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

The purpose of Drug Utilization Review (DUR) primarily focuses on ensuring medication safety and effectiveness for patients. DUR involves a comprehensive review of a patient's medication profile to identify potential issues, such as drug interactions, duplicate therapies, incorrect dosages, or allergies. By conducting this review, pharmacists and healthcare providers can identify and mitigate risks associated with prescribed medications, thereby enhancing patient safety and promoting appropriate medication use.

This process is essential in clinical settings, as it helps to ensure that medications prescribed to patients align with best practices and do not pose any harm. It is not related to verifying insurance coverage, conducting clinical trials, or monitoring the performance of pharmacy staff, as these activities serve different purposes in the healthcare system.