Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam

What is the purpose of the Drug Utilization Review (DUR)?

1. To promote new medications on the market

2. To evaluate medication therapy for appropriateness, safety, and effectiveness

3. To replace outdated medication protocols

4. To increase pharmaceutical company profits

The correct answer is: To evaluate medication therapy for appropriateness, safety, and effectiveness

The purpose of the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is fundamentally focused on evaluating medication therapy to ensure its appropriateness, safety, and effectiveness for patients. DUR processes involve reviewing patient medication regimens to identify potential drug interactions, allergies, duplicative therapies, and ensuring that prescribed medications meet the clinical guidelines relevant to the patient's condition. This systematic examination helps in optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing the risk of adverse drug events, which is integral to providing quality patient care. By promoting careful oversight of medication use, DUR contributes significantly to enhancing patient safety and improving healthcare quality overall. On the other hand, promoting new medications on the market, replacing outdated medication protocols, or increasing pharmaceutical company profits do not align with the goals of DUR. These aspects focus more on commercial interests or administrative updates rather than the direct clinical evaluation of how medications impact patient health.