What does Prospective DUR in a drug utilization review program entail?

Prospective Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is an essential component of pharmacy practice that is conducted before a prescription is filled. It aims to identify potential drug therapy problems before the medication is dispensed to the patient. This type of review involves assessing the medication regimen against specific criteria, such as checking for drug interactions, contraindications, allergies, and appropriateness of the drug therapy based on the patient's medical history and current condition.

By screening for potential drug therapy issues prior to dispensing, prospective DUR helps in ensuring patient safety, optimizing therapeutic outcomes, and preventing medication errors that could lead to adverse effects or suboptimal therapy. This proactive approach is crucial in promoting effective pharmaceutical care and enhancing patient well-being.

In contrast, other options focus on aspects that do not align with the goals of Prospective DUR. The choice that mentions occurrences after the drug is dispensed refers to Retrospective DUR, which reviews medication use post-dispensing. Likewise, discussions about focusing solely on historical drug use or limiting the process to patient counseling after drug use also miss the proactive nature of Prospective DUR, which is central to its purpose in preventing potential issues before they occur.