How often must a pharmacist review a resident's medications?

A pharmacist must review a resident's medications every 3 months to ensure that the pharmacotherapy remains appropriate and effective for the patient's condition. This regular review is crucial in a nursing care institution where residents may be taking multiple medications. Frequent reviews help identify any potential drug interactions, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and monitor for side effects or adverse reactions. This proactive approach promotes patient safety and optimizes medication management, which is a key aspect of providing quality care in long-term care settings.

In comparison, less frequent reviews, such as every 6 months, every year, or every 2 months, may not provide sufficient oversight for the changing needs of residents and may lead to missed opportunities in adjusting therapy for better outcomes. Therefore, the requirement for a quarterly review is established to ensure that the care provided is both safe and effective.