Evaluating prescription errors and prescribing indicators in the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital quetta, Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate prescription patterns, in healthcare settings, particularly in the outpatient department of Sandeman Provencial Hospital in Quetta, Pakistan, is essential for optimizing patient care, promoting rational drug use, and addressing public health challenges. Methods A cross sectional prospective study was conducted in outpatient department of Sandeman Provencial Hospital, Quetta Pakistan. Nine hundred and sixty prescription were evaluated during the time period September and October 2022 and the world health organization prescribing indicators were used as standard. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the prescription patterns, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results The average drugs per prescription were 3.6 and prescription with antibiotics were 58.3%. Prescription by generic were 10.7%, prescription with injection were 21.9% and prescription with drugs from essential drug list were 61.04%. The most prevalent commission error was the duration of therapy not mentioned 63.4%, followed by frequency not mentioned 27.2%. Other significant errors included dose strength not being specified (25.5%), dose not mentioned 17.0% and dosage form not mentioned 12.6%. Conclusion The study reveals irrational prescribing practices within the study setting, with the observed values for prescribing indicators deviating from established norms. However, the percentage of encounters involving the prescription of injections fell within the optimal range.