRPs during daily medication reviews, mainly focusing on medication(s) that require renal adjustment and patients with dyslipidemia.
Methodology: :
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in two medical wards in Tseung Kwan O Hospital between 9th December 2024 to 21st February 2025. The primary outcome is the percentage of daily review cases with DRPs identified. Number of case(s) with DRP(s), number of DRP(s) identified, types(s) and severity of DRP(s), and physician acceptance rate were collected.
Result & Outcome: :
Among 385 cases reviewed in control and intervention groups, a significant increase in the proportion of cases with DRPs was found (15.5% vs. 24.5%; P=0.028), and the number of DRPs identified also significantly increased (32 vs. 54; P=0.022). A significant difference in the number of DRPs related to renal adjustment and statin optimization was observed (P=0.031). No significant difference in DRP severity was observed (P=0.283), and physician acceptance of interventions was 100% in both groups. The implementation of a computer-aided screening tool significantly improved the detection of targeted DRPs during daily medication reviews in the ward pharmacist service. Further investigation and a broader adoption might be considered.
