Improving Antibiotic Use in Surgical Care: Impact of Clinical Pharmacist Interventions on Optimizing Patient Therapy

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the nature of drug-related problems (DRPs) associated with antibiotic use and to evaluate the level of significance of clinical pharmacist interventions in surgical care. Methods: This prospective interventional study was carried out for 1 year in the wards of General Surgery. The in-patients were followed daily and reviewed for DRPs. The identified DRPs were categorized according to the Hepler and Strand classification. Drug-related problems other than those in Hepler and Strand classification were categorized separately based on medical literature and clinical practice evidence. The identified DRPs promising optimized therapy. Also, it highlights the importance of a clinical pharmacist's role in surgical care regarding patient safety.