Discovering possible patterns associations among drug prescriptions

Abstract

The constant growth of data storage associated to medication prescriptions allows people to get powerful and useful information by applying data mining techniques. The information retrieved by the patterns found in medication prescriptions data can lead to a wide range of new management solutions and possible services optimization. In this work we present a study about medication prescriptions in northern region of Portugal. The main goal is to find possible relations among medication prescriptions themselves, and between the medication prescribed by a doctor and the lab associated with those medications. Since this kind of studies is not available in Portugal, our results provide valuable information for those working in the area that need to make decisions in order to optimize resources within health institutions. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.