Comparative evaluation of prescriptions of MBBS and BAMS doctors using WHO prescribing indicators

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Irrational prescribing is a global problem. The present study was undertaken to identify the problem of irrational medicine use by Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) doctors in outpatient setting, by using WHO prescribing indicators. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study was carried out in Vishrantwadi, Pune, India. 250 prescriptions were collected from MBBS doctors and 250 prescriptions were collected from BAMS doctors and their prescription pattern was analyzed using WHO prescribing indicators. <b>Results:</b> Average number of medicines per prescription was 2.4 for MBBS and 3.04 for BAMS doctors. Percentage of prescriptions with antibiotics and with injections was significantly more in BAMS doctors. Antibiotics, gastrointestinal system related medicines, vitamins and iron preparations were prescribed more by BAMS doctors. Percentage of irrational fixed dose combinations prescribed by BAMS doctors was more (57.2%) as compared to MBBS doctors (28.6%). <b>Conclusions:</b> In the present study, although the prescribing patterns of both MBBS as well as BAMS doctors are not satisfactory; the BAMS doctors seem to prescribe more irrationally as compared to MBBS doctors.