Effect of adopting integrated management of childhood illness guidelines on drug use at a primary health care center: a case study from Egypt.

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Background:Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a cost- effective strategy that improves the quality of care through the use of evidence- based management protocols for the most common causes of childhood death and illness. Evidence- based clinical guidelines are critical to promoting rational use of medicines. Despite the large number of studies that assessed process and outcome of care delivered to children utilizing IMCI protocol, there is a scarcity of studies that assessed the effect of adopting IMCI on the drug use.Aims:To examine the impact of adopting IMCI guidelines on drug use at one of the primary health care (PHC) centers, Alexandria, Egypt.Settings and Design:Retrospective cohort study, conducted in clinic “A” not adopting IMCI guidelines and clinic “B” adopting IMCI guidelines at one of the PHC centers in Alexandria, Egypt for the period from January-- end of June 2010.Materials and Methods:A data collection sheet was designed to collect the required variables (based on WHO/ INRUD selected drug use indicators) from the medical records of children under five years.Statistical Analysis Used:SPSS version 16 was used. Percentages, means, and standard deviations were measured. Chi square, t, and Fisher's exact tests were applied.Results:Correct drug choice, dose, dosage form, route of administration were significantly higher in the clinic adopting IMCI {clinic B} (89.3%, 87.3%, 91.3%, and 91.3%, respectively) than in the clinic not adopting it {clinic A} (78% each). Non pharmacological remedies prescribed were significantly higher in clinic B than A (64.7% vs 4.6%). Average no of drugs/ encounter was lower in clinic B than A (0.93± 0.2 vs 1.37 ± 0.6) and the difference between clinics was statistically significant. Difference between clinics regarding percentages of drugs prescribed by generic name, antibiotics prescribed, drugs prescribed from essential drug list, and drugs prescribed out of stock was significant.Conclusion:Adopting IMCI strategy improved prescribing performance and treatment regimen.