Evaluation of outpatient prescriptions in a University-based healthcare facility in Ibadan
Rasaq Adisa, John O. Aderemi, and Titilayo O.Fakeye
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.
Corresponding author: Rasaq Adisa
E-mail: adisaras73@yahoo.co.uk Phone: +2348034226199
ABSTRACT
Background: Appropriate drug utilization has a huge contribution to global reduction in morbidity and mortality. Periodic review of prescriptions at all levels of care is therefore essential.
Objective: To evaluate drug prescription pattern and practice in a university-based healthcare facility using the WHO-core prescribing indicators.
Method: A retrospective review of randomly selected outpatient prescriptions in the pharmacy unit of the U n i v e rsi t y o f I b a d a n H e a l t h S e r v i c e s b e t w e e n 2 0 1 2 a n d 2 0 1 4 w a s d o n e . Pre-piloted data collection form was used to retrieve data based on standard prescription specifications including socio-demographics, drug name and dosage regimen, and prescriber identity. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.
Results: A total of 4,121 medicines were reviewed in 1200 encounters. Of these, 589 (49.1%) were prescribed for males and 611 (50.9%) for females. Patients’ ages were indicated in 388 (32.3%) prescriptions (mean age =17.7years). Summary of WHO-core prescribing indicators showed the average number of medicines per encounter as 3.4, medicine prescribed by generic name (2,533; 61.5%), encounter with one or more antibiotics and injections (427; 35.6%) and (150; 12.5%), respectively.
Conclusion: Polypharmacy, low generic prescribing and overuse of antibiotics is common underscoring the need for ongoing enlightment and training of healthcare providers on rational prescribing practice and drug use.
Keywords: Out-patient prescription, University-based facility, Prescribing indicator