What impact does the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) have on pharmacy practices?

The Drug Utilization Review (DUR) plays a crucial role in pharmacy practices by significantly improving medication safety and ensuring effective therapy for patients. Its primary purpose is to evaluate potential drug interactions, contraindications, and appropriate dosages based on patient-specific factors such as age, weight, and medical history.

By conducting these reviews, pharmacists can identify and prevent medication errors, which may include prescribing the wrong medication, inappropriate dosages, or unnecessary therapies. This proactive approach helps to safeguard patient health, minimize adverse drug reactions, and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Ultimately, the DUR process fosters a more informed and careful approach to medication management, leading to safer practices in pharmacies.

The other options do not encompass the primary goals of DUR. While it may lead to improvements in patient satisfaction, the primary objective and most significant impact lie in fostering medication safety and efficacy rather than simply focusing on the volume of prescriptions filled or the cost of medications.