Standardization of drug therapy problems (DTPs) interventions in pharmaceutical care: a pathway for enhancing patient outcomes

Abstract

Pharmaceutical care in Nigeria’s hospital and community settings has become a vital component of healthcare delivery. However, the absence of standardized protocols has led to inconsistent practices across institutions and regions. This review examines pharmacists’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and behaviors in delivering pharmaceutical care, with a focus on intra- and inter-professional collaboration. It also explores how lifestyle factors influence pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and biopharmaceutics, affecting therapeutic outcomes.A literature search covering publications from 2000 to 2025 was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus. Keywords included “pharmaceutical care,” “healthcare collaboration,” “standardized protocols,” “drug therapy problems,” and “variability in practice.”Findings suggest that pharmaceutical care practices in Nigeria are often shaped by informal norms, training differences, and individual experiences, rather than structured guidelines. This results in variability in care quality and teamwork efficiency. Inter-professional relationships, particularly communication and collaboration between pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, play a critical role in care outcomes.Although pharmacists are generally committed to patient welfare, factors such as limited continuing education, resource constraints, and systemic challenges undermine optimal care delivery.The review advocates for the development and implementation of standardized, evidence-based pharmaceutical care protocols. It emphasizes the need for enhanced professional training, improved communication, and stronger interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure consistent, high-quality care across the healthcare system in Nigeria.