Validating a Drug-Related Problems Classification System in Outpatient Setting in Iran

OBJECTIVE: Medication Therapy Management service (MTMs) has been introduced to improve cooperation among pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in the management of chronic diseases, drug therapy, and patients on polypharmacy. One part of MTMs is detection and resolution of possible drug-related problems (DRPs). Nowadays, numerous DRPs classification systems are available, but due to some defects none of them are currently accepted and implemented universally. The purpose of this study is to design and validate a comprehensive system for classification and documentation of possible DRPs for the Iranian patients. METHODS: In this methodological study, four classification systems were studied, and their differences were reviewed, compared. Ultimately, a comprehensive documentation system was developed and tested for validity using experts' opinions. FINDINGS: A comprehensive list of 53 DRPs under eight categories was developed and examined for validity. After collecting the data and validity assessment, questions with content validity ratio of <0.4 and content validity index of <70% were excluded and modified. Finally, with the exclusion and modification of eight DRPs, a modified DRPs list was created. CONCLUSION: According to the universality and validity assessment and based on consensus of 20 experts, this DRPs list can be used to regulate the standard operation procedure of outpatient clinics in Iran, and could act toward standardization of this service.