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USE OF AN ELECTRONIC EXPERT SUPPORT SYSTEM IN A SWEDISH COMMUNITY PHARMACY TO IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS
  • Aria Danish,
  • Tommy Westerlund,
  • Tommy Eriksson
Aria Danish
Malmö University, Faculty of Health and Society

Corresponding Author:aria.danish786@gmail.com

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Tommy Westerlund
Malmö University, Faculty of Health and Society
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Tommy Eriksson
Malmö University, Faculty of Health and Society
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Abstract

Objective: Drug-related problems (DRPs) can lead to consequences such as morbidity, mortality and increased costs. An electronic expert support system (EES) has been developed by the Swedish eHealth Agency to help pharmacists in community pharmacies identify potential DRPs, and to resolve actual DRPs. The objective of this study was to examine whether the use of the EES in a Swedish community pharmacy will result in more identified and resolved DRPs. Methods: In an open, prospective and controlled study, prescriptions were dispensed by three pharmacists with the use of EES during two weeks and without EES during two weeks in the spring of 2019. A DRP documentation template was developed and used. Identified DRPs, suggested actions and actions presented to patients and prescribers, and resolved DRPs, were documented and compared using Chi2-tests. Key findings: 100 patients were included in both the EES intervention group and in the control group. At least one actual DRP was identified in 26 intervention patients and 28 control patients. The number of patients with at least 1, 2 or 3–5 DRPs did not differ, but including the total number of DRPs reached statistical significance, favouring the EES-support group. EES-support helped pharmacists to present suggestions to physicians and consequently to resolve DRPs, primarily drug-drug interactions. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the EES dispensing support system contributes to the identification and resolution of DRPs, mainly DRPs related to drug-drug interactions and suggestions to the prescriber.
19 May 2020Submitted to Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
26 May 2020Submission Checks Completed
26 May 2020Assigned to Editor