Evaluation of Prescribing Acumen of Healthcare Professionals in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in North India

Abstract

Background: Prescription writing is a critical component of clinical practice that directly influences therapeutic outcomes, patient safety and healthcare expenditure. Inappropriate prescribing practices contribute significantly to medication errors, irrational drug use, antimicrobial resistance and increased healthcare costs. Prescription audit serves as an effective quality assurance tool for evaluating prescribing behaviour and promoting rational use of medicines.

Objective: To evaluate prescribing skills of healthcare professionals in a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India.

Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology at L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut and associated tertiary care teaching hospital, Meerut. A total of 207 outpatient prescriptions were audited using National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) guidelines.

Results: Complete documentation of OPD registration number, age and date of consultation was observed in 100% prescriptions, whereas gender was mentioned in 96.1%. However, major deficiencies were observed in recording patient name (11.1%), allergy status (2.4%), clinical history (8.2%), diagnosis (35.7%) and dose schedule (1.4%). Generic prescribing was noted in only 28.5% prescriptions. Antimicrobials were prescribed in 40.5% encounters, while adherence to antimicrobial prescribing policy was only 29.4%.

Conclusion: Substantial deficiencies exist in prescription completeness and rational prescribing practices. Regular prescription audits, structured educational interventions and strict implementation of standard prescribing guidelines are required.