A Prospective Analysis of Prescribing Practices in Outpatients Through Who Indicators at Rural Areas of Tamilnadu

Background: This study examines the appropriateness of drug prescribing pattern in rural areas of Tamilnadu. To determine the Quality of Prescription, so as to provide the basis for the modification in the futuristic drug usage thereby improve the patients Quality of Life. Methods: A prospective, observational and cross-sectional study which investigated the prescribing practices of prescribers using WHO indicators at selective rural areas of Tamilnadu. We have reviewed 194 outpatient prescriptions found in community pharmacies over the period of three months. Results: Totally 194 Prescriptions were analyzed, Most of them belongs to the age group of 21 to 40 years old; The Gender prevalence higher in females than male. Oral Route was mostly preferred. An average number of drugs per prescription was 3.86. Percentage of drugs prescribed in generic name was 18% only. 62.4 and 37.6 Percent of drugs included in essential drugs list (WHO) 2023 and NLEM India respectively. Total number of prescriptions with antibiotics was 73.6% and Total number of injections in prescription was found to be 17.86%. Conclusion: The finding in this study correlates with most of the previous studies. Most of the prescribing indicators assessed were out of the ranges recommended by WHO implies the irrationality in the prescribing practices. Therefore the well organized intercessions should be implemented by the regulatory bodies found at various levels inorder to improve the quality of prescribing practices as well as to improve patient’s quality of life.