Prescription audit of online booked outpatients for department of medicine and dermatology in a tertiary care hospital: a comparative observational study

Abstract

Background: A regular and effective prescription audit is a key tool to ensure rational use of drugs and to assess drug utilization in the health care system. This study is first of its kind, in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, highlighting comparative assessment of prescriptions of online booked appointments in department of medicine and dermatology via online registration system (ORS) using WHO prescribing indicators. This ORS is an integral part under Digital India Initiative.

Methods: This was a comparative, observational study conducted in Department of Pharmacology of RIMS, Ranchi. The study period was 6 months from 1 March 2019 to 31 August 2019. Prescriptions details of outpatient department (OPD) patients were collected from the government authorized pharmacy facility “Dawai Dost “at RIMS. 75 prescriptions from each of the departments were analyzed.

Results: 75 prescriptions from patients who attended medicine and dermatology outpatient department (OPD) during the study period, after registering appointment via ORS, was collected and comparative assessment was done. This audit highlights important correctable parameters although legibility was not the major concern. Adherence to National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) was 45% and 49% for department of medicine and dermatology respectively.

Conclusions: The prescription audit process should be done regularly to assess ORS prescription to ensure high quality rational prescribing and support Digital India initiative. Adherence to NLEM of India should be 100%. The latest NLEM of India should be provided to the concerned departments and feedback should be provided to the physicians.