Patient Care Related Issues in the Developing Countries: Drug Related Problems (DRPs)

Drug-related problems (DRPs) in developing countries pose significant challenges to patient safety and treatment outcomes. This chapter describes the prevalence, causes, challenges, and recommendations for addressing DRPs in developing countries. The prevalence of DRPs is influenced by limited access to medications, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, polypharmacy, medication affordability barriers, and low health literacy levels. Challenges in addressing DRPs include resource constraints, fragmented healthcare systems, medication affordability, and limited health information technology adoption. To address these challenges, recommendations include strengthening healthcare systems, enhancing medication access and affordability, promoting rational medication use, improving health literacy and patient education, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Additional recommendations encompass capacity building, research, advocacy, and collaboration with international partners. These strategies can enhance medication safety, optimize healthcare delivery, and improve patient outcomes in developing countries.