Therapeutic effectiveness

Definition

Therapeutic effectiveness measures how well a drug achieves its intended therapeutic outcomes in real-world conditions. It indicates the success of a medication in treating a specific condition as per clinical goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Therapeutic effectiveness is often assessed through clinical trials and observational studies.
2. It differs from efficacy, which measures the drug's effect under controlled conditions.
3. Nurses monitor therapeutic effectiveness by evaluating patient symptoms and using diagnostic tests.
4. Factors such as patient adherence, comorbidities, and drug interactions can influence therapeutic effectiveness.
5. Measuring therapeutic effectiveness helps in determining whether to continue, adjust, or discontinue a medication.

Review Questions

• What is the difference between therapeutic effectiveness and efficacy?
• How do nurses assess the therapeutic effectiveness of a drug?
• What factors can influence the therapeutic effectiveness of a medication?

Related terms

Efficacy: The ability of a drug to produce the desired effect under ideal and controlled circumstances.

Adherence: The extent to which patients follow prescribed treatment regimens.

Drug Interaction: A situation where one drug affects the activity of another when both are administered together.