Care Outpatient Department Research Articles

Assessment of quality of life in head and neck cancer patients visiting the Palliative Care outpatient department in a tertiary care oncology centre in India.

Patients with head and neck cancers (HNCs) are at an increased risk of developing functional symptoms associated with eating, speaking, and breathing along with symptoms caused by a fungating tumour (e.g., cosmetic change, malodor, and bleeding). These may substantially reduce their physical functioning and quality of life (QoL). This observational study aimed to find out the QoL in patients with HNC in a tertiary care oncology centre. A prospective observational study was conducted in adult patients diagnosed with HNC. The patients were divided depending upon their disease extent into early, advanced, and very advanced local disease. The physical, cognitive, emotional, financial and social domains were assessed using a validated Hindi version of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of cancer (EORTC)- QoL 30 and EORTC H&N 35 at baseline and 3 months. A total of 100 patients were assessed with a mean age of 49.3 ± 12.4 years. Most of the patients had carcinoma buccal mucosa (42%) followed by carcinoma tongue (17%). The patients experienced difficulties with physical functioning and deterioration in emotional functioning. Pain and fatigue were the major problematic symptoms especially in advanced disease patients resulting in poor QoL. There was a significant improvement in various domains of QoL at 3 months follow-up in those with advanced disease. The fatigue scores at baseline and follow-up showed a positive correlation with other symptoms. Patients with HNC have a high symptom burden that leads to poor QoL. Appropriate palliative care interventions help to decrease symptom burden and prevent deterioration of their QoL in patients with HNC.

Morbidity profile and pharmaceutical management of adult outpatients between primary and tertiary care levels in Sri Lanka: a dual-centre, comparative study

BackgroundOutpatient care is central to both primary and tertiary levels in a health system. However, evidence is limited on outpatient differences between these levels, especially in South Asia. This study aimed to describe and compare the morbidity profile (presenting morbidities, comorbidities, multimorbidity) and pharmaceutical management (patterns, indicators) of adult outpatients between a primary and tertiary care outpatient department (OPD) in Sri Lanka.MethodsA comparative study was conducted by recruiting 737 adult outpatients visiting a primary care and a tertiary care facility in the Kandy district. A self-administered questionnaire and a data sheet were used to collect outpatient and prescription data. Following standard categorisations, Chi-square tests and Mann‒Whitney U tests were employed for comparisons.ResultsOutpatient cohorts were predominated by females and middle-aged individuals. The median duration of presenting symptoms was higher in tertiary care OPD (10 days, interquartile range: 57) than in primary care (3 days, interquartile range: 12). The most common systemic complaint in primary care OPD was respiratory symptoms (32.4%), whereas it was dermatological symptoms (30.2%) in tertiary care. The self-reported prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) was 37.9% (95% CI: 33.2–42.8) in tertiary care OPD and 33.2% (95% CI: 28.5–38.3) in primary care; individual disease differences were significant only for diabetes (19.7% vs. 12.8%). The multimorbidity in tertiary care OPD was 19.0% (95% CI: 15.3–23.1), while it was 15.9% (95% CI: 12.4–20.0) in primary care. Medicines per encounter at primary care OPD (3.86, 95% CI: 3.73–3.99) was higher than that at tertiary care (3.47, 95% CI: 3.31–3.63). Medicines per encounter were highest for constitutional and respiratory symptoms in both settings. Overall prescribing of corticosteroids (62.7%), vitamin supplements (45.8%), anti-allergic (55.3%) and anti-asthmatic (31.3%) drugs was higher in the primary care OPD, and the two former drugs did not match the morbidity profile. The proportion of antibiotics prescribed did not differ significantly between OPDs. Subgroup analyses of drug categories by morbidity largely followed these overall differences.ConclusionsThe morbidities between primary and tertiary care OPDs differed in duration and type but not in terms of multimorbidity or most comorbidities. Pharmaceutical management also varied in terms of medicines per encounter and prescribed categories. This evidence supports planning in healthcare and provides directions for future research in primary care.

Establishing palliative care in tribal and rural Indian setting: A participatory action research approach.

e24085 Background: We established a palliative care center in the tribal area of Santhal Pargana, India, under a tertiary care facility, as a crucial step in addressing the palliative needs of oncology patients. This study assesses the center's inaugural year, focusing on referral patterns, morphine consumption, and pain management. Methods: Data from all patients visiting the palliative care outpatient department (OPD) in 2023 were prospectively collected and analyzed. The study focused on key palliative care indicators, including morphine consumption, patient referrals, and the mean Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain score after initial consultation. The PAR approach was utilized to tailor services to the community's needs. Results: The center observed an increase in patient referrals, from 8 new patients in January to 19 by December. The patient demographic primarily comprised individuals with head and neck cancer (43%), followed by breast cancer (28%) and gall bladder cancer (12%), alongside other types such as cervix, sarcomas, lung, and adult hematolymphoid malignancies. Bone metastasis was present in 46 (55.4%) patients at initial presentation. Morphine consumption demonstrated a notable rise, from 840 mg in May to 2860 mg in December, totaling 9800 mg for the year. The mean NRS pain score improved significantly from 6.5 in January to 4.3 post-initial consultation. The center maintained an overall median of 3 consultations per patient, and bereavement support was provided to 13 (15.7%) patients. Conclusions: The integration of the Participatory Action Research approach, specifically the CTC-5, was instrumental in the successful initiation and expansion of palliative care services within the center. The structured training, mentorship, and organizational restructuring, facilitated by the program, were crucial in establishing a modest palliative care infrastructure. This comprehensive approach not only enhanced care delivery but also ensured the sustainability and adaptability of palliative services, effectively addressing the gap in palliative care in rural, tribal settings.

Quality of life and its predictors among patients with metastatic cancer in Bangladesh: the APPROACH survey

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) (physical, functional, emotional, social, spiritual) and psychological (anxiety and depression) well-being and their associations with patient characteristics among patients with metastatic cancer in Bangladesh.MethodsA convenience sample of 386 Bangladeshi patients with stage IV solid cancers was recruited from a palliative care outpatient department and an inpatient palliative center. Dependent variables included the physical, functional, emotional, social, and overall scores of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) scale, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being (FACIT-SP) scale, the anxiety, depression, and overall scores of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) scale. Linear regressions examined the association between dependent variables and patient characteristics.ResultsA substantial proportion of Bangladeshi patients reported anxiety (59% of outpatients and 55% of inpatients) and depression (60% of outpatients and 73% of inpatients) symptoms. Generally, greater financial difficulty and symptom burden scores were associated with worse health outcomes. Older patients reported poorer functional and spiritual well-being but better anxiety scores. Females reported worse anxiety and depressive symptoms and physical well-being but better spiritual outcomes.ConclusionsAdditional efforts must be directed at improving the HRQOL of patients with metastatic cancer in Bangladesh. Furthermore, assistance should be made more accessible to vulnerable groups, including women, the elderly, and those with financial difficulty.

Suggestions for Improving the Palliative Care Outpatient Department through a Review of Palliative Care Visits

Suggestions for Improving the Palliative Care Outpatient Department through a Review of Palliative Care Visits

Exploring the needs and coping strategies of family caregivers taking care of dying patients at home: a field study

BackgroundMost Chinese patients chose to die at home, therefore there is a reliance on the family caregivers to be involved in their palliative care. The needs and coping strategies of family caregivers in home-based palliative care are rooted in culture. Little is known about the needs and coping strategies of family caregivers taking care of dying patients at home.MethodsA field study using semi-structured interview, participant observation, documents and records collection was employed. The study was conducted in two palliative care outpatient departments in tertiary hospitals and four communities in Beijing, China from March 2021 to July 2022. Using purposive sampling, twenty-five family caregivers were recruited. All collected data were analyzed using content analysis approach.ResultsFive themes emerged, including three care needs and two coping strategies. Family caregivers need to learn care skills and acquire care resources, including (i) decision-making about home-based palliative care, (ii) improving patient’s quality of life, and (iii) signs of final hours and funeral procedures. In facing the care burden, family caregivers coped by (iv) balancing the roles of caregivers and individuals: giving priority to patient care while maintaining their own normal life. In facing the death of a loved one, family caregivers responded by (v) making room for coming death by facing death indirectly and “rescuing” patients for consolation while preparing for the coming death.ConclusionFamily caregivers strive to balance the roles of being caregivers and being themselves. As caregivers, they actively prepare patients for good death with no regrets. As individuals, they preserve themselves from being hurt to maintain normal life. The needs of family caregivers focus on caregiver role and are manifested in care skills and resources.Trial registrationNot registered.

A Prospective Study on the Prevalence of Coronavirus Disease 19 Infection in Antenatal Patients at Term and Its Effects on Maternal-fetal Health and on Early Childhood Development

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic; its unparalleled speed of spread has left us all in a worldwide alarming situation. Aims: The aim was to study the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in asymptomatic antenatal patients at term and its maternal and fetal outcomes and neonates being followed up till 18 months for developmental assessment. This was a prospective observational study carried out from September 1, 2020, to March 31, 2023. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 250 pregnant women attending the antenatal care outpatient department in a Zonal Hospital in Northeastern India expected to undergo delivery in the next 5 days, and all suspected COVID-19 pregnant women were included in the study. Asymptomatic pregnant women not expecting delivery in the next 5 days were excluded. All neonates born to these 250 mothers were followed till 18 months of age and were then assessed for the impact of COVID-19 on the developmental milestones. The prevalence of COVID-19 was calculated in the study population. The Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables in COVID-19-positive and -negative groups. P <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of COVID-19 infection in term pregnancies was found to be 4%. The findings of the study showed no immediate impact on maternal and fetal health from COVID-19 infection. However, on follow-up of these babies (born during the pandemic) at 18 months of age, there was a delay in social and language domains of development in 18.8% of children. Most women were discharged without any significant problems, and there were no signs that COVID-19 had been transmitted vertically. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection was found to have no immediate impact on maternal and neonatal health. However, follow-up at 18 months of babies born during the COVID-19 era revealed a delay in social and language milestones in 18.8% of children. Further multicentric studies with a larger population base need to be done to substantiate this claim.

A CASE REPORT OF NECROTIZING FASCIITIS OF THE NECK AND ANTERIOR CHEST WALL CAUSED BY ODONTOGENIC INFECTION IN ELDERLY: DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT IN RURAL AREA

Introduction: Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) is bacterial infection spreading rapidly affecting soft tissue and muscular fascia. It's life threatening and fatal, leads to tissue necrosis, sepsis, and death. It has high mortality number especially in elderly. Purpose: To report a rare case of odontogenic NF in elderly patient extending to the neck, left upper limb and anterior chest wall, diagnosed and treated in district hospital with limited facilities. Case Report: A 65 years old male with painful left neck swelling and fluctuating gangrenous appearance start form the mastoid bone to infraclavicular area crossing to the right close with sternal area. Swelling and fluctuating area also found in left axillar and left arm. Thirteen hours after hospital admission, the patient was sent to operating room to do the wound debridement. Wound care was carried out daily in intensive care unit and inpatient ward. 14 days postoperatively patient was send out to continue the wound care in outpatient department. 28 days postoperatively, skin grafting was done. Conclusion: Fourteen days postoperatively patient was sent to outpatient department to continue his wound care. After wound care in order to wound prepare for skin grafting. 28 days postoperatively, 14 days after patient discharge from hospital, skin grafting was done to close the wound defect.

Assessing the Impact of Uterine Artery Doppler and Low-Dose Aspirin on Fetomaternal Outcome: A Prospective Study in Low-Risk Pregnant Women in Western Part of India.

Introduction Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) are significant and clinically relevant complications observed in many pregnancies. Early prediction of these complications may be possible through the assessment of the umbilical artery pulsatility index (UAPI). However, its utility in routine practice for otherwise normal pregnancy needs further exploration in India. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of incorporating UAPI for the timely use of low-dose aspirin in preventing FGR and PIH in a tertiary care hospital in the western part of India. Methodology A prospective study was conducted involving 64 low-risk (i.e., not having any feature of high-risk pregnancy) pregnant women selected from routine antenatal care outpatient departments over a period of two years. All women underwent uterine artery Doppler examination during the 11-13+6 weeks of pregnancy and those who had high UAPI received low-dose (150 mg) aspirin till the 35th week. The incidence of FGR and PIH was analyzed and compared between high UAPI and normal UAPI pregnancy. Results A total of 64 pregnant women with a mean age of 27.11±4 years participated in the study. Among the women, eight (12.5%) were found to have high UAPI and were put on aspirin. Among those eight women, two developed PIH. In the normal UAPI group, nine (16.07%) developed PIH (p-value = 0.62). FGR was found in one case among the eight who received aspirin and in eight cases among the 56 who had normal UAPI (p-value > 0.99). Conclusion The study concluded that despite having normal UAPI, women categorized as low-risk may develop PIH and FGR. Hence, the routine use of UAPI should be investigated in further cohort studies using a large sample to draw a generalizable conclusion for the Indian population.

Factors associated with knowledge of diagnosis, prognosis & distress in cancer patients receiving palliative care - A retrospective cohort analysis.

Demographic attributes of cancer patients are associated with the awareness of diagnosis, the prognosis of cancer and their associated psychological distress. This study was aimed to assess the knowledge of diagnosis, prognosis and psychological distress among patients reporting to the pain and palliative care department in a tertiary cancer hospital, south India. Data of all patients visiting the palliative care outpatient department of a tertiary cancer centre in south India between January and June 2018 were included in the study (n=754). A structured pro forma was used to collect information on the sociodemographic details and clinical aspects and a distress thermometer was used to assess the level of distress. Information, thus collected, were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Around 16.2 per cent of the patients were unaware of their diagnosis while two third (68%) were unaware of the prognosis. More than half of the patients reported significant distress (54.1%). Gender, education, not working and being diagnosed with head-and-neck cancers were associated with knowledge of diagnosis, while educational level predicted the knowledge of prognosis. Younger age group, head-and-neck cancer, haematology cancer, state of being unaware of diagnosis and prognosis were found to be associated with distress. Higher educational levels and better socio-economic status increase the likelihood of patients being aware of their diagnosis and prognosis. Being unaware of the prognosis remains associated with the higher level of distress.

Effectiveness of Diabetes Self-Management Education on Distress and HbA1C among Indian Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The interrelationship of diabetes with mental illness has increased in recent years. Diabetes-related distress is the emotional burden, stress, and worries associated with diabetes, which does not reach the threshold for depressive disorder. A diabetes self-management education (DSME) is a structured educational approach to improve glycemic control and diabetes-related distress. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of DSME in comparison with usual diabetes care in improving glycemic control and diabetes-related distress. This is a single-center, parallel randomized controlled trial. A total of 106 participants were recruited for both intervention and control groups with 53 participants each. The control group received only routine outpatient department (OPD) care. The intervention group received DSME in addition to routine OPD care. Diabetes-related distress and HbA1C were assessed after 3 months. The data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Per-protocol analysis was done. Of 127 patients screened, 106 met the eligibility criteria and were randomized. At 3-month follow-up, the reduction in mean HbA1C, fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), and diabetes distress were significant in the intervention group compared with the control group (p 0.001). The mean HbA1C reduction in the intervention group was significant (mean difference: -1.3, SD: 0.4). The mean DDS had decreased significantly in the intervention group from 2 to 1.2 (mean difference: -0.8, SD: 0.1). The DSME was effective in improving the glycemic control, diabetes-related distress, and self-care among type 2 diabetes (T2DM) mellitus patients.

Awareness, perceptions, and attitude towards Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine among pregnant women in India

Introduction: The present study was conducted to explore the awareness and perception of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine among pregnant women. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September 01, 2021, to September 28, 2021, among 301 pregnant women aged 18–35 years at antenatal care outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra. Results: On assessing the knowledge and awareness score, the mean score (± standard deviation) was 7.83 ± 1.2 out of 16. A total of 176 (58.5%) had good scores (≥8). There was no statistically significant association between knowledge and awareness scores and the level of education, type of residence, and age or with weeks of gestation. Although the overall awareness of study participants was satisfactory, 177 (58.8%) felt that COVID-19 vaccines should be avoided during the first trimester. Interestingly, 45 (15.3%) felt that vaccines should not be given during menstruation. There were misconceptions about perceived contraindication, with 81(26.9%), 50(16.6%) and 43(14.4%) responding that diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are contradicts respectively. Interestingly, a total of 52 (17.3%) responded as likely when enquired whether the present vaccine can cause infertility. Similarly, about 62% of study participants felt that the vaccine might alter the DNA. Conclusion: The present study revealed good overall knowledge and awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant with certain misconceptions. The findings suggest that immediate health education programs, risk communication, and correct information should be disseminated by respective health authorities.

Comparing Non-invasive Prenatal Testing With Invasive Testing for the Detection of Trisomy 21.

Background Non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) is an intermediate step between serum screening and invasive diagnostic testing. It involves analysis of the cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) present in the maternal blood sample for determining the likelihood of fetal aneuploidy. Owing to its high sensitivity and specificity, NIPT has quickly gained popularity across the globe since its introduction to clinical practice, making it an attractive alternative to the available screening and diagnostic tests in use.Amniocentesis is currently the gold standard test for obtaining fetal DNA and diagnosing fetal trisomy prenatally, but it is invasive and has procedure-related adverse effects.This study aims to compare NIPT and amniocentesis in pregnancies screened positive for fetal trisomy. Material and methods This is an analytic cross-sectional prospective study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, for two and half years from December 2018 to June 2021. A total of 34 pregnant women screened positive for trisomy 21, attending the antenatal care outpatient department, in their second trimester, with their written consent, were enrolled in the study. Results Out of 34 pregnant patients, three refused NIPT and directly opted for amniocentesis. A total of 31 pregnant women have undergone NIPT. A total of 28 cases were positive for trisomy 21 on both NIPT and amniocentesis. The sensitivity of NIPT was 100% with the confidence interval being 87.66% to 100.00%. The specificity of NIPT was 100% with the confidence interval being 29.24% to 100.00%. Conclusion The high performance and effectiveness of NIPT are undeniable. Thoughthe process by which this test has to be integrated into the clinical practice needs more study and should be determined with meticulous assessment.

Awareness about transmission and preventive measures of COVID–19 from mother to child

Objective: To study the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant women regarding transmission and preventive measures of COVID-19 from mother to child and to determine the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Methods: This observational cross-sectional knowledge, attitude, and practice study was conducted among pregnant women of any trimester, attending the antenatal care out-patient department of a tertiary care hospital in Lucknow from October 2020 to March 2021. All the participants were interviewed using a pretested semi­structured questionnaire for desired information. Reasons for vaccine hesitancy were also asked to assess their unwillingness to get vaccinated. Results: Totally 652 pregnant women were included and 91.3% were aware that COVID-19 spread through contact with an infected person and 85.3% knew that COVID-19 spread by respiratory droplets. Of pregnant women, 95.7% perceived that social distancing and wearing a proper mask were effective ways to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and 96.8% of the pregnant women wore masks regularly when going out. Of pregnant women, 79.0% were hesitant to get vaccinated. The most common reason was that COVID-19 vaccine can harm the developing fetus (77.5%) and was not very safe in pregnancy (75.0%). Conclusions: Of the pregnant women, 22.92% have unsatisfactory knowledge regarding COVID-19, 35.63% have negative attitude and 19.93% have poor practices, indicating that there are still gaps in awareness, and majority of them are unwilling to get vaccinated. Good awareness will help prevent the occurrence of future COVID-19 waves in India.

Various Factors that are Causing Difference in Prevalence of Coronary Risk Factors among Siblings.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the predominant types of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of present study was to study various factors that are causing difference in prevalence of coronary risk factors among siblings. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, among the healthy individuals (not known CAD) attending regular health care outpatient department (OPD) and their siblings over a period of 1½ years. All individuals coming for regular health checkup (not known CAD) of age more than 30 years or above and their siblings (with or without known CAD). This was a cross-sectional study, conducted among 100 pairs of healthy siblings (not known cases of CAD) who came for health checkup at health center of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in North India. Prevalence of obesity was more in siblings living in urban area than their counter siblings living in rural area, but it was statistically insignificant. Six had impaired fasting blood sugar (FBS) and two were diabetic. Among their siblings living in urban area, 21 were nondiabetic, 10 had impaired FBS, and seven were diabetic. This correlation was statistically significant with p-value of 0.02. Among the CAD negative, out of 23 subjects, two subjects (9.0%) had heavy stress level, while remaining four subjects (17.0%) and 17 subjects (74.0%) had light and moderate stress levels, respectively. Among the CAD negative, out of 23 subjects, 10 subjects (43.0%) had high stress level, while remaining zero subject (0%) and 13 subjects (57.0%) had light and moderate stress levels, respectively. Significant results were obtained while comparing the CAD findings of subjects divided on the basis of stress level. In our study, among siblings (CAD positive and CAD negative), significant results were obtained for residence, socioeconomic class, physical activity, stress levels, smoking, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and diabetes, that is, all these factors have correlation in increasing CAD among siblings.

Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding nutrition among pregnant females visiting the antenatal care outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, Pune

Background: A balanced and adequate diet is of utmost importance during pregnancy to meet the increased needs of the mother and to prevent nutritional stress. Studies have shown that a majority of pregnant women in India consume food that is deficient in protein, caloric content and other vital nutrients. In Maharashtra, 20.8% women aged 15-49 years are malnourished and 54.2% are anaemic (NFHS 5 {2019-2020} state fact sheet). Poor dietary intake is one of the common cause of micronutrient deficiency. Maternal anaemia contributes to intergenerational cycle of poor growth in the off spring.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in antenatal care outpatient department (ANC-OPD) of BJGMC and SGH, Pune from January 2021 to February 2021. The 94 antenatal mothers were selected randomly. Semi structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Percentages and frequency were used to describe continuous and categorical variables. Test of significance chi square was used with p value less than 0.05 as significant. Analysis was done using SPSS version 26.0.Results: The 91.5% subjects were aware about need of extra amount of food during pregnancy. The 95.7% agreed having extra food during pregnancy is good for health of mother as well as for baby. The 67% actually practiced adding extra food during pregnancy.Conclusions: Education level of pregnant women and socio-economic status were positively associated with nutrition knowledge. The study shows satisfactory knowledge and attitude toward nutrition and diet during pregnancy but practices toward nutrition is still lacking among the study population. Thus, significant gap is there in translating knowledge attitude in practice.

Evaluation and optimization of antibiotic usage in upper respiratory tract infections in children at a tertiary care outpatient department

INTRODUCTION:Inappropriate antibiotic (ab)use contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is the most common reason for antibiotic prescription in an outpatient department (OPD). Several factors influence the high and unjustified antibiotic use in a common ailment.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A clinical audit was performed to assess antibiotic prescription rate (APR) for URTI in the pediatric OPD against the available benchmark. The prescription pattern was assessed, and interventions were formulated to improve prescription behavior. Data of all children attending OPD and fulfilling the criteria for URTI group were collected from the online hospital management system and analyzed. Interventions, in the form of discussions, presentations, posters, and guidelines (Indian Ministry of Health Guidelines for URTI) regarding etiology of URTI, and indications for antibiotic prescription were implemented. Data were monitored and feedback to consultants was given.RESULTS:The baseline APR was 14.7%. There was wide variation in APR (4.1%–53.1%) among consultants. Three consultants had a rate of 53.1%, 29.7%, and 28.6%, which was very high. Postintervention, the average APR decreased to 8.7%, a reduction of 40.8%. There was a reduction in APR among consultants with high APR as well. There was reduction in the use of azithromycin, a drug recommended for patients with penicillin allergy, from 21.2% to 14.4% (32.1% reduction). Amoxycillin plus clavulanic acid combination and amoxicillin alone continued to be the most prescribed antibiotics.CONCLUSION:Interventions through clinical audit were useful in reducing APR. The APR of 8.7% achieved in this study postintervention can be used as a benchmark by other institutions to assess APR in children with URTI.

Discussion on Clinical Pharmaceutical Care in Out-patient Department of Maternity and Children’s Hospital

Discussion on Clinical Pharmaceutical Care in Out-patient Department of Maternity and Children’s Hospital

A STUDY ON QUALITY OF SERVICES IN THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF A MULTISPECIALTY TEACHING HOSPITAL

Quality of patient care in Outpatient Department (OPD) is as important as other clinical health measures and is a means of measuring the effectiveness of health care delivery system. A study was conducted to evaluate the facilities, infrastructure, services and stafng in the Outpatient Department in multispecialty teaching hospital. The study type is descriptive. Sample sizes of 120 patients were selected using convenience sampling technique. Questionnaire method was used to collect data from patients. The ndings showed that majority of the patients agreed that there were adequate facilities, infrastructure and services in the Outpatient Department. They also said that there were adequate number of nurses, doctors and supportive staff available to manage patients in OPD. The majority of patients were satised with the quality of services provided by the staff in OPD. The study ndings revealed some of the areas which can be improved such as cleanliness, communication skills of staff and pharmacy services to improve the overall quality of service provided.

Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns by Health Care Providers in Pediatric Outpatients: A Prospective Observational Study

Objectives: To audit the patterns and quality of antibiotic prescription for children in the outpatient department (OPD). Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on the tertiary care outpatient department of a teaching hospital. One thousand prescriptions for children between 1 month and 15 years of age, who attended the outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital between April 2018 and May 2019, were included. The quality of prescriptions was assessed based on 12 pretest parameters. One score was given to each correctly written parameter, and total scores were categorized as poor (0 - 4), average (5 - 8), and good (9 - 12). The core prescribing indicators presented by the world health organization (WHO) were used to analyze antibiotic prescribing patterns. The data were analyzed using open-source Epidata software. Results: Out of 1000 prescriptions, quality was average in 490 (49%) and poor in 46 (4.6%) prescriptions. The average number of medicines prescribed per encounter was 3.5 (reference value < 2). The medicines were prescribed by their generic names in 27.3% of the prescriptions (reference value 100%). Antibiotics and injections appeared in 65% (reference value < 30%) and 6% (reference value < 20%) of the prescriptions. The ratio of prescription from a list of essential medicines was 15% (reference value 100%). According to the prescriber profile, the rate of prescribing an antibiotic was 63% by postgraduates in pediatrics, 70% by MBBS, and 90% by AYUSH doctors (reference value < 30%). Conclusions: More than half of the prescriptions could not attain a good score. There is room for improving prescription writing practice. Antibiotic prescription by health care providers, especially AYUSH doctors, needs to be restricted given the high number of antibiotics per prescription. This will limit the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and may be a big step towards achieving the antibiotic stewardship goal.