Incidence Rates of Adverse Drug Events and Analysis of Contributing Trigger Factors: A Retrospective Study at Alnoor Specialist Hospital

Abstract

Background: Patient safety, particularly medication safety, is a critical aspect of healthcare quality. Adverse drug events (ADEs), including medication errors, allergic reactions, and overdoses, pose significant risks to patients, especially the elderly, leading to extended hospital stays, morbidity, and mortality. Studies indicate that older populations are more susceptible to ADEs due to co-morbid conditions, polypharmacy, and age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Objective: To determine the incidence rates and contributing factors of ADEs among patients at Alnoor Specialist Hospital and provide recommendations to improve medication safety, particularly for older adults.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Alnoor Specialist Hospital from April 2019 to April 2024. The study included 173 patients who experienced ADEs during their hospital stay. Data were collected from patient records using a standardized form, which included demographic details, medication profiles, and the Naranjo scale to assess the likelihood of ADEs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 28.

Results: The majority of participants were male (61.3%), with a mean age of 47.06 years and a mean BMI of 27.62. Antibiotics were the most commonly implicated drug class, accounting for 44.50% of ADEs, followed by blood thinners (12.13%). The Naranjo scale classified 45.1% of ADEs as probable, with only 4.6% classified as definite. Ceftriaxone was the most frequently associated drug with ADEs (12.1%).

Conclusion: ADEs at Alnoor Specialist Hospital, particularly involving antibiotics and anticoagulants, highlight the need for stricter medication safety protocols. The findings emphasize the vulnerability of elderly patients and those on multiple medications to ADEs. Implementing trigger tools and enhanced pharmacovigilance can improve ADE detection and reduce preventable events, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.