Final answer:
A prospective Drug Utilization Review (DUR) involves the identification and evaluation of potential drug therapy problems, assessment of therapeutic appropriateness, identification of medication errors or adverse drug events, and implementation of interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A prospective Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is a systematic process that analyzes and evaluates the use of medications to ensure their appropriate and safe use. The main elements of a prospective DUR include:
- Identification of potential drug therapy problems: This involves reviewing patient profiles and identifying any issues such as drug interactions, duplications, or inappropriate dosages.
- Evaluation of therapeutic appropriateness: This step assesses whether the prescribed medications are suitable for the patient's medical condition and individual characteristics.
- Identification of medication errors or adverse drug events: The DUR process aims to identify any errors or adverse reactions that may occur as a result of medication use.
- Implementation of interventions: Based on the findings of the DUR, appropriate interventions can be implemented to resolve any identified issues and optimize patient outcomes.