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4CPS-300 Targeting high-risk patients to optimise clinical pharmacist interventions in a trauma department

ejhpharm · 2026-03-18 · canonical JSON source

11 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Background and Importance Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common among hospitalised trauma patients and represent a significant threat to medication safety. Clinical pharmacists play a key role in identifying and resolving DRPs; however, the growing shortage of clinical pharmacy workforce across Europe poses an increasing challenge to ensuring optimal pharmaceutical care. Efficient allocation of limited pharmacist resources – both in terms of personnel and time – has therefore become essential.Aim and Objectives This study aimed to identify patient groups at higher risk of DRPs in a trauma department, using the categorisation and analysis of DRPs and associated pharmacist interventions as a tool to support targeted allocation of clinical pharmacy resources.Material and Methods A prospective observational study was conducted between 1 June and 30 June 2024, in a 30-bed trauma department. DRP types, causes, and pharmacist interventions were classified according to the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification 9.1 system. Demographic characteristics and active substances (recorded at the 7th level of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification) were collected. Student’s t-test was used to compare continuous variables, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables.Results A total of 131 patients (men 42.0%, women 58.0%) were included, with a mean age of 69.9 years (SD = 16). The median number of regularly taken medications was four. Overall, 99 DRPs were identified in 67 patients (51.1%). The most frequent DRPs were dosing problems (PCNE C3; 43.4%) and inappropriate drug selection (C1; 29.3%). Patients requiring pharmacist interventions had a higher median number of medications (5 vs. 3; p < 0.01). DRP occurrence was significantly associated with age (affected: 73.8 years; unaffected: 65.8 years; p < 0.001). DRPs were identified in 56.4% of patients on anticoagulant therapy, in contrast to 48.9% of patients not receiving it.Conclusion and Relevance The prevalence of DRPs in trauma care is considerable. It is essential to prioritise elderly patients, those receiving multiple medications, and individuals on anticoagulant therapy. Future research should aim to broaden the identification of high–risk groups in trauma care.Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest