Clinical Pharmacists' Attitudes and Practices Regarding Drug-Drug Interaction in Hospital

Abstract

Background: Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are a significant cause of adverse drug reactions (ADIs) and treatment failures. Clinical pharmacists play a critical role in identifying and preventing DDIs, which is crucial in hospital settings where poly pharmacy is common. In Saudi Arabia, clinical pharmacy services have been expanding, but little is known about the attitudes and practices of clinical pharmacists regarding DDIs. ADIs remain a widespread problem in hospital settings, emphasizing the critical role of pharmacists in their prevention and management. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of clinical pharmacists in hospital, KSA, concerning clinically relevant drug interactions.

Method: A cross-sectional design was utilized; a questionnaire was distributed to hospital pharmacists from February 2024 to April 2024.

Results: Among the 312 participants, found that 38.8% had low, 31.4% had moderate, and 29.8% had high knowledge of drug interactions. Most of the pharmacists (94.5%) used software to evaluate drug interactions, and a significant proportion (91%) emphasized the necessity for regular training. Additionally, pharmacists routinely screened prescriptions for potential interactions (94.5%), assessed risks before dispensing (91.7%), documented drug interactions (85.3%), provided patient counseling (89.4%), and contacted prescribing physicians when necessary (91%). Despite the identified gaps in knowledge, the alignment of pharmacists’ practices with standard procedures for managing drug interactions highlights their proactive approach to patient safety. This research underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives and continuous professional development to enhance pharmacists’ understanding of drug interactions, ultimately improving patient outcomes in hospital, KSA.