Introduction of module of rational use of medicine (RUM) to pharmacology curriculum requires analysis of existing knowledge among health care workers. We conducted this study to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of medical practitioners (MPs) and medical students (MSs) on Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) as an initial tread. 42 MPs and 120 MSs were selected and for this study and pretested structured questionnaire on STG and core policies of RUM were used to evaluate the key testing parameters. Results showed that only 78% of MPs were confi dent about their knowledge in STG and 7% of them were not attentive. Knowledge of MPs and MSs showed 78% and 84% on contents of STG while the knowledge in core policies was 73% and 34% respectively. More than 99% of MSs and 71% of MPs were attentive on the inclusion of clinical features of the illness in STG. Knowledge on updating and signifi cance of STG as guidance for new prescribers of MPs were 84% and 88% respectively while 96% of MSs had acquainted in those two areas. Both groups had good knowledge on STG and they showed that STG were prepared with accordance with personnel experience (MPs-71%, MSs-74%). 80% of MSs and 75% MPs discerned that common treatment practices is not an inclusion criteria for STG. We found that MSs had good knowledge on contents of STG but skills in application in RUM were limited. MPs had good knowledge on core policies and application of STG but not familiar with principles of STG. We conclude that MPs need repetitive in-service training programs to ensure the adherence to STG and MSs are in need of skill development program to pertain STG in clinical practice. K ey words: Core policies, knowledge on medical practitioners and Medical students, rational use of medicine, standard treatment guidelines
Awareness for effective use of drug formulary and prescribing practices for medical practitioners and students is essential to maintain an affordable and sustainable health care system for a country. In this study, knowledge and attitude of Medical Practitioners (MPs) and Medical Students (MSs) on key policies of drug formulary and prescribing practices were assessed. Forty two MPs and 120 MSs from hospital and the Faculty of Medicine were given a pretested structured questionnaire on knowledge of drug formulary and prescribing practices, strongest evidence about best drug data resources on interventions for improving prescribing practices, basic drug information in formulary. Filled questionnaire was considered for data analysis. We found that only 81 % of MPs were confident about the knowledge on basic drug information in formulary but students had shown more knowledge (91 %). Knowledge on the intervention for improving prescribing practices showed that 59 % of MPs had selected the correct answer but 89 % of MSs had selected the correct answer. 37 % MPs and 56 % of MSs selected the pharmaceutical industry as the best intervention programme. In contrast both of MPs and MSs (74 % and 72 % respectively) had understood that the randomized control trials are the strongest evidence for drug information and prescribing. But knowledge on scientific evidence for RUM was not correctly understood by both groups. It is concerned that MSs had better knowledge on correct intervention programme than MPs. Therefore it is a great requirement to augment the in service teaching and training programme in practical applications of RUM at timely interval. Both groups need more training on basic drug information about formulary and overall we believe to enhance the cost effectiveness of treatment strategies.
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