Background In the hospital setting, preoperative and postoperative stages can be considered as vulnerable moments when patients receive multiple drugs before, during and after surgical procedures.

A pharmacist’s inclusion in the clinical routine can contribute to detecting and solving drug-related-problems (DRPs) in these patients.

Purpose To implement and develop a working method that enables DRPs to be detected and solved in patients admitted for scheduled surgery.

Materials and Methods Prospective study design over a two-month period. (June–July 2012).

The pharmacotherapy of general surgery inpatients was evaluated by a pharmacist. For each patient, current and home medicines were reviewed. If detected, DRPs were mentioned to the doctor so he/she could assess the need for correction. Any DRPs identified were classified using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) system. (Latest revision, January 2010)

Results Average age of patients: 63 years.

Number of prescriptions looked through: 167 (Corresponding to 103 patients)

DRPs identified: 77 DRPs (68 in hospital pharmacotherapy and 9 in home medicines): 42 –Related to Treatment effectiveness (P1), 13-Related to Adverse reactions (P2), 19 Related to treatment costs (P3), and 3 in the group of other problems (P4).

Conclusions The inclusion of a pharmacist in surgical units can lead to a more efficient and safe use of medicines. Moreover, suggestions were given due consideration by most of the doctors.

No conflict of interest.