Prescribing of bisphosphonates and antibiotics in Pakistan : challenges and opportunities for the future

Riaz, Humayun and Godman, Brian and Hussain, Shahzad and Malik, Farnaz and Mahmood, Sidra and Shami, Ali and Bashir, Sajid (2015) Prescribing of bisphosphonates and antibiotics in Pakistan : challenges and opportunities for the future. Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, 6 (2). pp. 111-121. ISSN 1759-8893 (https://doi.org/10.1111/jphs.12091)

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Abstract

Introduction: The appropriate management of patients with osteoporosis and the rational use of antibiotics are growing concerns in Pakistan. The first step to improve patient care is to understand current prescribing patterns and the rationale behind these patterns. Aim: To assesses utilisation patterns, prescribing behaviour and the potential rationale among a range of medicines including bisphosphonates and antibiotics. Subsequently, use the findings to suggest potential future policies for all key stakeholders to improve patient care in the future. Methodology: A questionnaire based, cross-sectional study in both private and public health care facilities in Pakistan, conducted between January 2011 and December 2012, involving 438 physicians and15824 prescriptions. The second study involved 9984 outpatient prescriptions, 127 in-patient cases and over 100 prescribers and dispensers. Results: There was adequate history taking and examinations in approximately half of the physicians surveyed, with prescribing typically taking into account issues such as disease severity (84% of respondents) and the socioeconomic status of patients (53%). Prescribing of bisphosphonates was common certainly compared to medicines to treat cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. However, there are concerns with the low use of generics, high rate of antibiotic prescribing, variable availability of medicines, medical representatives being a key source of information on medicines and typically a limited number of formularies. Discussion: There are considerable opportunities to improve the rational use of medicines in Pakistan including physician education, prescribing guidance and formularies. In addition, educating patients and physicians concerning antibiotics. These should be co-ordinated among key stakeholder groups. There is also a need to ensure low prices for generics and enhance their utilisation.

  • Item type:Article
    ID code:52649
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    30 June 2015
    Published
    31 March 2015
    Published Online
    27 January 2015
    Accepted
    Notes:This is the accepted version of the following article: Riaz, H, Godman, B, Hussain, S, Malik, F, Mahmood, S, Shami, A & Bashir, S 2015, 'Prescribing of bisphosphonates and antibiotics in Pakistan: challenges and opportunities for the future' Journal of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research., which has been published in final form at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jphs.12091/abstract.
    Subjects:Medicine > Pharmacy and materia medica
    Department:Faculty of Science > Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:14 Apr 2015 15:14
    Last modified:08 Apr 2024 22:01
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/52649
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