Using Aggregated Data For Drug Utilization Evaluation In A University Health Center

Al-Dahbali, Abdullah A.H. , and Rahmat Awang, and Zulham Hamdan, and Siti Hawa Mat Junoh, (2005) Using Aggregated Data For Drug Utilization Evaluation In A University Health Center. Malaysian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3 (2). pp. 55-55. ISSN 16575-7319

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The WHO Drug Use Indicators enable the delineation of drug use patterns, identification of inappropriate use and evaluation of interventional strategies. Reliable databases of medical practices represent a valuable source to study drug use.

OBJECTIVES: This study highlights the drug use pattern in a university health center and further identifies areas of inappropriate use that need to be addressed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The university health center compu-terized database was retrospectively searched for the period from July 1, 2003 to May 17, 2005. Prescribed drugs were classified using ATC classification system. Selected WHO/INRUD core prescribing indicators related to rational drug use were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of the encounters resulted in prescriptions. Average number of drugs per encounter was 2.71% of the prescribed drugs, 14% were systemic antihistamines, 9% were analgesics, 8% were systemic antibacterials and 6% was vitamin C. The percentage of encounters with injections was 0.35% of the injectable drugs, systemic antihistamines were 27%, NSAID were 22% and antispasmodics were 19%. Encounters that resulted in systemic antibacterials represented 19%. Average duration of systemic antibacterials was 5 days. Fifty-eight percent of encounters by children below 5 the age of years with diarrhea resulted in at least one antidiarrheal drug.

DISCUSSION: The results showed qualitative and quantitative drug use problems. Antidiarrheals' use is exceptionally high. With the exception of the percentage of injectables, all other indicators represented high values.

CONCLUSION: The results showed problems related to drug use. Further studies are needed to evaluate adherence to guidelines in disease management and the cost implication of deviations. Proper case management is likely to promote more rational use of drugs and designing quality assurance program would be helpful.

Using Aggregated Data For Drug Utilization Evaluation In A University Health Center

Affiliations

Abstract