A national survey of attitudes and practices of physicians relating to therapeutic drug monitoring and clinical pharmacokinetic service: strategies for enhancing patient’s care in saudi arabia

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate physicians’ perception of the concept of pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring (PK/TDM) and their use in clinical practice. Methods: A novel, structured, self-administered questionnaire was designed, validated and distributed to physicians in 3 major cities in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) during a 4-month period. Data were collected on demographics, knowledge and practice of PK/ TDM. Attitudes toward integrating these skills into daily clinical practice were also investigated. Results: A total of 724 physicians completed the survey and included in the study. European and North American physicians were found to be more exposed to PK/TDM than other physicians. About 70% of the participants stated that they have applied PK/TDM in their practice, at least, once and most of these were consultants. Only 4.3% of respondents had never checked organ function prior to prescribing narrow therapeutic index drugs. Although the majority (78.4%) perceived PK/TDM as very important to their practice, only 35.3% have tried to calculate drug PK parameters for their patients when necessary. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the knowledge of physicians about PK/ TDM was inadequate. Moreover, the utilization of competent clinical pharmacists trained in PK/TDM was low. An interdisciplinary educational program between the physicians and pharmacist in PK/TDM will lead to a better health care outcome.