THE ROLE OF THE CLINICAL PHARMACIST IN ADDRESSING DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS IN STROKE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

The morbidity, mortality, and diminished quality of life of patients are all impacted by drug related problems. Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death in India and since the stroke patients are at an increased risk of DRPs (Drug Related Problems), early identification, prevention and resolution of the same is important for improving the quality of life of stroke patients. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of DRPs in stroke patients by using Hepler strand classification and the acceptance rate by the multidisciplinary team. The relevant information were documented using a predefined data collection form and was analyzed for drug related problems and categorized according to Hepler Strand classification. A total of 510 DRPs from 130 participants with an average incidence of 3.92 DRPs per patient. Drug drug interaction was found to be 23.53% and ADRs accounted for 12.55 % of total DRPs. The study found a high acceptance rate of recommendations by healthcare professionals at 97.36%, with changes in therapy being made 68.13% of the time. Early detection and resolution of DRP by clinical pharmacist may improve the therapeutic outcomes in stroke patients. This also helps in preventing complications and unnecessary hospitalization, high cost of treatment and deaths among stroke patients.