ASSESSMENT OF DRUG USE PATTERN, THEIR COST AND SAFETY IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL, RAJKOT

Introduction: The practice of emergency medicine has the primary mission of evaluating, managing and providing treatment to patients with unexpected injury or illness. The emergency department of a tertiary care unit of a developing country is faced with the problem of heavy patient load and a paucity of human and economic resources. So, this study was conducted with the objective of Studying pattern of drug use, safety, and direct cost of treatment. Material and methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Emergency Medicine department of P.D.U Government Medical College, Rajkot over a period of one month. Demographic data, average stay, diagnosis and complete prescription was recorded in case record form. The Cost of individual prescription was calculated. Adverse drug reactions were also recorded. Result: A total of 1939 drugs were used in 200 prescriptions, with an average of 9.69 drugs per prescription. The most common route of administration of drugs was found to be intravenous injection 54.7%. 65.39% drugs were prescribed by a generic name. 95.5% drugs were from WHO essential drugs list. Cardiovascular emergencies were most common 36%. An average cost of Rs. 211.18 per patient per day. Total 22 adverse events were found. Drug-drug interactions were found in 32 cases. Conclusion: The prescription pattern of drugs showed polypharmacy as a concern with possibilities of drug-drug interactions and chances of increased cost which can be avoided. The average number of drugs per prescription was higher than the WHO recommends. Usage of a Generic drug was higher which is appreciable.