What is the purpose of the Drug Utilization Review (DUR)?

• A. To monitor the drug prices in pharmacies
• B. To ensure that prescribed drugs are appropriate and safe for the patient
• C. To analyze the market trends of pharmaceutical products
• D. To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacy staff

Answer: (B)

The purpose of the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is to ensure that prescribed drugs are appropriate and safe for the patient. DUR is a critical process designed to improve patient safety and medication use by evaluating a patient's medications in relation to their health conditions and other medications they may be taking. This review assesses the appropriateness of drug therapies, identifies potential drug interactions, evaluates therapeutic duplications, and confirms that medications follow established guidelines and recommendations.

This process is essential for helping healthcare providers make informed decisions about patient care. It also promotes the safe use of medications, minimizes the risk of adverse drug reactions, and enhances overall treatment outcomes. Through this systematic review, pharmacists and healthcare professionals can ensure that the medications adhere to appropriate clinical standards, ultimately leading to better patient management and safety.

While monitoring drug prices, analyzing market trends, or evaluating pharmacy staff may relate to the broader context of pharmaceutical care, they do not align with the core function of DUR, which is specifically focused on ensuring the appropriateness and safety of drug therapy for individual patients.