A Review on the Role of Pharmacist Interventions in Identifying and Resolving Drug-Related Problems Among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Abstract

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition marked by declining renal function and a growing burden of comorbidities. The complexity of pharmacotherapy in CKD leads to a high prevalence of drug-related problems (DRPs). Clinical and community pharmacists play a vital role in the identification and resolution of these problems. However, in many developing countries including India, the role of clinical pharmacists in nephrology care is still underutilized, highlighting the need for greater integration into healthcare teams. Objective: This review aims to explore and evaluate the role and impact of pharmacist interventions on DRPs in CKD patients based on data extracted from key studies conducted globally. Methods: A structured review was carried out using recent literature from PubMed, Scopus, BMC, MDPI, Cureus, and other databases published. The review included randomized controlled trials, prospective studies, and systematic reviews focused on pharmacist-led interventions in CKD patients. Result: In CKD patients, the prevalence of drug-related problems (DRPs) has been reported between 30% and 76%, varying by study design and population. The most common DRPs included dosing errors, adverse drug reactions, and drug–drug interactions, followed by untreated indications and unnecessary therapies. Pharmacist interventions consistently reduced DRPs by 60–80%, improved adherence and quality of life, and achieved 65–80% resolution rates with high prescriber acceptance. Conclusion: Pharmacist interventions, particularly as part of multidisciplinary care, have been shown to markedly decrease drug-related problems, enhance therapeutic effectiveness, and improve overall patient outcomes. It remains essential to establish standardized methods for DRP classification and to strengthen the role of pharmacists across both hospital and community healthcare settings.