Title: A Study on Drug Utilization Pattern in Dermatology Outpatient Department in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital Of North East India
Authors: Dr Indrani Bhagawati, Dr Pradumna Pathak
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i8.27
Abstract
Introduction: Drug utilization as a research area made it possible to study drug prescribing and drug usage in a scientific and formal manner. This type of study of prescribing pattern is a part of the medical audit and seeks to monitor, evaluate and if necessary suggest modification in prescribing practices to make medical care rational and cost effective.
Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to analyze the prescribing pattern in dermatology outpatient department for a quantitative analysis.
Methodology: This study was a prospective observational study conducted on patients attending the dermatology OPD. A random once weekly data collection was done for 4 months duration. Patients of all ages and both sexes were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained verbally from the patient or legal guardian. Patient related information and drug-related information (like dose, dosage form, route of administration) was recorded on a data collection sheet. The data obtained was analysed and presented with appropriate statistical methods.
Results: Antihistaminic was found to be the most commonly prescribed class of drugs while Levocetirizine was most prevalently used antihistaminic. A total of 449 drugs were prescribed in 132 patients meaning there were 3.4 drugs per prescription.
Key Words: Drug utilization, Dermatology, Fixed dose combination, Prescriptions, Outpatients
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