Drug use Pattern with Standard Indicators in Chattogram Medical College Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Irrational prescription being a global problem leading to ineffective, unsafe treatment. This study was conducted between November 10, 2019 to January 20, 2020 to assess drug use pattern using WHO/INRUD core prescribing indicators at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Total 500 patients were selected randomly. The results showed average number of drugs per encounter is 4.41 (optimal range = 1.6–1.8), generic drug prescription was 1.54% (optimal value = 100%), encounters with an antibiotic prescribed were 32.6% (optimal range =20.0–26.8%), encounters with an injection prescribed were 24.8% (optimal range =13.4–24.1%), drugs prescribed from EDL were 50.43% (optimal value = 100%) and drugs prescribed from the WHO EDL were 56.96% (optimal value = 100%). Average consultation time was 3.1 min (optimal value ≥10 min), average dispensing time was 35 s (optimal value ≥90 s) and the patients’ knowledge of correct dosage was 62.1% (optimal value =100%. The hospital had no copy of EDL and key drugs available in the stock were 82% (optimal value =100%). The concept of generic prescribing was negligible. There was reduced prescription of drugs from the National List of Essential Medicines, the prescription of antibiotics and injections was slightly higher than normal. Shorter consultation and dispensing time may lead to inadequate information about the medication being given to patients and patients had little chance to obtain information about their treatment. This study necessitates we are in need of strict scrutiny on the prescribing method of our country. So, we can achieve the goal of rational use of drug.