C20-2860-349-2662

C20 abstract preview

(#349) Prescribing Using Generic Name, Brand Name and Unauthorised Abbreviation in Batu Pahat Government Health Clinics

Abstract:

Introduction: The Ministry of Health Malaysia have enforced prescription writing using generic names for more than 30 years. However, a study done annually shows that the percentage of prescriptions written fully in generic is still considerably low, nation-wide. Meanwhile, a pharmacist encounters prescriptions every day. It is the role of a pharmacist to educate prescribers on the importance of prescribing using generic names, specifically, and the importance of proper prescription writing practice, generally.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the trend of prescription writing by prescribers in Batu Pahat Government Health Clinics to help plan for specific intervention.

Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. All prescriptions from 15 Batu Pahat Government Health Clinics for 5 days consecutively which fulfilled the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Authorised abbreviations of drug names were according to the list released by Johor State Health Department in 2016.

Results: A total of 5,914 prescriptions which contained 16,856 items were reviewed. Only 2,567 (43.4%) prescriptions were written fully with generic names and authorised abbreviations. On the other hand, 12,315 (73%) items were prescribed using generic name and authorised abbreviations whereas 3,354 (20%) and 1,187 (7%) items were prescribed using brand names and unauthorised abbreviations respectively. Within the prescriber category, dentists wrote the most number of prescriptions and items written only in generic names and authorised abbreviations. The most frequently used brand name and unauthorised abbreviations were Benadryl (Diphenhydramine HCl) and PCM (Paracetamol).

Conclusions: It is the legal duty of care for prescribers to write clearly on a prescription. This study showed most prescribers are using generic name although there are room for improvements. Efforts should continuously be done to improve awareness of the importance of prescribing using generic names. The data from this study can help create specific intervention for prescribers

Keywords:

prescription writing, generic name, International Non-proprietary name (INN), brand name, abbreviations

Abstract document:

xabstract-943.docx

Does this research add new knowledge to the existing literature?:

Yes.

Pharmaceutical Services Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia collected the data on prescription written using generic names, brand names and unauthorised abbreviations for a five-day period annually. However, the data collected did not include brand names and unauthorised abbreviations used by prescribers.
The data from this study can be used to plan for specific intervention to improve the rate of prescribing using generic names.

Has the knowledge been translated into practice?:

No.

Does your research fit the conference theme?:

Yes.

It is the role of a pharmacist to educate prescribers on the importance of prescribing using generic names, specifically, and the importance of proper prescription writing practice, generally. Even after 30 years, the efforts to increase awareness must be continued.

Research track:

Optimization of service delivery

Preference of presentation:

Poster

Submitted by OH AI LING on Tue, 24/03/2020 - 6:18pm

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Comment:

Objective is too general, shall mention specifically prescription writing using brand/ generic name or unauthorized abbreviation Prescriptions from which year/month were reviewed? Perhaps, category of prescriber with inappropriate practice shall be highlighted to identify the targeted group to be intervened. Overall, it's a descriptive study without much impact. Further study shall be done by looking into medication errors resulting from using brand name/ abbreviation.

Total:

76.50