Assessment of postoperative medication utilization in a surgical ward of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the drug utilization pattern of post-operative medications using World Health Organization (WHO) drug use indicators in post-operative patients in the surgical ward. The goal was to promote the rational use of medicines and reduce adverse effects in surgical patients in a tertiary teaching hospital.: A prospective observational study was conducted at D Y Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai, India, involving post-operative surgical patients. A total of 493 prescriptions and case records were reviewed. Data were analyzed using WHO drug use indicators.: Of the 493 cases analyzed, 60% were male and 40% female. Appendicitis (37.93%) and various types of hernias were the most common reasons for admission. The average number of drugs per patient encounter was 7.69. The most commonly prescribed drugs were antiulcer agents, analgesics, antibiotics, and intravenous fluids. Antibiotics were prescribed in 99.59% of encounters, and injections in 100%. Drugs were prescribed by their generic name in 87.16% of cases, and 99.1% of prescriptions were from the National List of Essential Medicines 2022.: This study highlights the drug use patterns in post-operative patients at a tertiary care hospital. Widespread use of injectable medications and polypharmacy were noted, which suggests room for improvement in prescribing practices. Rational use of antibiotics is recommended to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.