Evaluation of clinical pharmacy services in nephrology inpatient clinic

Aim: The aim of this study is to provide clinical pharmacy services to nephrology inpatients; to classify identified drug-related problems and interventions, and and to reveal the contribution of the clinical pharmacist. Material and method: The study was conducted at İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center Nephrology Inpatient Clinic between March 1 and September 30, 2020. During this period drug-related problems were evaluated prospectively in 170 patients who were hospitalized in the nephrology clinic and took at least one medication, and the PCNE v.9 classification system was utilized to classify these problems. Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with and without drug-related problems were compared. Results: At least one drug-related problem was detected in 135 of the 170 patients included in the study, and a total of 383 drug-related problems were recorded in these 135 patients. The median value of the quantity of medications used by patients with drug-related problems was found to be 10 (IQR: 7-12) and 6 (IQR: 5-7) in those without (p<0.05). In the study, 383 recommendations were made to the physician and nurse, and it was determined that 338 (88.25%) of these recommendations were accepted and 45 (11.75%) were not accepted. When the causes of drug related problems were examined, it was shown that drug selection (N1) was the most common (40.48%), followed by dosage selection (N3) by 34.8 percent. Characteristics such as age, length of hospitalization, and quantity of medications were compared in the main diagnostic groups that led to hospitalization. While no difference was observed between the groups in terms of age and length of stay, there was a difference in the quantity of medications administered (p<0.05). Conclusion: The clinical pharmacist participating in the multidisciplinary health team and suggesting interventions for drug-related problems is seen as a way to prevent them and contribute to the effectiveness of treatment. Key words: Clinical pharmacy, drug-related problem, nephrology