Assessing the patterns of prescribing of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs in one of the District hospitals in Jordan with focus on clinical safety and monitoring aspects

Background NSAIDs are in wide clinical use in cases of painful arthritic conditions due to their effect in managing acute and chronic pain. However, there are considerable concerns related to the safety profiles of the drugs in this class in addition to the risks of the associated side effects both in the short and longer terms. Objectives: This study aims to assess the adherence with safety prescribing practices of NSAIDs in patients with painful arthritic conditions in Al Hussain New Salt Hospital outpatients which is likely to be similar to the practices in other relevant centers nationally. Methods This is a cross-sectional study based on record reviews of a meaningful number of patients cases from Al Hussain New Salt Hospital outpatients including the Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Neurosurgical clinics. We have assessed whether NSAIDs are being prescribed in line with the globally acceptable manners whilst analysing the extent of adherence to these commonly pursued methods. Results A high prevalence of lack of adherence with ideal safety prescribing practices of analgesics in patients with painful arthritic conditions has been identified. These findings indicate that there are areas that need further improvement to avoid adverse outcomes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates by evidence that the clinical practice of NSAIDs prescriptions are not always up to the standards and usual safe practices that were outlined by the questionnaire developed and validated for the research purpose.