An analysis of the quality of paediatric prescription writing among medical officers in a teaching hospital.

ABSTRACT

Objectives To assess the quality of paediatric prescription writing and determine the factors associated with it. Design Cross sectional descriptive study. Method Firstly, 500 paediatric prescriptions from the outpatient department (OPD) were analyzed. Secondly, 297 doctors (excluding Consultants) from the Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, were given case scenarios and asked to write appropriate prescriptions which were analyzed. Results OPD prescriptions seemed satisfactory even though the designation and identification of the prescriber were notable omissions. In the case scenarios 20% wrote low quality prescriptions. Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) trainees wrote better prescriptions than house officers who in turn wrote better prescriptions than medical officers. Those who did paediatrics for internship produced better prescriptions than others. Out of the paediatric related examinations, diploma in child health (DCH) seemed to have a positive effect on prescription writing. Paracetamol dosage was written correctly by only 46.7% with 8.1% writing potentially toxic doses. Conclusions Much can be achieved in prescription writing. Regular in-service training and doing paediatrics for the internship appear to be remedial measures.