An Assessment of Legibility and Accuracy of Prescriptions through Prescription Surveys

Abstract

Aims and Objective: To assess the prescriptions of private practitioners for legibility and accuracy.Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty prescriptions of private practitioners were taken for assessment of legibility and accuracy. The prescriptions were assessed by two investigators and a third adjudicated in case of disagreement. For assessment of handwriting, a scoring method was used. Other parameters which were assessed were: spelling of medicine names, formulation, drugs strength and dosage form, use of nonspecific abbreviations, use of archaic terminologies such as OD, HS etc. and use of capital letters. Results: Results were expressed in percentages. Spellings of medicine names in all prescriptions were correct. About ninety four percent of prescriptions were legible (scored 3 or 4). In formulations and drugs strength were not mentioned in 4.2% and 5% of cases respectively. Abbreviations of names of drugs were written by 6.6% of prescribers. Sixty percent of prescribers preferred to use archaic terminology and only 6.6% of the prescribers written the prescriptions in capital letters. Conclusions: A major percentages (60%) of private practitioners using the archaic terminologies which usually cause confusion to the dispensers and consumers. Use of capital letter while preparing a prescription, avoiding use of abbreviations and archaic terminologies as well as using the technology such as printing the prescription may ensure a quality service to the consumer.