A prospective Drug Utilization Review (DUR) evaluates which elements?

A prospective Drug Utilization Review (DUR) is a critical process in pharmacy practice that aims to assess and ensure the safe and effective use of medications for patients prior to dispensing. The primary focus of a prospective DUR includes evaluating therapeutic appropriateness, which ensures that the prescribed medication is suitable for the patient's specific medical condition. It also involves scrutinizing potential drug interactions, which are crucial to preventing adverse effects and ensuring that therapies do not counteract each other.

This process is essential because it allows pharmacists to identify any potential issues before the medication is dispensed. By assessing therapeutic appropriateness, pharmacists can recommend alternative therapies if necessary or advise on adjustments to dosing. Furthermore, identifying drug interactions helps to provide a safety net against harmful combinations that may lead to serious health risks for the patient.

The other elements listed—laboratory test results, previous prescribing habits, and the patient's past medical history—while significant in the broader context of patient care and medication management, are not the primary focus of a prospective DUR. Instead, they may be considered as part of the overall patient assessment, but the core elements inherently relate to ensuring that the chosen therapy is suitable and safe based on drug properties and their interactions with the patient’s current medication regimen.