5PSQ-053 Prevalence of medication-related hospital admissions at an Austrian tertiary care centre
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background and Importance Medication-related problems (MRPs) represent adverse events arising from the use or misuse of pharmaceuticals, including overdosing, underdosing, adverse reactions and interactions, among others. International data suggest that up to 30% of hospital admissions are attributable to MRPs. It is estimated that half of these medication-related hospital admissions (MRHA) are preventable. To date, there is no data reflecting the prevalence and incidence of MRHA in Austria. Aim and Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate MRHA at the Department of Emergency Medicine at a 1740-bed Austrian tertiary care centre, and to elucidate underlying causes contributing to these admissions. Material and Methods A retrospective analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, was conducted by a clinical pharmacist utilising the AT-HARM10 scale. This analysis comprised all patients treated at the Department of Emergency Medicine requiring hospital admission over a 5-week period. The frequency, severity, and potential preventability of identified MRHA were systematically assessed. Medical history and medication records were extracted from the electronic patient chart and the hospital information system. Results A total of 422 patients (45% female, median age 54 years (16–101)) have been analysed retrospectively. The prevalence of MRHA was 10.9% (n=46, 41%female), with 39% (n=18) of cases classified as severe, indicating that abnormalities or symptoms were life-threatening. On average, these patients were 64 (25–95) years-old and were taking five (4–21) medications at the time of their admission. 45% (n=21) of MRHAs are attributable to untreated or suboptimally treated medical indications, while 32% (n=15) of MRHAs are potentially due to adverse effects from both prescribed and non-prescribed medications. 90% of all detected MRHA were categorised as either ‘potentially preventable’ (n=28) or ‘definitely preventable’ (n=14). The most common drug classes associated with MRHA were ‘antithrombotic agents’ (n=19), followed by medications targeting the ‘cardiovascular system’ (n=6). Conclusion and Relevance 1 out of 10 hospital admissions can be attributed to a MRP, thereby representing a significant share of all hospital admissions. High-risk medication classes, such as antithrombotic and cardiovascular agents, are particularly associated with MRHAs. With the vast majority thereof being deemed preventable, clinical pharmacists play a pivotal role by optimising therapy and providing essential interventions that enhance medication safety. References and/or Acknowledgements Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest
Authors: S Zotter, M Anditsch, G Stemer
Institution: Medical University of Vienna
Language: English
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4408376831