Main Article Content
Physicians\' Prescribing Behaviour in Two Tertiary Health Care Facilities in North Western Nigeria Analysis of 518 Prescriptions
Abstract
This descriptive, cross-sectional study examined physicians' prescribing behaviour in two tertiary care facilities in North-Western Nigeria. Five hundred and eighteen prescriptions issued to patients attending out-patients' clinics in the study facilities were examined using the WHO/INRUD drug use indicators.
The study findings showed an average of 3.5 drugs per prescription, 55.7% generic prescribing, 51.2% antibiotic prescriptions, 40.6% injection prescriptions and 16.4% of patient-doctor verbal communication on use of prescribed drugs.
Estimation and deduction of the cost of irrationally prescribed antibiotics and injections from the average cost of prescribed drugs (232.83) resulted in a 26.7% reduction in the cost of drugs per prescription.
Appropriate recommendations are made in the light of observed findings.
Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(4) 2004: 115-118
The study findings showed an average of 3.5 drugs per prescription, 55.7% generic prescribing, 51.2% antibiotic prescriptions, 40.6% injection prescriptions and 16.4% of patient-doctor verbal communication on use of prescribed drugs.
Estimation and deduction of the cost of irrationally prescribed antibiotics and injections from the average cost of prescribed drugs (232.83) resulted in a 26.7% reduction in the cost of drugs per prescription.
Appropriate recommendations are made in the light of observed findings.
Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(4) 2004: 115-118
