Prescription Completeness and Drug Use Pattern in the University Teaching Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
2 Pharmacy Services Directorate, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, CHS, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
3 Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, CHS, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Citation: Assefa T, Abera B, Bacha T, Beedemariam G. Prescription Completeness and Drug Use Pattern in the University Teaching Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. J Basic Clin Pharma 2018;9:311-316.
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Abstract
Objective: The study aims to the assess prescription completeness and drug use pattern of the hospital using the World Health Organization/ International Network for Rational Use Drugs (WHO/ INRUD) core drug use indicators.
Methods: The study was carried out at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). Three hundred eight four prescriptions were collected retrospectively from prescriptions written for 6 months period from outpatient pharmacies of the hospital. Exit interview was employed to collect necessary information from patients to assess patient care indicators at outpatient pharmacies of the hospital in November, 2015. Observation also applied to all activities of practicing pharmacy personnel at outpatient pharmacies. The health facility indicators were checked by assessing the presence of drug list, formulary and treatment guidelines and also availability of key medicines were checked at the facility during study period. Data entries were done by using Epi Info version 3.5.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 16.
Results: We found that only just about one fourth of prescriptions contain patient information (age and sex) except full name which was 94.5%. And in only 7.9% of prescriptions the dosage form of drug was indicated and even if presence of other treatment information on the prescription was seems higher. On 384 prescriptions which selected randomly for analysis, 726 drugs were prescribed. Only 88% of drugs were prescribed by generic name, 98.5% of drugs were from the essential drug list of Ethiopia. Percentage of encounters with injection was 53.1%. Encounter with antibiotics were 38% and 70% of the prescribed drugs actually dispensed. The average consultation and dispensing time was 7 minutes and 61.9 seconds respectively. Only 6% drugs were labeled adequately. Only 70% of the patient knew correct dosage about their drugs. 82.5% key medicines were available in the hospital during study period.
Conclusion: The prescription information was not adequate. The results of the present study with respect to almost all drug use indicators were less than the optimal value. Thus, effective intervention program for promotion of rational drug use practice is recommended.