Prospective Cross Sectional Observational Study On Evaluation Of Drug Use Pattern Using WHO Core Indicators In Paediatric Department Of Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Context: The study delivers a thorough evaluation of the use of World Health Organization (WHO) prescribing indicators in the pediatric patient population at a tertiary care hospital, offering comprehensive insights into their implementation, adherence, and potential impact on prescription practices. Aim: The aim is to evaluate the drug use pattern and assess the rational use of drugs in pediatrics using the WHO core drug indicators. Settings and Design: The study was a prospective, cross-sectional observational study conducted over a period of 6 months at the pediatric outpatient department (OPD) and inpatient department (IPD) of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This included consent form and Data collection form. Statistical Analysis: Statistical measures, including frequency, average, percentage, and variable measures such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation, were calculated using SAS 9.4 and Microsoft Excel. Results: A total of 750 prescriptions were included in the study, with the majority of patients being male (391, 50.20%). The mean age of the patients was 4.92 years (SD±3.79.), ranging from 2 days to 17 years. The average number of drugs per prescription was 4.38 (SD±2.72). A high 85.60% of medications were prescribed by their generic names. Antibiotics were prescribed in 26.95% of prescriptions, while injections were prescribed in 47.15%. Medications included in the essential drug list (EDL) accounted for 87.40% of prescriptions. Additionally, 100% of the drugs were appropriately labelled and dispensed. The average consultation time was 9.99 minutes, and the dispensing time was 68.8 seconds. Conclusion: The study highlighted areas of pediatric prescribing that require improvement, including excessive medications, antibiotic, and injection prescriptions. However, it found high rates of generic prescribing, adequate labelling, and optimal dispensing. Recommendations include regular audits, evidence-based guidelines, and training programs to enhance pediatric prescribing practices and ensure patient safety.