Abstract
Objective:In the last 30 years, concepts in pharmacology have moved from Essential Medicines (EM) to P-drugs via the Rational Use of Medicines (RUM), but no structured study has evaluated the level of understanding among working clinicians about these concepts. The present study is designed to fulfill that lacuna.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out in and around the teaching hospitals attached to Medical Colleges, enrolling 504 clinicians from six centers across North India to fill-up a questionnaire containing 25 questions. The results were compiled using percentages and averages.Results:Only one-fourth of the participants claimed that they always prescribed Essential Medicines; no one could accurately count the number of drugs / drug combinations in the Indian Essential Drug list; only 15.1% of the clinicians used to write the generic names of drugs on a prescription slip; about one-third of the clinicians were not fully aware about the adverse effects, drug interactions, and contraindications of the drugs they prescribed; about 83% of the physicians admitted to rely on information from Medical Representatives (MRs) and the interest in research activities seemed to be lost.Conclusion:Results show a sorry state of affairs among clinicians, as far as the level of understanding about EM, P-drugs, and RUM is concerned, and points toward arranging more continuing medical education (CME) for clinicians regarding these concepts.
Highlights
The first World Health Organization’s (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines was drawn up in 1977, in response to a request from the World Health Assembly, and since this Model List has been revised and updated continuously.[1]
In the last 30 years, we have moved from Essential Medicines (EM) to Personal drugs (P-drugs) via Rational use of Medicine (RUM) and Evidence-Based Medicine
Of these 650 clinicians, 82 clinicians refused to give consent, 34 clinicians were registered medical practitioners without a valid degree in any system of medicine, 24 clinicians were practicing in the allopathic system of medicine, but had degrees in the Indian system of medicine, and six clinicians had degrees in the allopathic system, but were practicing homeopathy
Summary
The first World Health Organization’s (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines was drawn up in 1977, in response to a request from the World Health Assembly, and since this Model List has been revised and updated continuously.[1] In the last 30 years, we have moved from Essential Medicines (EM) to Personal drugs (P-drugs) via Rational use of Medicine (RUM) and Evidence-Based Medicine. To boost the cause of RUM, the P-drug concept was Mahajan, et al J Young Pharm. The idea was to make physicians familiar with few Personal drugs chosen from national essential drug list based on efficacy, safety, suitability, and cost, with regard to the population they cater.[2] The WHO has developed recommendations for twelve core national policies and structures that are needed to promote the rational use of medicines. The main areas where developing countries are still lagging behind are problem-based pharmacotherapy training in the undergraduate curriculum, continuing in-service medical education as a licensure requirement, independent information on medicines, and avoidance of perverse financial incentives.[3]
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