USE OF AN ELECTRONIC EXPERT SUPPORT SYSTEM IN A SWEDISH COMMUNITY
PHARMACY TO IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS
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.