Background

In 2000 the Department of Health produced a report that highlighted the scale of preventable drug-related morbidity, and called for further investigation. Many studies have looked at drug related admissions to hospitals. They all show varying incidence (2.3% to 15%) depending on the type of admission examined, and the definition of drug related admission used. These studies have mainly been carried out in the United States, with only two studies undertaken in the United Kingdom.

Objectives

1. To determine the incidence of drug-related admissions (DRA) and preventable drug-related admissions (PDRA)

2. To document causes of PDRA

Method

An observational study carried out between 1^st January 2001 and 30^th June 2001, detecting drug related admissions (preventable and non-preventable) to the medical admissions unit at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham.

Case reports were reviewed by 3 independent assessors to identify drug related admissions (using amended Hallas criteria) and preventability (using criteria developed by Hepler).

Results

3987 admissions were included in the study between 1^st January 2001 and 30^th June 2001.

Preliminary results for January 1^st2001 to March 31^st 2001 show:

6% of admissions confirmed as drug related

4% of admissions confirmed as preventable

Discussion

Preliminary results for the first 3 months agree with previous studies. They confirm that drug related admissions are a significant, avoidable problem in Nottingham.

The results suggest that targeting:

• GI bleeds caused by aspirin and NSAIDs,
• Adherence to prescription for asthmatics and heart disease patients
• Monitoring in GP surgeries

Will provide the greatest impact on the incidence of drug related admissions.

Detailed analysis of the causes of drug related admissions would be helpful for the future development of strategies to avoid drug-related admissions/morbidity.