Adverse-drug-reaction related admissions to a hospital in Scotland

Yvonne Hopf, Margaret Watson, David Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

AIMS: To apply established methods to identify ADR-related admissions and to determine the proportion which was preventable and which were caused by non-prescription medicines (NPMs).

METHODS: This prospective, observational study screened all acute hospital admissions (n = 1,101) by ward pharmacists over a 2-week period. Suspected ADR-related admissions were reported to the researcher and established criteria were used to evaluate probability, causality and preventability of the ADR-related admissions.

RESULTS: Of the 1,101 emergency admissions which occurred during the study period, 30 were categorised as ADR-related, equating to a prevalence of 2.7% (95% CI, 1.8-3.7%). Three (9.7%) of the 30 admissions were associated with NPMs. The ADR was the dominant reason for admission in 56.7% (n = 17/30) and only 13.3% (n = 4/30) of all reported admissions were assessed as unavoidable.

CONCLUSION: The proportion of ADR-related admissions was lower than in previous studies in the UK. A substantial proportion of ADRs was associated with NPMs, highlighting the need for greater awareness amongst patients, prescribers and other health care professionals regarding possible serious adverse effects caused by these medicines.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)854-862
Number of pages9
JournalPharmacy World & Science
Volume30
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2008

Keywords

  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nonprescription Drugs
  • Pharmacists
  • Prevalence
  • Professional Role
  • Prospective Studies
  • Scotland

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