Can a pharmacist use a program/alerts to help with Drug Utilization Review (DUR)?

The assertion that a pharmacist can use a program or alerts to assist with Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is accurate when it includes all medications dispensed for the previous six months. Utilizing computerized systems to enhance DUR processes is encouraged in many practice settings, as these systems can provide alerts regarding potential drug interactions, allergies, and duplications. This automation does not replace the critical thinking and professional judgment that pharmacists must apply, but it serves as an important support tool.

The requirement for the program to incorporate a comprehensive medication history, such as the previous six months, ensures that pharmacists have a broad perspective on a patient's medication usage. This wider scope allows for more thorough assessments and improved safety in medication management. Programs that capture this data help pharmacists identify issues that might not arise from examining a narrower timeframe of medication history.

The context of why some other choices were less advantageous further highlights the importance of comprehensive review. Manual DUR can lead to oversights, as it is time-consuming and relies heavily on the pharmacist's memory and attention to detail without the aid of technology. Furthermore, restricting the use of programs only to specific classes of medication, such as controlled substances, diminishes the potential benefits of comprehensive medication management and may ignore interactions across non-controlled medications.