Abstract
Correct drug labelling is central for ensuring proper drug dispensing and thus for patient safety. Labelling errors may result in adverse health outcomes. The objective of this study was, therefore, to assess the effect of labelling on the quality of drug dispensing and patient knowledge about dispensed drugs in Jimma University model and specialized hospital outpatient Pharmacies. Individual packages with prescribed drugs were examined using pretested questionnaire and observational check lists during the dispensing process. Patients’ knowledge about drugs dispensed to them was assessed at the exit interview using a pretested questionnaire. Out of 743 prescribed drugs, 682 (91.8%) were dispensed to 426 patients. The average labelling score (range from 0 to 6) of dispensed drugs in Model and Outpatient pharmacy was 2.00 (95% CI 1.97 to 2.04) and 1.73 (95% CI 1.6 to 1.8) respectively, with overall average labelling score of 1.90 (95% CI 1.84 to 1.91). The average patient knowledge score (range from 0 t0 5) was 3.45 (95% CI 3.31 to 3.59) and 3.5 (95% CI 3.35 to 3.64) for model and outpatient pharmacy, respectively, while the overall average knowledge score was 3.46 (95% CI 3.37 to 3.57). Major labelling problems were absence of patient’s name and dose followed by frequency of administration, duration of treatment, and the reason for prescription. Literacy status of patients had a significant effect on their knowledge (p 0.05). We recommend that corrective measures targeting both, labelling and patients’ knowledge should be implemented to improve the patients’ safety and drug therapy adherence.
Highlights
Rational prescription and drug use have been a concern in both developed and developing countries during the last two decades and have been promoted by World Health Organization WHO and others
Dispensing is a critical part of the drug use process and plays an important role in avoiding irrational drug use
A total of 426 patients, 220 from model pharmacy, and 206 from outpatient pharmacy were included in the study
Summary
Rational prescription and drug use have been a concern in both developed and developing countries during the last two decades and have been promoted by World Health Organization WHO and others. Efforts have often been concentrated on ensuring rational prescribing habits. The quality of dispensing and patient knowledge of drugs has often been overlooked [1,2,3,4]. The primary purpose of labelling is to provide all the necessary information needed to correct dispensing of a prescribed drug. The label gives patients the relevant information which they need for proper use of the dispensed drug. In addition to proper labelling, patients’ knowledge about the prescribed drug is an essential prerequisite for patient compliance [5,6]. The manner in which drugs are taken by patients is often influenced by the dispensing protocol and information given during the dispensing process [8,9].
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