DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS AND CLINICAL PHARMACIST INTERVENTIONS IN HOSPITALIZED NEUROLOGICAL PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background: Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common among hospitalized neurological patients due to complex pharmacotherapy and polypharmacy. Clinical pharmacists play a vital role in identifying and managing these problems. Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence and types of DRPs among hospitalized neurological patients and described clinical pharmacist interventions and their outcomes. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 117 adult patients admitted to the Neurology Department and ICU of Benghazi Medical Center between November 2024 and March 2025. DRPs were identified and classified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification v9.1 by trained clinical pharmacists. Interventions and outcomes were documented. DRPs resolution was defined as complete correction or discontinuation of the identified problem during hospitalization. Results: DRPs were identified in 84.6% of patients. The most common DRPs were drug use without indication (32.3%), adverse drug reactions (27.3%), non-adherence (18.2%), patient-related (7.1%), and drug–drug interactions (15.1%). Multiple DRPs per patient were observed. The most frequent interventions were medication adjustment, patient education, and medication reconciliation. Approximately 78.3% of DRPs were resolved following pharmacist intervention. Conclusion: DRPs are highly prevalent among neurological inpatients. Clinical pharmacists contribute to identifying and addressing these problems; however, further studies with robust outcome measures are needed.