Clinical Pharmacist Interventions in Neurology: A Systematic Review on Drug-Related Problems and Outcomes

Abstract

Patients with neurological disorders often require complex treatment regimens and frequently present with multiple comorbidities, which increases the likelihood of drug-related problems (DRPs). This systematic review compiles evidence from quantitative interventional and observational studies conducted across different healthcare settings to evaluate the effect of clinical pharmacist interventions on detecting and resolving DRPs in neurology wards. Findings consistently indicate that pharmacist-led interventions can substantially improve clinical outcomes, reduce medication-related complications, and optimize overall pharmacotherapy. The primary aim of this review is to provide a structured and comprehensive overview of the contribution of clinical pharmacists in the identification and management of DRPs among neurological patients. A thorough electronic literature search was carried out with a high-sensitivity strategy to retrieve relevant publications. Major databases consulted included Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE (via PubMed). Evidence from these studies shows that clinical pharmacist involvement was associated with a 43–78% reduction in DRPs, a 20–35% improvement in medication adherence, and measurable enhancements in clinical outcomes, including better seizure control, improved motor function, and higher medication safety standards. Importantly, the majority of pharmacist recommendations were accepted by prescribers (82–96%). Overall, the findings support the integration of clinical pharmacists into neurology services, demonstrating their value in reducing drug-related complications, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness, and strengthening patient safety.