Emergency Department Visits Due to Drug-Related Problems: A Cross-Sectional Study at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Background: This study aimed to measure the incidence of drug-related problems (DRPs) among patients visiting the emergency department (ED) at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital (KSAFH). Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 300 patients who visited the ED between January and April 2015. Collected data included demographics, chief complaint, and medication history. DRPs were identified through structured patient/caregiver interviews and verification of electronic medication records. Results: The incidence of DRPs was 24.7% (95%CI: 20%, 30%). Among the DRPs, 48.6% were considered definitely preventable, 41.9% were possibly preventable, and only 9.5% were non-preventable. The most common DRPs were non-compliance (54.1%) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs, 22.9%). There was a significant association between DRPs and the adult age group (p = 0.001). The elderly age group was significantly associated with the occurrence of ADRs (P = 0.030). All the non-preventable DRPs were caused by ADRs (p