Observational and cross-sectional study of prescription pattern in the pediatric out-patient department at a tertiary care center of Bihar

Abstract

Medical therapy is the most common form of health care provided to the patients. More the practice, more the error is substantiated by the fact that medication errors are probably the most common medical error. Detailed information on these errors is the first step to prevent these errors becoming a health hazard for the individual as well as the society.To generate data on the extent of rational/irrational prescribing pattern, to review the prescribing practices.An observational study with cross sectional design Prescriptions of the patients attending the pediatric OPD were reviewed to collect required data.1200 prescriptions were reviewed that had 3384 drugs listed. The mean age was 8.3± 4.62 years with male> female. Weight of the patient was recorded in 82.8% of the prescriptions. The average number of drugs per prescription was 2.82. The range of drugs per encounter varied from zero to 5. Ailments like minor scratches or other non-organic problems were those where no drugs were prescribed. Around 50% of the drugs prescribed were in generic names. Syrups were most commonly prescribed followed by tablets and capsules. Injection use was very less. Antibiotics were widely used for treatment with 73.8% of the prescriptions had at least one antibiotic.The findings of the current study highlight the continuing crisis of the irrational drug practice in this part of the country. This will help authorities to take necessary action and formulate guidelines on proper and rational drug prescription.