Identifying Prescription Gaps Using WHO Core Indicators: A Pediatric Audit from a Rural Setting

Background and Aim

Infants and children are especially susceptible to medication errors due to their recurrent illnesses and unique physiological traits. This underscores the significance of rational and evidence-based prescribing in paediatric care.

Materials and Methods

This study examined 730 paediatric prescriptions from outpatient and inpatient departments at the MM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research over a period of five months, utilising World Health Organisation (WHO) core drug usage indicators. Excluding seriously sick patients.

Results

The study found a 60% male predominance, with 78% of patients living in rural areas. Notwithstanding this, 88.6% of carers possessed literacy skills and 40% were highly educated, resulting in a dosage comprehension rate of 99.3%, despite only 97.5% of given prescriptions being appropriately labelled. Each prescription averaged 3.16 medications, with generic prescriptions constituting 40.49% and Fixed-Dose Combinations (FDCs) comprising 60.68%. The mean durations for consultation and dispensing were 13.9 min and 7.8 min, respectively.

Conclusion

The study recommends reducing polytherapy, using generics, minimizing fixed-dose combinations, improving dispensing times, and increasing education to enhance care quality and align with World Health Organization standards.