Evaluation of Drug Utilization Pattern Among Adult Patients in A District Headquarters Government Hospital Using World Health Organization Indicators

Objective: Rational prescription practices are crucial for effective healthcare delivery.Rational drug delivery systems (RDDS) are designed to improve the efficacy and safety of therapeutic agents by controlling the rate, time, and place of drug release.Evaluating prescriptions is a critical component of healthcare that ensures the safety, efficacy, and appropriateness of medication use.This process involves a systematic review of prescriptions to identify and prevent potential drug-related problems, such as drug interactions, contraindications, incorrect dosages, and patient non-adherence. Methods:A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in a tertiary care hospital.This study evaluates the prescription patterns in adult patients, focusing on antibiotics, injectables, disease prevalence, polypharmacy, and consultation time. Result:Examining 317 prescriptions over six months.Antibiotics were prescribed in 60% of cases, with injectables constituting 48%.Respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases were the most prevalent.Polypharmacy, defined as the use of five or more medications, was observed in 81% of patients.The average consultation time was 8 minutes, highlighting potential issues with patient-doctor interaction quality. Conclusion:The findings underscore the need for stricter guidelines on antibiotic use, careful management of polypharmacy, and improved consultation practices to enhance patient outcomes.