Prescription audit to evaluate the pattern and errors in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Medication errors are widespread public health issue. Prescription errors commonly results in medication error. Prescription error can be largely avoidable this study was performed with aim to point out the common mistake in the prescription which may endanger patients.Methods: Our study was cross-sectional and observational, performed in Index Medical College. 320 prescriptions were reviewed. Analysis was done for presence or absence of essential components of prescription like prescriber information’s, patients information’s, details of drug like its dosage form, strength, frequency, total duration of treatment, warnings or instruction for use. The observed data was expressed in number and percentage.Results: Patient information was complete 315 (98.44%) in prescriptions. Prescriber’s information were present in 284 (88.75%). Legibility was seen in 240 (75%). Use of generic drug, capital letters for drug name, warning are seen in 9 (2.81%), 39 (12.19%), 3 (0.94%) respectively. Completeness in terms of the name of drug, dose, strength, route, frequency, duration and dosage forms of prescribed drugs was seen in 252 (78.75%) prescriptions.Conclusions: Properly framed and written prescription can largely prevent medication error. Regular prescription audit must be carried out so that common mistake can be identified and corrective measure with the help of training session, workshop can be taken.