Evaluating rational drug use with the help of World Health Organization's core indicators in Bule Hora Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Budgets on drugs accounts for 20% to 50% of total health budget in developing countries. Knowledge gap, loose drug control, loads on health professionals and patient beliefs are some of the factors contributing to this problem. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to enhance rational drug use by assessing patterns of drug use with the help of World Health Organization’s Core indicators in Bule Hora Hospital, Borena Zone, and Southern Ethiopia. WHO designed criteria was used to evaluate rational drug use cross sectionally in Bule Hora Hospital in Southern Ethiopia from February 10 to 20, 2013. Three hundred eighty four prescription papers were systematically selected for retrospective study while prospectively 30 patients were chosen. Pretested questionnaires and WHO designed criteria were used and the results were compared with WHO reference standards and recommendations. The result of the present study showed over prescription of drugs per prescription paper (2.33). Somewhat less time was devoted to consultation (5.50 minutes) and dispensing (1.22 minutes). The majority of patients (73.3%) knew the dosage of prescribed medications. Of eighteen prescribers, thirteen were aware of existence of the essential drug list. Based on the finding of this research, almost all WHO core indicators of rational drug use were not met. Antibiotics were the most widely used drug classes. Therefore, in order to control the problem of rational drug use, the ministry of health should design a strategic plan to monitor adequate implementation of WHO designed criteria for rational drug use.