1. Overprescribing: This occurs when a healthcare provider prescribes medications that are not necessary or appropriate for a patient's condition. This can lead to unnecessary side effects, drug interactions, and increased healthcare costs.
2. Underprescribing: This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to prescribe medications that are necessary or appropriate for a patient's condition. This can result in inadequate treatment of the patient's condition and potentially worsen their health outcomes.
3. Polypharmacy: This occurs when a patient is prescribed multiple medications that may not be necessary or appropriate for their condition. This can increase the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and medication errors.
4. Inappropriate dosing: This occurs when a healthcare provider prescribes a medication at a dosage that is too high or too low for the patient's condition. This can lead to ineffective treatment or increased risk of side effects.
5. Inappropriate duration of treatment: This occurs when a healthcare provider prescribes a medication for a longer or shorter duration than is necessary for the patient's condition. This can result in ineffective treatment or unnecessary exposure to potential side effects.
6. Failure to consider patient preferences and values: This occurs when a healthcare provider does not take into account the patient's preferences, values, and beliefs when prescribing medications. This can lead to poor adherence to treatment and suboptimal health outcomes.