5PSQ-038 Compliance and applicability of pro re nata prescribing in a French university hospital

<h3>Background and Importance</h3> As needed medication, or pro re nata (PRN), provides symptomatic treatment for patients. This practice is regulated by the French public health code and the recommendations of the French national health authority. <h3>Aim and Objectives</h3> The aim of this study was to assess the compliance of PRN prescriptions in a French University Hospital. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A retrospective study was carried out between February and June 2024 on PRN prescriptions for patients hospitalised in departments using Computerised provider order entry (CPOE). Patients were included if they had at least one PRN prescription. Compliance with statutory criteria and applicability of prescriptions were assessed. <h3>Results</h3> Of 1196 eligible patients in 63 departments, 998 had at least one PRN prescription, with an average of 4 PRN prescriptions per patient and a maximum of 23. The most common prescribing criteria were drug name and route of administration, whereas duration of prescription was rarely mentioned. Laxatives, analgesics and psycholeptics were the most common therapeutic classes. Paracetamol, which is commonly prescribed, often had imprecise conditions of use, with an applicability of 14%. Significant differences in applicability were observed between short-stay and long-stay units and between therapeutic classes. <h3>Conclusion and Relevance</h3> This study highlights the need to strengthen protocols and their implementation in CPOE. Nursing staff training and awareness of PRN prescribing is essential. Pharmaceutical analysis of prescriptions and interprofessional re-evaluation should help to improve the quality and safety of PRN prescriptions. <h3>References and/or Acknowledgements</h3> <h3>Conflict of Interest</h3> No conflict of interest