Research article

Evaluation of risk factor management of patients treated on an internal nephrology ward: a pilot study

Gunar Stemer^1,2 , Sonja Zehetmayer³ and Rosa Lemmens-Gruber¹

¹Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria

²Pharmacy Department, Vienna General Hospital, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria

³Department of Medical Statistics, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria

author email corresponding author email

BMC Clinical Pharmacology 2009, 9:15doi:10.1186/1472-6904-9-15

Published:	6 September 2009

Abstract

Background

The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate treatment quality for the risk factors of hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia as well as the overall treatment quality for patients on an internal nephrology ward. This evaluation included the collection of data concerning the quality of therapeutic drug monitoring, drug use and potential drug-drug interactions. Establishing such baseline information highlights areas that have a need for further therapeutic intervention and creates a foundation for improving patient care, a subject that could be addressed in future clinical pharmacy research projects.

Methods

Medical charts of patients treated on a single internal nephrology ward were retrospectively evaluated using a predefined data collection form. Assessment of further need for therapeutic intervention was performed.

Results

For 76.5% (n = 78) of the total study population (n = 102), there was either a possibility (39.2%, n = 40) or a need (37.3%, n = 38) for further intervention based on the overall assessment. For the risk factors of hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia, the proportions of patients that require further intervention were 78.8% (n = 71), 90.6% (n = 58) and 87.9% (n = 58), respectively. Patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia were less likely to have optimal risk factor control. The number of drugs prescribed and the number of potential drug-drug interactions were significantly higher after in-hospital treatment.

Conclusion

Risk factor treatment needs optimisation. Risk factor management, systematic medication reviews, and screening for and management of potential drug-drug interactions deserve great attention. Clinical pharmacy services could help in the achievement of treatment goals.