Indications For Prescription Research Articles

Antibiotic Practicing Habits, Knowledge and Attitude toward Education about Antibiotics among Dentists in Jazan City

Introduction: Inappropriate use of antibiotics not only drives antibiotic resistance and misuses resources but also increases the risk of potentially fatal reactions and exposes people to unnecessary side effects and unfavorable outcomes ranging from gastrointestinal disturbances to fatal anaphylactic shock. In developed countries, surveys about general dental practitioners’ prescribing habits have raised awareness of the quality of prescriptions of antibiotics. Whilst some surveys have emphasized that dental prescriptions do not follow clinical guidelines, other authors have concluded that there is a lack of scientific information about appropriate and efficient prescription of proper antibiotic. Moreover, changes in the dental pharmacotherapeutic field have been so rapid in recent years that necessitate the constant updating of dental practitioners’ knowledge about new drugs, drug interactions, and useful therapeutic trends is necessary. Methods: We have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among dentists and dental trainee in Jazan city. The questionnaire required information about antibiotic prescription habits, knowledge about preventive majors of dental infection, and followed approaches in dental emergencies. Data collected through distribution of online filled questionnaire. The participants filled the questionnaire online then resent it again to the researcher. The distributed questionnaire was in Arabic language to overcome the language barrier. Collected data verified and coded before its entry to Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS). Results: Participants were classified into four categories by age: from 20 to 24 years (30.9%), from 25 to 30 years (53.9%), from 31 to 35 years (8.6%) and above 35 years (6.6%). More than half of participants were Dental graduates (56.4%%), (37%) were students and Interns, (6.2%) were with Master/ Diploma and only one of them with PhD (.4%).The majority of participants prescribed antibiotic for acute apical abscess (72.8%), on the other hand, less than half of participants (45.7%) prescribed antibiotics for acute apical abscess without systemic involvement, and nearly two thirds (65.4%) of participants prescribed antibiotic for medically compromised patient after tooth extraction. Conclusion: It is alarming that most dentists do not perform a proper microbial diagnosis before selecting an antibiotic as adjunct periodontal therapy. As a result, they tend to prescribe broad spectrum antibiotics depending on the probability and most likely diagnosis. Also, the misconception of indications for antibiotic prescription and low knowledge about antibiotics assist in the misuse and in proper use of antibiotics.Educational initiatives and continuous refreshment of knowledge may prevent unnecessary prescription in endodontic emergency treatments

Drug utilization pattern in orthopaedic outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Kerala: a geriatric perspective

Background: Geriatric population due to the age related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and the presence of comorbidities is vulnerable to drug interactions, adverse effects and high cost of therapy. This necessitates a periodic review of DU pattern in the geriatric population to ensure safe and effective treatment for them. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the DU pattern for medical conditions among the geriatric population in the Orthopaedic outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care hospital in Kerala.Methods: In this cross sectional observational study conducted in the Orthopaedics OPD of a tertiary care hospital, prescriptions were collected from patients attending the Orthopaedics OPD randomly over a period of 6 months. Out of these, prescriptions of male and female patients of age more than 60 years were sorted and analysed using World Health Organization drug prescribing indicators as well as additional parameters and the data was presented in the form of frequency and percentages using tables and charts.Results: A total of 800 prescriptions were collected and studied of which 76 (9.5%) belonged to patients from the geriatric population. Majority of the patients were in the age group of 61-70years (52.63%). Spondylosis (42.10%) was the most common indication for patients attending Orthopaedics OPD. Average number of drugs per prescription was 3.05 with a range between 1 and 5. Only 5.17% drugs were prescribed using generic name. Utilization from the essential drug list was 39.65%. The percentage of encounters in which an antibiotic and injection prescribed was 0% and 10.34% respectively. Of the total drugs prescribed 35% were FDCs. The most routinely prescribed drugs among the various classes were NSAIDs 34% followed by gastroprotectives (25%). The assessment of prescriptions with regard to completion and legibility was satisfactory.Conclusions: Current study pointed out deficiencies like polypharmacy, low prescribing of drugs by generic names, low prescribing of drugs from the essential drug list and higher use of FDCs. Use of antibiotics and injections was satisfactory and acceptable. Legibility and completion of prescription format was largely satisfactory. Proper strategies to rectify these deficiencies can ensure safe and effective treatment for geriatric patients.

Paediatric antimicrobial use at a South African hospital

BackgroundData on antimicrobial use among hospitalized children in Africa are very limited due to the absence of electronic prescription tracking. MethodsThis study evaluated antimicrobial consumption rates, the antimicrobial spectrum used, and the indications for therapy on a paediatric ward and in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Antimicrobial prescription and patient demographic data were collected prospectively from May 10, 2015 to November 11, 2015. For the same period, data on antimicrobials dispensed and costs were extracted from the pharmacy electronic medicine management system. The volume of antimicrobials dispensed (dispensing data) was compared with observed antimicrobial use (prescription data). ResultsOf the 703 patients admitted, 415/451 (92%) paediatric ward admissions and 233/252 (92%) PICU admissions received ≥1 antimicrobials. On the ward, 89% of prescriptions were for community-acquired infections; 29% of PICU antimicrobials were prescribed for healthcare-associated infections. Ampicillin and third-generation cephalosporins were the most commonly prescribed agents. Antimicrobial costs were 67541 South African Rand (ZAR) (5680 United States Dollars (USD)) on the ward and 210484 ZAR (17702 USD) in the PICU. Ertapenem and meropenem were the single largest contributors to antimicrobial costs on the ward (43%) and PICU (30%), respectively. The volume of antimicrobials dispensed by the pharmacy (dispensing data) differed considerably from observed antimicrobial use (prescription data). ConclusionsHigh rates of antimicrobial consumption were documented. Community-acquired infections were the main indication for prescription. Although pharmacy dispensing data did not closely approximate observed use, this represents a promising method for antimicrobial usage tracking in the future.

Rapid antigen test use for the management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in community pharmacies.

Despite group A streptococci being an infrequent cause of pharyngitis in adult outpatients, sore throat remains a common indication for antibiotic prescription. This prospective multicentre non-randomised study describes a community pharmacy-based antimicrobial stewardship intervention consisting in the implementation of rapid antigen testing (RAT) for the management of adults with sore throat. Trained pharmacists triaged patients presenting with symptoms of pharyngitis using the modified Centor score. Those at risk for streptococcal infection were tested with RAT. Patients with a positive RAT were invited to consult a physician, whereas others were offered a symptomatic treatment. All patients received educational leaflets and were asked to fill in a follow-up form 7days later. Ninety-eight pharmacies in one French region participated, and 559 patients were included over 6months. RAT was proposed in 367 (65.7%) cases, and it was positive in 28 (8.3%). The follow-up form was returned by 140 (38.5%) participants. Of these, 10/10 patients with positive RAT further consulted a physician and were prescribed an antibiotic treatment, whereas 96.5% (110/114) of patients with negative results and not having any other reason to seek for doctor's advice did not consult. All participants found the intervention useful. Pharmacists spent 6-15min to perform the intervention, and 98.6% (73/74) of pharmacists giving a feedback declared to be ready to implement this intervention in daily practice, if endorsed and reimbursed. Our results suggest that a pharmacy-based programme for the management of sore throat is feasible and could increase adherence to guidelines.

Effects of a prior authorization policy for extended-release/long-acting opioids on utilization and outcomes in a state Medicaid program.

In response to the opioid overdose epidemic, US state Medicaid programs have adopted restrictive policies for opioid analgesics, yet effects on prescribing patterns and health outcomes are uncertain. This study aimed to examine effects of a prior authorization policy for extended-release/long-acting (ER/LA) opioids on opioid use in the Oklahoma, USA state Medicaid program. Retrospective difference-in-differences design study comparing changes in opioid use in Oklahoma Medicaid to control (Oregon Medicaid). Oklahoma and Oregon, USA. Medicaid beneficiaries in the Oklahoma and Oregon fee-for-service Medicaid programs between July 2007 and June 2009 (33 724 in Oklahoma and 13 520 in Oregon) MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was incident opioid-naive ER/LA opioid use. Secondary outcomes included other opioid and non-opioid pain medication use. We also examined indicators of high-risk prescribing (e.g. high-dosage opioid use) and opioid-related hospitalizations or emergency department (ED) visits. The prior authorization policy was associated with a 0.7 percentage point reduction in the likelihood of incident opioid-naive ER/LA opioid use [95% confidence interval (CI)=-1.16 to -0.33 percentage points; 70% pre-policy mean reduction, a 1.4 percentage point decrease in likelihood of any new ER/LA opioid prescriptions (95% CI=-2.1 to -0.7 percentage points; 33% pre-policy mean reduction) and a decline of 0.16 in total ER/LA opioid prescriptions per enrollee (PPE) (95% CI=-0.29 to -0.04 PPE)]. There was a significant increase in the number of short-acting opioids filled after the policy (0.36; 95% CI=0.22-0.50 PPE), increases in likelihood of having overlapping opioids and benzodiazepines, but significant reductions in likelihood of having overlapping opioids. No significant changes in opioid-related hospitalizations or ED visits were observed. In Oklahoma, USA's July 2008 prior authorization policy for extended-release/long-acting opioids appears to have reduced the number of opioid-naive patients initiating extended-release/long-acting opioid use by more than half, but may also have increased short-acting opioid prescriptions by 7%.

Study protocol for a multicentre, cluster randomised, superiority trial evaluating the impact of computerised decision support, audit and feedback on antibiotic use: the COMPuterized Antibiotic Stewardship Study (COMPASS)

IntroductionInappropriate use of antimicrobials in hospitals contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions aim to improve antimicrobial prescribing, but they are often resource and personnel intensive. Computerised decision supportsystems...

Relationship between pharmacy characteristics and pharmacy performance

To (1) describe the implementation process for comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs) among community pharmacies (e.g., processes for prioritizing patients, staffing, and information collection) and (2) examine factors associated with community pharmacies’ CMR information collection process.A survey was administered to the pharmacist responsible for implementation of CMRs (i.e., the lead pharmacist) in the community pharmacy (n = 87). The survey included questions about pharmacy characteristics, satisfaction with the NC community pharmacy enhanced services network (NC-CPESN) program, and implementation of CMRs. Frequencies and means were calculated to describe the sample characteristics and pharmacies’ CMR implementation process. A multiple linear regression was conducted to examine which characteristics were associated with the CMR information collection process.The majority of pharmacies in the sample were either independently owned single stores (46.5%) or multiple stores under the same independent ownership (41.6%). Most pharmacies used pharmacists (97.7%) or pharmacy technicians (65.5%) for patient outreach for CMRs. A small percentage of pharmacies used administrative staff to conduct patient outreach for CMRs (9.2%). Information for prescription medications (89.5%), indication (80%), and medication adherence (81.1%) was routinely collected. Information such as date of last dose for prescription medications (48.4%) and lifestyle factors, such as physical activity (21.1%), diet (29.5%), and alcohol (31.6%), was collected less routinely. Having a clinical pharmacist (P = 0.025) and pharmacist overlap hours (P = 0.009) significantly improved the CMR information collection process.Although CMRs are important interventions for improving patient outcomes, more guidance is needed on how to effectively implement them. This would allow the process to be efficient and assure implementation with fidelity across all community pharmacies. In addition, staffing appears to influence the quality of CMR information collection. Future research is warranted on CMR implementation to develop efficient staffing models and standardize the process of information collection.

An Investigation of Prescription Indicators and Trends Among General Practitioners and Specialists From 2005 to 2015 in Kerman, Iran.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to promote strategies that ensure efficacy, safety, suitability, and cost-effectiveness of medicine prescription. Health systems should design effective mechanisms to monitor prescription and rational use of medicines at all healthcare settings. This study aimed to determine and analyze prescription patterns of general practitioners and specialists in Kerman/Iran from 2005 to 2015. Methods: This is an explanatory mixed method study. Data were gathered during two phases. At the first phase, prescriptions issued by physicians during 2005-2015 were reviewed to extract information required to develop eight main prescription indicators. In the second phase, the indicators trends were presented to experts participating in expert panel to have their opinions and analyses on the data obtained in the first phase. Experts were selected based on their experience and expertise in medicine and/or health policy and/or experience in implementation of polices to promote rational use of medicines. Some experts attending the panel were a sample of physicians whose prescriptions were included in the first phase. Results: Findings revealed that two indicators of the average price of prescriptions and the maximum number of medicines in each prescription had an increasing trend over the study period. Reasons including unprecedented devaluation of the Iranian Rial and willingness of young physicians to prescribe more medications were proposed as the primary contributors to the observed increasing trends. However, other indicators including types of prescribed medicines, average number of medicines per prescription, the percentage of prescriptions with more than four medications, a percentage of encounters with a corticosteroid prescribed, a percentage of encounters with an antibiotic prescribed, and a percentage of encounters with an injection prescribed decreased in the study period. Reasons of controlling initiatives adopted by the Ministry of Health, the higher responsibility of physicians, adoption of continued medical education (CME) programs, and improved knowledge of pharmacists, physicians, and patients about irrational use of medicines were proposed by participants as the main reasons for the decreasing trend. Conclusion: Findings indicated that prescription indicators were better in Kerman than those of country average over the study period based on comparing the results of this study and others in Iran. However, they were non-desirable when compared to the international average. The number of factors contributes to the irrational use of medicines, including lack of knowledge among healthcare providers and patients, patients’ misunderstanding about the efficacy of some particular medicines, the high cost of drug development and manufacturing, and unavailability of effective medicines.

Prescribing trends of HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors in outdoor patients at tertiary care teaching hospital of central India: a retrospective observational study

Background: To analyze the prescribing patterns of statins a hypolipidemic agents by using HMIS database in outdoor patients at tertiary care teaching hospital of central India.Methods: In this retrospective study Using HMIS database, 1000 prescriptions were analyzed for statin use for various WHO prescription indicators using ATC code of statins, the ratio of prescribed daily dose (PDD) and defined daily dose (DDD) was calculated.Results: Atorvastatin was the only statin which was prescribed as monotherapy (61.1%), whereas as combination with aspirin (38.9%). While analyzing the prescriptions, it was found that patients having abnormal lipid profiles (51.8%) and normal lipid profiles (48.2%) were prescribed atorvastatin. Hypertension with diabetes (37%) was the most common disease followed by hypertension (21.2%) and diabetes mellitus (21%) for which atorvastatin was prescribed. The average number of drugs per prescription were 3.8±1.65.Conclusions: This study depicts the use of atorvastatin in various disease conditions, both as primary and secondary preventive measures. There was no polypharmacy. Such studies should be done to educate the physicians on good prescribing practices and to rationalize use of hypolipidemic drugs.

Multiresistant Bacteria - Antibiotic Prescription and Antibiotics of Last Resort

Ascertaining critical indications for antibiotics and rational prescribing can delay and minimize the spread of antibiotic resistance. Room for improvement lies in particular in a stricter indication, in shortening antibiotic treatment and in initiating more targeted therapies with narrow-spectrum drugs. Not all infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms require treatment with reserve drugs. Detailed susceptibility testing together with enhanced knowledge of pharmacokinetics and -dynamics are needed for adequate treatment decisions. There are some new drugs with interesting spectrum of activity in development. The problem of antimicrobial resistance in human medicine, however, must also be seen in the context of "One Health" interactions between various systems including environmental issues and food production.

Evaluation of vancomycin therapy in the adult ICUs of a teaching hospital in southern Iran.

BackgroundVancomycin resistance in intensive care units (ICUs) accounts for significant morbidity and excess costs. The objective of the present study was to determine the appropriateness of vancomycin use in the various ICUs of Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran.MethodsThis prospective study was performed on 95 critically ill patients (48 males and 47 females) who were treated with vancomycin for at least 3 subsequent doses in 6 ICUs during 12 months. Required demographic, clinical, and paraclinical data were collected by a pharmacist. Fifteen indexes were considered for evaluation of vancomycin use.ResultsVentilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (22.6%), sepsis (22.1%) and CNS infection (12.6%) were found to be the most important indications for vancomycin prescription. Vancomycin was prescribed empirically in 81% of patients. None of the patients received loading dose, and most of the patients received fixed dose. The rate of prolonged empiric antibiotic therapy was 68.5% in patients who received vancomycin. The mean score of vancomycin use in the ICUs of Nemazee Hospital was 7.1±0.6 out of 15, implying that the rate of vancomycin use was in accordance with the guideline proposed by the Department of Clinical Pharmacy of Nemazee Hospital based on Infectious Diseases Society of America by 47.3%.ConclusionBased on our results, the weakness in using vancomycin was related to not administering loading dose, the practice of prescribing fixed-dose vancomycin and prolonged duration of empiric therapy. Efforts to improve the pattern of vancomycin prescription and utilization in these ICUs should be undertaken.

Isolement et contention mécanique dans les soins psychiatriques : modalités de prescription, prise en charge et surveillance

We will briefly summarize the French recommendations concerning the use of seclusion and mechanical restraint. Acute agitation and aggression or self-injurious activity during psychotic and manic episodes are the main indication of prescription of the coercive measures. Their prescriptions respect specific modalities that will be explained. Although they proved to be efficient, seclusion and restrain need to stay a last resort option, considering the risk of physical complications and psychological consequences. Specific pharmacological prescription will necessarily be associated with coercive measures and we present prescription guidelines. Finally, physical complications need to be prevented and we submit specific protocol concerning constipation and thromboembolic risk management.

Mental health of long-term survivors of childhood and young adult cancer: A systematic review.

Childhood cancer is increasing in prevalence whilst survival rates are improving. The prevalence of adult survivors of childhood cancer is consequently increasing. Many survivors suffer long-term consequences of their cancer treatment. Whilst many of these are well documented, relatively little is known about the mental health of survivors of childhood cancer. This article aimed to describe the prevalence and spectrum of mental health problems found in adult survivors of childhood cancer using a systematic review methodology. Our review included 67 articles, describing a number of problems, including depression, anxiety, behavioural problems and drug misuse. Factors increasing the likelihood of mental health problems included treatment with high-dose anthracyclines, cranial irradiation, diagnoses of sarcoma or central nervous system tumours and ongoing physical ill health. There were numerous limitations to the studies we found, including use of siblings of survivors as a control group, self-report methodology and lack of indications for prescriptions when prescribing data were used. This review has identified many mental health problems experienced by survivors of childhood cancer; however, the exact incidence, prevalence and risk-factors for their development remain unclear. Further work to identify childhood cancer patients who are at risk of developing late mental health morbidity is essential.

Systemic fluoroquinolone prescriptions for hospitalized children in Belgium, results of a multicenter retrospective drug utilization study

BackgroundFluoroquinolones (FQ) are increasingly prescribed for children, despite being labeled for only a limited number of labeled pediatric indications. In this multicenter retrospective drug utilization study, we analyzed indications for systemic FQ prescriptions in hospitalized children and the appropriateness of the prescribed dose.MethodsUsing data obtained from electronic medical files, the study included all children who received a systemic FQ prescription in two Belgian university children’s hospitals between 2010 and 2013. Two authors reviewed prescribed daily doses. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze risk factors for inadequately dosing.Results262 FQ prescriptions for individual patients were included for analysis. 16.8% of these prescriptions were for labeled indications, and 35.1% were guided by bacteriological findings. Prescribed daily dose was considered to be inappropriate in 79 prescriptions (30.2%). Other FQ than ciprofloxacin accounted for 9 prescriptions (3.4%), of which 8 were correctly dosed. Underdosing represented 45 (56.9%) dosing errors. Infants and preschool children were at particular risk for dosing errors, with associated adjusted OR of 0.263 (0.097–0.701) and 0.254 (0.106–0.588) respectively.ConclusionsFQ were often prescribed off-label and not guided by bacteriological findings in our study population. Dosing errors were common, particularly in infants and preschool children. FQ prescriptions for children should be improved by specific pediatric antimicrobial stewardship teams. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic studies should optimise dosing recommendations for children.

Contemporary trends in abiraterone and enzalutamide prescription by provider specialty.

366 Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with LHRH-agonists and anti-androgens, is established in the management of prostate cancer and is administered by urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. Newer agents for ADT, abiraterone acetate (ABI) and enzalutamide (ENZA) were approved by the FDA in 2011 and 2012, respectively, for the management of metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after failing chemotherapy. We evaluated the contemporary economic burden of ABI and ENZA and their adoption by specialty. Methods: Because a majority of men with mCRPC are > 65 years of age, we utilized Medicare Part D data from 2013-15. The specific outcome variables of interest included the aggregate reimbursement and total number of prescriptions for ABI and ENZA, by specialty. Descriptive statistics and trend analysis were performed. Results: From 2013-15, the total number of prescription rose from 52457 to 81058 for ABI and from 17141 to 69181 for ENZA. Though medical oncologists prescribed more than 75% of ABI/ENZA prescriptions each year, the proportion of prescriptions written by urologists increased annually. The greatest increase in the percentage of prescriptions originating from urology occurred from 2013-2014 for ABI (3.96% to 8.62%) and from 2014-15 for ENZA (5.42% to 15.64%); meanwhile, prescriptions by radiation oncology were negligible throughout the study. Southern states accounted for greater than one third of ABI and ENZA prescriptions. By 2015, the aggregate reimbursement of Part D claims for ENZA and ABI was $790 million each. Among all medication claims, ENZA and ABI represent the 29th and 30th most expensive by aggregate cost. Conclusions: While medical oncologists account for the vast majority of ENZA and ABI prescriptions, the prescriptions by urologists is increasing while prescriptions by radiation oncologists remain negligible. Though approved for mCRPC patients, ENZA and ABI are already among the costliest medications covered by Medicare. As Level 1 indications for the use of these medications increase and now include castrate-sensitive patients, further study should be directed at determining optimal timing and indication for prescription.

Changes in Statin Prescription Patterns in Patients Admitted to an Australian Geriatric Subacute Unit

Assessment of demographic and clinical factors influencing the decision of statin discontinuation in the elderly population admitted to subacute geriatric unit. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical factors impacting the decision-making process of statin discontinuation in the elderly. We retrospectively assessed changes in statin discontinuation and prescription among patients (≥60 years old) discharged from a geriatric evaluation and management unit by reviewing hospital digital medical records at Western Health - The Williamstown Hospital over a 12-month period from 4 February 2012 until 4 February 2013 inclusive. The main outcome of the study was to determine the independent predictors of statin discontinuation using logistic regression analysis. Of the studied population, 46% were already prescribed statins prior to their admission. Statins were discontinued in 17.5% of patients at discharge. Predictors of statin de-prescription included octogenarian status, primary prevention indication, poor functional recovery, residential care facility discharge destination and lower cognitive function. The presence of previous cardiovascular disease history and the burden of comorbidities were not predictors of statin discontinuation. We observed that factors that conveyed poor prognosis such as advanced age, poor functional recovery, worse cognitive function, being discharged to a residential care facility as well as primary prevention indication for statin prescription are predictors of statin discontinuation in the geriatric unit.

Opioids in Georgia Medicaid: Gender and Insurance Disparities in Utilization and Potential Inappropriate Prescribing Practices.

Medicaid populations have been disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. In Georgia, opioid deaths have increased at more than twice the rate of the nation at large. It is unknown if certain populations within the Medicaid unduly receive opioid prescriptions or experience inappropriate prescribing of opioids. Thus, this study examines gender and insurance disparities in the use of opioids and the prevalence of indicators for potential inappropriate prescribing of opioids in the Georgia Medicaid population. Using individual Georgia Medicaid pharmacy claims data from 2012, disparities across gender (male/female) and type of insurance (fee-for-service (FFS)/managed care (MC)) were examined for the general use of opioids and potential inappropriate prescribing practices by providers. These outcome measures were taken from previous clinical guidelines and expert panels. T-tests were conducted to estimate significance in disparities across gender and type of insurance. Average number of opioid prescriptions received and average days of supply of opioids were higher among males than females (p<0.001), and among FFS patients than MC patients (p<0.001). Similarly, average incidences of potential inappropriate prescribing of opioids were higher among males (1.41) than females (0.83) (p<0.001), and among FFS patients (1.60) than MC patients (0.46) (p<0.001). Results indicate statistically significant disparities among male/female patients and FFS/MC patients in the general use of opioids and in potential inappropriate prescribing of opioids. Policies aimed at curbing potential inappropriate prescribing of opioids, especially among male and FFS enrollees are needed to reduce prescription drug abuse within this population.

Opioid Knowledge and Prescribing Practices Among Obstetrician-Gynecologists.

To describe obstetrician-gynecologists' (ob-gyns) knowledge and prescribing practices regarding opioid analgesics. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a national sample of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellows and Junior Fellows who are part of the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network. We used a sequential mixed-method approach. We collected data on opioid knowledge and typical prescribing practices, including number, type, and indication for prescriptions. We determined adherence to four recommended practices: 1) screening for dependence, 2) prescribing the smallest amount required, 3) tailoring prescriptions, and 4) counseling on proper disposal. We also explored variables associated with prescribing practices. Sixty percent (179/300) of sampled members responded. Respondents reported prescribing a median of 26 (5-80) pills per patient across all indications combined. Ninety-eight percent prescribed opioids after surgery and a smaller proportion for nonsurgical indications: vaginal birth (22%), ovarian cysts (30%), endometriosis (24%), and chronic pelvic pain of unknown cause (18%). The number prescribed varied only by indication for the prescription. Nineteen percent reported adherence to three or more (of four) recommended practices. There was no significant difference in the median number of pills prescribed between those who reported adherence to at least one compared with those who did not adhere to any recommended practices (25 [interquartile range 25-30] vs 28 [interquartile range 20-30], P=.58). Regarding knowledge, 81% incorrectly identified the main source of misused opioids, which is through diversion from a friend or family member, and 44% did not know how to properly dispose of unused prescription opioids. Obstetrician-gynecologists reported prescribing a median of 26 opioid pills across all indications combined. Amount prescribed varied widely by indication but not by reported adherence to recommended prescribing practices. This study highlights an urgent need for increased efforts to improve ob-gyns' knowledge of opioid use, misuse, disposal, and best prescribing practices.

Prescribing pattern and antibiotic use for hospitalized children in a Northern Nigerian Teaching Hospital.

Background:Assessment of patterns of drug to detect performance problems and compliance with standards facilitates objective comparisons and impact evaluation. Children are at higher risk of consequences of irrational prescribing and antibiotic misuse.Objective:The objective of the study was to evaluate the prescribing pattern and utilization of antibiotics for children using standard prescribing indicators and indices of rational drug prescribing.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective study of prescriptions for pediatric inpatients at a teaching hospital in Northern Nigeria. Information was obtained from eligible prescriptions received over 24-month period using a modified WHO prescribing indicator form. The WHO prescribing indicators and the Index of Rational Drug Prescribing (IRDP) were used to evaluate prescriptions. Data were analyzed and presented as proportions, means, tables, and charts, comparing with WHO standards and with findings of similar studies.Results:There were 3908 eligible prescription orders, with a mean patient age of 3.1 (±2.7) years. With an average of 2.1 drugs per prescription, 66.8% were written with generic names, whereas a single antibiotic was included among 63% of prescriptions with antibiotics. Antibiotics and injections were contained in 49.5% and 67.7% of prescriptions, respectively. Medications were available in the Essential Medicines List in 95.5% of cases. The IRDP obtained is 2.99, against a standard of 5. Aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, and penicillins were the most common choices, whereas ampicillin/cloxacillin was the most common combination.Conclusion:Drug prescribing and antibiotic use were generally inappropriate compared with ideal standards. Continuous training/retraining on rational drug use, periodic monitoring, and use of treatment protocols in tertiary hospitals are recommended.

Pharmacoepidemiological Observational Study of Antimicrobial Use in Outpatients of Ophthalmology Department in North Indian Population.

Background:Recognition of drug usage patterns provides the basis for improving safety and plummeting risks associated with their use. Thus, this study was undertaken to explore the drug usage pattern in ophthalmology with an emphasis on antimicrobial use at a tertiary care teaching hospital.Materials and Methods:An observational study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Hakeem Abdul Hameed Centenary Hospital, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India for 9 months. Newly registered patients visiting the Outpatient Department for curative complaints were included. All drugs prescribed were recorded, including dose, route, dosage form, frequency of administration, indications for prescription, and duration of therapy, and the data was audited using the indicators prescribed by the World Health Organization.Result:A total of 600 prescriptions were analyzed. The number of drugs prescribed was 1097 with an average drug per prescription being 1.8. The most common disorders diagnosed were infective conjunctivitis (21.5%) followed by stye (5.5%). Drugs were prescribed in different dosage forms with eye drops (72.6%) being the most common. Drugs were predominantly prescribed by brand name (100%). Antimicrobials (44.7%) were the most commonly prescribed drugs followed by lubricants (17.5%). Moxifloxacin (53.5%) was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial agent. Of the antimicrobials prescribed, 89.6% were prescribed topically. Average total cost per prescription was 113 INR.Conclusion:The study concludes with an overall impression of rational prescription in terms of prescribing in consensus with the recommended treatment protocol of ocular diseases. Nevertheless, health-care professionals should be encouraged to prescribe by generic name. Creating awareness regarding selection of drugs from essential drug list to reduce the drug cost is the need of the hour. Last but not least, updating knowledge regarding appropriate antimicrobial use and the development of discreet strategies for their use should be implemented to steer clear of antimicrobial resistance.