What is the main purpose of a drug utilization review (DUR)?

The main purpose of a drug utilization review (DUR) is to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribed medications and ensure patient safety. DURs are conducted to analyze patterns in medication use and can identify potential drug interactions, contraindications, and duplications of therapy. This process helps in confirming that the prescribed medications are suitable for the patient's conditions, dosages are appropriate, and that the overall treatment aligns with clinical guidelines, thereby promoting optimal therapeutic outcomes and minimizing risks.

DURs focus primarily on patient health and medication efficacy rather than the performance of pharmacy staff, the creation of alternative medication lists, or tracking sales volume of medications. These aspects, while relevant to pharmacy practice, fall outside the scope of what a DUR aims to achieve.