A PILOT STUDY ON DRUG PRESCRIBING PATTERN AMONG GERIATRIC INPATIENTS AT GENERAL MEDICINE DEPARTMENT IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL
Arunima G.*, Nithin Manohar R., Jomin George Joseph, Albin J. Enchiparambil and Santhosh M. Mathews
ABSTRACT
Background: Geriatric population suffer from multiple comorbid conditions and also prolonged hospitalization so there is an increased occurrence of polypharmacy and drug-related issues. Aim: Aim of this study is to assess the drug prescribing pattern among geriatric inpatients at general medicine department. Objectives:[1] to analyse the prescriptions using WHO core prescribing indicators.[2] to assess the appropriateness of medication prescribed using Beers criteria.[3] to analyse the drug –drug interactions among the prescribed medication.[4] to identify the presence of polypharmacy. Materials and method: It is ahospital based, Retrospective (Observational) Study. Data collected from patients admitted in the General Medicine Department, during the period of 2018-2020 and those who satisfy the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The data analysed insights that the prescriptions are not in accordance with WHO standard. Also presence of inappropriate medicines(30%)according to beers criteria and polypharmacy. Discussion: In this study the data obtained analyse that the geriatric patients more in the age group 80-84(40%) and of male gender (40%).The prescriptions not in accordance with WHO standard. A total of 3 prescriptions out of 10 were found to be inappropriate according to beers criteria. No drug –drug interactions found. The presence of polypharmacy evident. Conclusion: the current treatment practice in the hospital is associated with polypharmacy and the presence of potentially inappropriate medicines.
Keywords: Geriatrics, WHO core prescribing indicators, Beers criteria.
[Full Text Article]
[Download Certificate]