Evaluation of rationality in Prescription Pattern of Antibiotics at A Tertiary Care Centre: An Observational Study

Background

The emergence of resistant microorganisms is caused by the irrational prescription of antibiotics. Despite this, Prescription antimicrobial are on the rise in hospitals. Therefore, this study done with an objective to assess the prescription pattern of antibiotics at tertiary care hospital, to assess the rationality of prescriptions according to WHO (World Health Organization) prescribing indicators and to identify occurrence of poly-pharmacy in prescriptions.

Materials and Methods

It is a single centre prospective observational study conducted after approval from Institutional Ethics Committee of Anurag University, Hyderabad for 6 months duration. Study includes in-patient departments. Data was collected from patient medication charts, case sheets, nurse notes which were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

222 cases collected totally. Male population dominated the study of 63.06%. The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 5.07% that is more than the WHO permissible levels. Ceftrioaxone was highest in prescription of 29.67%. Cephalosporin’s majorly prescribed in 61.29% cases. More than half of the prescriptions reported drugs prescribed for prophylactic treatment in 51.35%. 65.31% antibiotics given as mono-therapy. 91.89% drugs prescribed via parenteral route. 82.88% prescriptions had brand names written. 97.75% cases were prescribed from the WHO Essential Drug List.

Conclusion

Over all irrationality was observed. This requires following WHO prescribing indicators optimum values from preventing harmful effects to the patient. By understanding the rational method of prescription, it can help physicians provide cost effective health care treatments.