Knowledge, attitude, and practice of ‘P-drug concept’ among postgraduate residents and interns in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Maharashtra

Background: A P-drug is a clinician’s personal or preferred or priority choice drug. The study aims to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and practice of P-drug, which helps postgraduates to prescribe medicines rationally. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the P-drug concept among postgraduate students at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: The study is a prospective, cross-sectional pre-validated questionnaire-based study conducted in the tertiary care teaching hospital. A total of 300 postgraduates, interns and consultants from Tertiary care teaching hospital from Maharashtra were enrolled and instructed to fill the questionnaire. These filled forms were collected, and data was analyzed. Results: Out of 300 members, 233 filled the questionnaire, and these forms are evaluated. About 49.7% among them are aware of P-drug, 43.4% are aware of P-treatment, 28.4% are not including fixed-dose combinations in their P-drug list, 42% are aware of the advantages of prescribing P-drug, and 48.4% felt that teaching programs are needed for preparing P-drug list. Conclusions: The P-drug concept is requisite for improving the quality of health care and practicing rational use of medicine. As only a few studies have been conducted on the P-drug idea in this institute, the institutional teaching review board should run teaching programs regarding the P-drug concept.

Atenção farmacêutica e farmacoterapia do idoso: uma revisão integrativa / Pharmaceutical care and pharmacotherapy for the elderly: an integrative review / Atención farmacéutica y farmacoterapia de las personas mayores: una revisión integradora

Este trabalho tem como objetivo selecionar e sintetizar as evidências da literatura sobre o contexto atual da atenção farmacêutica e farmacoterapia do idoso, considerando os aspectos clínicos e sociais envolvidos. A revisão foi conduzida de acordo com as diretrizes do protocolo PRISMA, que consiste na busca, seleção, avaliação e síntese de estudos relevantes sobre o tema. Foram selecionados 15 artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão estabelecidos. A análise dos artigos permitiu identificar que a atenção farmacêutica é um serviço que visa otimizar o uso racional de medicamentos e melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes, especialmente dos idosos, que apresentam maior risco de polifarmácia, interações medicamentosas e reações adversas. A farmacoterapia do idoso envolve aspectos fisiológicos, psicológicos, sociais e econômicos que devem ser considerados na prescrição, dispensação e acompanhamento dos medicamentos. No entanto, ainda há precariedade na integração do farmacêutico nas equipes de saúde. Conclui-se que a atenção farmacêutica é uma estratégia importante a ser implementada em todas as equipes de saúde públicas e privadas, para promover o uso seguro e efetivo dos medicamentos pelos idosos, contribuindo para um envelhecimento saudável e digno.

This paper aims to select and synthesize evidence from the literature on the current context of pharmaceutical care and pharmacotherapy of the elderly, considering the clinical and social aspects involved. The review was conducted according to the guidelines of the PRISMA protocol, which consists of the search, selection, evaluation and synthesis of relevant studies on the topic. Fifteen articles that have met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. The analysis of the articles allowed the identification that pharmaceutical care is a service that aims to optimize the rational use of medicines and improve the quality of life of patients, especially the elderly, who present a higher risk of polypharmacy, drug interactions, and adverse reactions. The pharmacotherapy of the elderly involves physiological, psychological, social, and economic aspects that must be considered when prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring medications. However, there is still a precariousness in the integration of the pharmacist in health teams. It is concluded that pharmaceutical care is an important strategy to be implemented in all public and private health teams, to promote the safe and effective use of medicines by the elderly, contributing to a healthy and dignified aging.

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo seleccionar y sintetizar la evidencia de la literatura sobre el contexto actual de la atención farmacéutica y la farmacoterapia de las personas mayores, considerando los aspectos clínicos y sociales implicados. La revisión se ha realizado siguiendo las directrices del protocolo PRISMA, que consiste en la búsqueda, selección, evaluación y síntesis de estudios relevantes sobre el tema. Se seleccionaron 15 artículos que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y exclusión establecidos. El análisis de los artículos permitió identificar que la atención farmacéutica es un servicio que tiene como objetivo optimizar el uso racional de los medicamentos y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes, especialmente de los ancianos, que presentan un mayor riesgo de polifarmacia, interacciones medicamentosas y reacciones adversas. La farmacoterapia del anciano implica aspectos fisiológicos, psicológicos, sociales y económicos que deben ser considerados a la hora de prescribir, dispensar y monitorizar los medicamentos. Sin embargo, todavía existe una precariedad en la integración del farmacéutico en los equipos de salud. Se concluye que la atención farmacéutica es una estrategia importante a ser implementada en todos los equipos de salud públicos y privados, para promover el uso seguro y eficaz de los medicamentos por los ancianos, contribuyendo para un envejecimiento saludable y digno.

Consumo de anticoncepcionais e fatores associados entre estudantes universitários / Contraceptive use and associated factors among university students

Introdução: o uso de anticoncepcionais vem crescendo a cada ano, sendo um dos principais motivos para a redução das taxas de fecundidade total, inclusive na população mais jovem, como a universitária. Objetivo: identificar o consumo de anticoncepcionais hormonais e fatores associados entre estudantes universitárias. Métodos: a população de estudo foi composta por estudantes universitárias matriculadas nos cursos de graduação da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), em Londrina, estado do Paraná, Brasil, no ano de 2019, integrantes do projeto maior denominado GraduaUEL. As estudantes responderam um instrumento construído em uma plataforma digital on-line. A variável dependente foi o consumo de contraceptivos hormonais, e as variáveis independentes foram aspectos sociodemográficos e hábitos de vida e de saúde. As associações medidas foram verificadas por meio de Regressão de Poisson, com cálculo da Razão de Prevalência (RP) e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: das 2.221 estudantes avaliadas, identificou-se o consumo de contraceptivos por 13,0%, maior entre mulheres brancas/amarelas, que relataram serem heterossexuais, que apresentavam pais com maior escolaridade, que referiram possuir plano privado de saúde e companheiro, e que praticavam atividade física pelo menos duas vezes na semana. Entretanto, apenas o fato de serem heterossexuais mostrou-se associação significativa após a análise ajustada (RP: 1,865; IC 95%: 1,308-2,659). Conclusões: diante do exposto, fica clara a necessidade de preparar os profissionais de saúde sobre os contraceptivos e seus efeitos adversos; ainda, que questões sociais devem ser consideradas no processo de uso dos contraceptivos, para combater a discriminação e as desigualdades social e econômica quanto ao acesso e uso destes medicamentos.

Introduction: the use of contraceptives has been growing every year, being one of the main reasons for the reduction in total fertility rates, including in the younger population, such as university students. Objective: identify the consumption of hormonal contraceptives and associated factors among university students. Methods: the study population consisted of university students enrolled in undergraduate courses at the Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), in Londrina, Paraná state, Brazil, in 2019, members of the larger project called GraduaUEL. The students answered an instrument built on an on-line digital platform. The dependent variable was the consumption of hormonal contraceptives, and the independent variables were sociodemographic aspects, lifestyle and health. Measured associations were verified using Poisson Regression, with calculation of the Prevalence Ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: of the 2,221 students evaluated, the consumption of contraceptives was identified by 13.0%, higher among white/yellow women, who reported being heterosexual, who had parents with higher education, who reported having a private health plan and partner, and who practiced physical activity at least twice a week. However, only the fact of being heterosexual showed a significant association after the adjusted analysis (PR: 1.865; 95% CI: 1.308-2.659). Conclusions: in light of the above, the need to prepare health professionals about contraceptives and their adverse effects is clear, as well as what social issues should be considered in the process of using contraceptives, to combat discrimination, social and economic inequality regarding access and the use of these medications.

Análise da polifarmácia e de fatores associados ao uso racional de medicamentos em idosos moradores de residência de cuidados de longa permanência / Analysis of polypharmacy and factors associated with the rational use of medicines in elderly residents of long-term care residences

Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar a polifarmácia e os fatores associados ao uso racional de medicamentos em idosos moradores de residência de cuidado de longa permanência na perspectiva do cuidado nas condições crônicas de saúde. Foi desenvolvido junto a 68 prontuários, prescrições médicas e/ou registros de administração de medicamentos de idosos moradores de um residencial filantrópico do Vale do Paranapanema/São Paulo. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um instrumento com perguntas abertas e fechadas sobre a temática e a análise se deu por meio do cálculo de frequência absoluta e relativa. A polifarmácia fazia parte da vida de grande parte dos idosos. Não foi possível compreender, por falta de sistematização e de controle documental interno, como os responsáveis técnicos do setor administrativo e da saúde adquiriam medicamentos, nem os custos envolvidos com a compra e o desperdício. Os medicamentos e seus resíduos eram descartados no lixo orgânico. Não foi possível também determinar se idosos recebiam o medicamento apropriado às suas necessidades clínicas, na dose e no período adequado às suas condições de saúde. Conclui-se que idosos moradores do residencial estão expostos à polifarmácia e o uso racional de medicamentos não é praticado.

This study aimed to analyze polypharmacy and factors associated with the rational use of medicines in elderly residents of long-term care homes from the perspective of care in chronic health conditions. This study was developed with sixty-eight medical records, medical prescriptions, and/or medication administration records of elderly residents of a philanthropic home, located in a municipality in the Vale do Paranapanema/São Paulo. Data was collected using an instrument with open and closed questions on the theme. The analysis consisted of calculating absolute and relative frequency. Polypharmacy was part of the life of most elderly people. It was not possible to understand, due to the lack of systematization and internal document control, how the technicians responsible for the administrative and health sectors acquired the medicines, nor the costs involved with the purchase and waste. Medicines and their residues were disposed of in organic waste. It was also not possible to determine whether the elderly received medication appropriate to their clinical needs, in the dose and within the appropriate period to their health conditions. Therefore, elderly residents of the residential are exposed to polypharmacy and the rational use of medicines is not practiced.

Use of medicines in São Paulo, Brazil, and State Health Care Coverage, 2003 and 2015

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the use and acquisition of medicines in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2003 and 2015, according to sociodemographic factors, socioeconomic status, and health conditions of the population. METHODS: Data were obtained from population health surveys "ISA-Capital". Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the use of medicines and coverage by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) according to socioeconomic status and health conditions in two periods: 2003 and 2015. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2015, the surveys showed an increase in the income and education level of the study population. There was no increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases and use of medicines from 2003 to 2015. The provision of medicines by SUS was higher in 2015 than in 2003, and the coverage by SUS was higher in the population with lower education level and income in both 2003 and 2015. CONCLUSIONS: The use of medicines, mainly for chronic disease control, did not change over the years, and there was an increase in SUS coverage for medicines during 2003-2015 in all population groups, with a greater impact on the lower socioeconomic status population. The programs of the provision of medicines implanted since 2003 had influenced the greater SUS coverage for medicines and in the reduction of inequalities in access to medicines.

Identificação da qualidade da anticoagulação em pacientes que utilizam varfarina e fatores associados / Identification of anticoagulation quality in patients using warfarin and associated factors

A varfarina é um anticoagulante oral amplamente utilizado na prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos, sendo disponibilizado pelo Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil. Entretanto, a manutenção da qualidade da anticoagulação oral é um desafio na prática clínica, sendo a identificação de fatores que interferem nesse processo de importância para o contexto clínico e científico. Este é um estudo transversal, conduzido em um hospital universitário de Minas Gerais, com o objetivo de identificar a qualidade da anticoagulação oral de pacientes em uso de varfarina e fatores associados. A qualidade da anticoagulação foi avaliada por meio do time in therapeutic range (TTR), que permite identificar a proporção de tempo em que o paciente apresentou valores de razão normatizada internacional (RNI) dentro da faixa terapêutica desejada. Os valores de TTR foram associados a características clínicas e demográficas utilizando-se regressão logística uni e multivariada. O TTR médio foi 61,8% (DP + 1,00), sendo que 204 (46,3) pacientes apresentaram controle inadequado da anticoagulaçã . As variáveis sexo (OD: 1,82; P: 0,005; IC: 1,204335 -2,761345), uso da varfarina diferente do prescrito (OD:2,81; P< 0,005; IC: 1,700-4,632352) e ocorrência de sangramento (OD:1,70; P< 0,005; IC: 1,013157-4,632352) foram preditoras de TTR inadequado. Indicações de uso, tromboembolismo e valvulopatia foram preditoras de TTR adequado. Os achados contribuem para melhor conhecimento do perfil dos pacientes com controle inadequado da anticoagulação oral e estabelecimento de estratégias que promovam qualidade na anticoagulação.

Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant widely used in the prevention of thromboembolic events and is made available by the Brazilian Unified Health System. However, maintaining the quality of oral anticoagulation is a challenge in clinical practice, other than the identification of factors that interfere in this important process for the clinical and scientific context. This was a cross-sectional study, conducted at a university hospital in Minas Gerais, with the objective of identifying the quality of oral anticoagulation in patients using warfarin and associated factors. The quality of anticoagulation was assessed using the time in therapeutic range (TTR), which allows the identification of the proportion of time in which the patient presented international normalized ratio (INR) values within the desired therapeutic range. TTR values were associated with clinical and demographic characteristics using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The mean TTR was 61.8% (SD + 1.00), with 204 (46.3%) patients demonstrating inadequate anticoagulation control. The variables gender (OD: 1.82; P: 0.005; CI: 1.204335-2.761345), use of warfarin other than prescribed (OD: 2.81; P <0.005; CI: 1.700- 4.632352) and bleeding occurrence (OD: 1.70; P <0.005; CI: 1.013157-4.632352) were predictors of inadequate TTR. Indications for use, thromboembolism and valvulopathy were predictors of adequate TTR. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the profile of patients with inadequate control of oral anticoagulation and the establishment of strategies that promote anticoagulation quality.

General considerations of model-based meta-analysis / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

With the increasing cost of drug development and clinical trials, it is of great value to make full use of all kinds of data to improve the efficiency of drug development and to provide valid information for medication guidelines. Model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) combines mathematical models with meta-analysis to integrate information from multiple sources (preclinical and clinical data, etc.) and multiple dimensions (targets/mechanisms, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, diseases/indications, populations, regimens, biomarkers/efficacy/safety, etc.), which not only provides decision-making for all key points of drug development, but also provides effective information for rational drug use and cost-effectiveness analysis. The classical meta-analysis requires high homogeneity of the data, while MBMA can combine and analyze the heterogeneous data of different doses, different time courses, and different populations through modeling, so as to quantify the dose-effect relationship, time-effect relationship, and the relevant impact factors, and thus the efficacy or safety features at the level of dose, time and covariable that have not been involved in previous studies. Although the modeling and simulation methods of MBMA are similar to population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Pop PK/PD), compared with Pop PK/PD, the advantage of MBMA is that it can make full use of literature data, which not only improves the strength of evidence, but also can answer the questions that have not been proved or can not be answered by a single study. At present, MBMA has become one of the important methods in the strategy of model-informed drug development (MIDD). This paper will focus on the application value, data analysis plan, data acquisition and processing, data analysis and reporting of MBMA, in order to provide reference for the application of MBMA in drug development and clinical practice.

Uso de medicamentos por adultos na atenção primária: inquérito em serviços de saúde de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Use of medicines by adults in primary care: Survey on health services in Minas Gerais, Brazil

RESUMO: Introdução: O uso inadequado e o crescimento dos gastos em saúde reforçam a necessidade de ampliar o conhecimento sobre a qualidade de uso de medicamentos. Objetivos: Descrever e avaliar o perfil de utilização de medicamentos em uma amostra representativa de usuários adultos da atenção primária do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) de Minas Gerais. Método: Estudo transversal, com 1.159 entrevistados em 104 municípios e 253 serviços de saúde. Foram coletados dados sobre características sociodemográficas, condições de saúde e uso de medicamentos, sendo essas características estratificadas por faixas etárias. Análises univariada e multivariada, por meio de regressão logística, foram conduzidas para identificar preditores de automedicação. Para todos os testes, foi adotado o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A prevalência de uso de medicamentos foi de 81,8%, com média de 2,67 medicamentos por usuário, que aumenta com a faixa etária. Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram losartana, hidroclorotiazida e sinvastatina, com diferenças entre as faixas etárias. Observou-se automedicação significativa não só em adultos jovens, mas também entre idosos. Os preditores de automedicação foram: ser adulto jovem, ter maior nível de escolaridade, não apresentar doenças crônicas, ter pior autopercepção de saúde e não aderir a medicamentos prescritos. Adultos jovens e idosos apresentaram características que os tornaram mais vulneráveis em relação ao uso racional de medicamentos. Conclusão: O estudo pode contribuir para melhorar o cuidado na atenção primária, pois identificou problemas relevantes relacionados à qualidade do uso de medicamentos, especialmente entre adultos jovens e idosos em Minas Gerais.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Inappropriate use and increase of health care spending reinforce the need to extend our knowledge about the quality of medication use. Objectives: To describe and evaluate the profile of medication use in a representative sample of adult users of primary care services in the Unified Health System (SUS) of Minas Gerais. Method: Cross-sectional study, with 1,159 interviewees in 104 municipalities and 253 health care services. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions and use of medicines were collected, and these variables were stratified by age group. Univariate and multivariate analyses, using logistic regression, were conducted to identify predictors of self-medication. We set a significance level of 5% for all tests. Results: The prevalence of medication use was 81.8%, with an average of 2.67 medicines per user, which increased with age. The most used drugs were losartan, hydrochlorothiazide and simvastatin, which differed between age groups. Significant self-medication was observed not only in young adults but also in the elderly. The predictors of self-medication were: being a young adult, having a higher level of education, not having chronic diseases, having worse self-perception of health and not adhering to prescription drugs. Young and elderly adults showed characteristics that made them more vulnerable in relation to the rational use of medicines. Conclusion: This study can contribute to improving primary care, where it identified problems related to the extent of medication use, especially among young adults and the elderly in Minas Gerais.

Resultados negativos associados à medicação em idosos hipertensos e diabéticos / Negative results associated with medication in hypertensive and diabetic elderly / Resultados negativos asociados a la medicación en ancianos hipertensos y diabéticos

Objetivo: identificar e analisar resultados negativos associados à medicação em idosos diabéticos e hipertensos. Método: estudo quantitativo e exploratório, com base na metodologia Dáder de seguimento farmacoterapêutico. Realizado de junho a dezembro de 2017, por meio de visita domiciliar, com auxílio de agentes comunitários de saúde, no território de uma ESF, no sul do Brasil. Foram acompanhados 12 usuários, diagnosticados com diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial sistêmica, com idade superior a 65 anos. Resultados: segundo a metodologia Dáder de seguimento farmacoterapêutico foram encontrados 271 resultados negativos associados à medicação, destes 22,1% por necessidade (100% problema de saúde não tratado), 50,5% por efetividade (70,1% inefetividade não quantitativa e 29,9% inefetividade quantitativa) e 27,4% por segurança (52,7% inseguridade quantitativa e 47,3% inseguridade não quantitativa). Através dos resultados encontrados foram sugeridos 42 intervenções pelos especialistas. Conclusão: considerando que a existência de resultados negativos associados à medicação se tornam importantes agravos para a saúde pública, a atenção farmacêutica se apresenta como uma alternativa eficaz na busca por melhores resultados clínicos, sendo capaz de promover saúde e prevenir agravos.

Objective: to identify and analyze negative results associated with the use of medication in diabetic and hypertensive elderly. Method: quantitative and exploratory study, based on Dáder methodology of pharmacotherapeutic followup. The study was performed from June to December 2017, through home visits, with the help of community health agents, in the territory of an FHS, in southern Brazil. Twelve users were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension, aged over 65 years. Results: according to the Dáder methodology of pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, 271 negative results associated with medication were found, of which 22.1% by necessity (100% untreated health problem), 50.5% by effectiveness (70.1% non-quantitative ineffectiveness and 29.9% quantitative ineffectiveness) and 27.4% for safety (52.7% quantitative insecurity and 47.3% nonquantitative insecurity). Through the results found, 42 interventions were suggested by the experts. Conclusion: Considering that the existence of negative results associated with medication become important public health problems, pharmaceutical attention is an effective alternative in the search for better clinical results, being able to promote health and prevent diseases.

Objetivo: Identificar y analizarlos resultados negativos asociados a la medicación en ancianos diabéticos e hipertensos. Método: estudio cuantitativo y exploratorio, basado en la metodología Dáder de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico. Se realizó de junio a diciembre de 2017, a través de visita a domicilio, con la ayuda de agentes comunitarios de salud, en el territorio de un FHS, en el sur de Brasil. Doce usuarios fueron diagnosticados de diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial sistémica, mayores de 65 años. Resultados: de acuerdo con la metodología Dáder de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico, se encontraron 271 resultados negativos asociados con el medicamento, de los cuales 22.1% por necesidad (100% de problemas de salud no tratados), 50.5% por efectividad (70.1% de ineficacia no cuantitativa y 29.9% de ineficacia cuantitativa) y 27.4% para la seguridad (52.7% de inseguridad cuantitativa y 47.3% de inseguridad no cuantitativa). A través de los resultados encontrados fueron sugeridos 42 intervenciones, por los expertos. Conclusión: considerando que la existencia de resultados negativos asociados con la medicación se convierten en problemas de salud importantes, la atención farmacéutica es una alternativa efectiva en la búsqueda de mejores resultados clínicos, siendo capaz de promover la salud y prevenir problemas de salud.

Rational prescribing practice assessment among resident doctors in a tertiary care teaching hospital: a questionnaire based observational study

Background: One of the important factors in health policy is recognised to be rational use of medicines (RUM). Physicians can influence the health and well-being of patients by prescribing appropriate drug in right doses and they should be taught to prescribe rationally at the earliest of their professional carrier.Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was carried out in SMHS hospital which is a tertiary-care teaching hospital associated with Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.Results: Out of 106 resident doctors enrolled in the study, 96.2% respondents were aware about the term essential medicines of India, and 47.6% had National List of Essential Medicines of India available at their work place. When the participants were questioned about the term RUM only 17% of them responded positively, but majority of the resident doctors (88.67%) were aware about the ingredients of the drugs they use to prescribe. Though only 3.7% of our participating doctors always use essential medicines during their prescription writing but majority of them (96.22%) would always use to inform the patient regarding disease, drug therapy and monitoring of drug therapy.Conclusions: Considering the fact that respondents are future prescribers they should be aware of all aspects about RUM and improper knowledge in certain areas of RUM is a matter of concern that needs to be addressed.

A systematic review of standard treatment guidelines in India

Background & objectives: Standard treatment guidelines (STGs) are the cornerstone to therapeutics. Multiple agencies in India develop STGs. This systematic review was conducted to find out STGs available in India, evaluate if these were as per World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for STGs and compare these with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Information on legal authority and responsibility for formulating STGs was also sought. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were followed. Publications from PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for STGs using terms 'Standard Treatment Guidelines AND India'. Data from STGs were compiled in excel as per the WHO and authors' criteria for STGs and compared with NICE guidelines. Results: PubMed and Google Scholar search provided 56 publications (out of 1695 search results) mentioning 27 STGs. Google search and replies from authors led us 36 STGs, totalling to 63 STGs. No STG mentioned any specific period of revision, eight STGs were not evidence-based, 55 had some Indian references, 48 STGs were for single disease and the remaining multi-disease, three STGs did not include diagnostic criteria, 16 STGs did not give prescribing information of recommended treatment and 16 STGs provide no referral criteria for patients. Fifty five STGs did not mention level of health care. While NICE is a single legal authority in England and guidelines are as per WHO recommendations for STGs, in India although Acts and rules do not vest authority, National Health Systems Resource Center is generally designated responsible for STGs. Interpretation & conclusions: In India, although there are multiple STGs developed by various authorities and professionals for the same conditions, these fulfil WHO recommendations only partially. Authority with statutory duty collaborating with professional organizations, a standard methodology for adopting international guidelines, Indian data for evidence base, attention to local needs will help in developing better STGs and their acceptance.

Assessment on awareness of rational prescribing practices among medical interns in a tertiary care hospital: a questionnaire based study

Background: Awareness about rational use of Medicines is required to improve the quality of health care system. Attitude towards rational drug use is also an utmost importance as they constitute the future generation doctors.Methods: A set of 13 questionnaire is given to the interns through an online link to their e-mail which contains informed consent and questionnaires. Respondents has to select the best suitable option and after which the data will be compiled and statistically analyzed.Results: Age of the study participants range from 22-26yrs. Half of them have finished major postings. Almost 96.1 % of them were aware of the term essential drugs. Only 25% of them said that they have NLEMI at work place, 75% of them were aware of the term Rational use of Medicines. Only 32% of them were aware of the term P drugs. 44% of them were aware of STEP criteria for selection of drug and 47% of them were aware of the updated prescribing format. 8% knew the difference between old and new prescription format, 25% of them always prescribe. Almost 82% of them narrate regarding the disease and drug therapy, 31% of them prescribe only generic name.Conclusions: Educational intervention like CME and practical hands on training in Rational use of Medicines would help them in better understanding of the subject and its clinical implications thereby decreasing the prescribing errors.

Apropriação da terminologia 'uso consciente de medicamentos' visando à promoção da saúde global / Appropriation of the terminology 'conscious use of medicines' aiming the improvement of global health / Apropiación de la terminología 'uso consciente de medicamentos' para la promoción de la salud global

A inserção dos medicamentos nas práticas de consumo consciente representa um potencial de aliada na promoção da saúde global; assim, objetivou-se mapear a aplicação da terminologia uso consciente de medicamentos. Realizou-se uma revisão documental integrativa quantitativa com a categorização de 124 textos científicos e 400 conteúdos digitais. Os resultados atestaram incompatibilidade de sinonímia com a terminologia uso racional de medicamentos, uma vez que esta não contempla as dimensões econômicas, sociais, psicológicas, ambientais, de comunicação e de valores éticos na decisão de como usufruir dos medicamentos. A implementação e consolidação da terminologia deve subsidiar políticas educacionais e de comunicação e, consequentemente, a instrumentalização para a prática do autocuidado e cuidado com o outro e com o ambiente, ao ressignificar o mecanismo saúde/doença e compreender os processos envolvidos na pesquisa, produção, distribuição e descarte de medicamentos.

The insertion of the medicines in the practices of conscious consumption represents a potential ally of the global health improvement; thus we searched for mapping the employment of the terminology conscious use of medicines. An integrative and quantitative documentary analysis was carried out categorizing 124 scientific texts and 400 digital contents. The results attested that its use as a synonymy for the terminology rational use of medicines is incompatible, since the latter does not contemplate the economic, social, psychological, environmental, ethical values in the moment of decision about how to use the medicines.The implementation and consolidation of terminology may support educational and communication policies and, consequently, the instruments for achieving the self-care and the care of others and look after the environment by giving a new meaning to the health/disease mechanism and by understanding the processes involved in the researches, production, distribution and discard of medicines.

La inserción de los medicamentos en las prácticas del consumo consciente representa un potencial de aliada en la promoción de la salud global; así tuvimos el objetivo de mapear la aplicación de la terminología uso consciente de medicamentos. Se realizó una revisión documental integrativa cuantitativa categorizando 124 textos científicos y 400 contenidos digitales. Los resultados atestaron incompatibilidad de sinonimia con la terminología uso racional de medicamentos, ya que el último no contempla las dimensiones económicas, sociales, psicológicas, ambientales, de comunicación y de valores éticos en la decisión de cómo disfrutar los medicamentos. La implementación y consolidación de la terminología puede subsidiar políticas educativas y de comunicación y en consecuencia la instrumentación para la práctica del autocuidado y del cuidado del otro y del ambiente al dar nueva significación para el mecanismo salud/enfermedad y comprender los procesos involucrados en la investigación, producción, distribución y descarte de medicamentos.

Polimedicação de idosos na universidade aberta à maturidade / Polymedication of elderly in the university opened to maturity

Objetivo: identificar os pacientes acometidos pela polifarmácia, pois, no Brasil cerca de 70% dos idosos sofrem de alguma doença crônica e tratam-se com uma ou mais drogas. Método: pesquisa descritiva, exploratória, e qualiquantitativa, realizada com alunos da Universidade Aberta à Maturidade ­ UAMA em Campina Grande ­ PB, no período de fevereiro a maio de 2018. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes estudados foi representada pelas mulheres (70%) em comparação com os homens (30%). Observou-se que 67% dos idosos fazem uso de 5 medicamentos ou mais, enquanto apenas 33% destes tratam-se com menos de 5. Dentre os mais prescritos, destacam-se os utilizados no tratamento da hipertensão, como a Losartana (16%), tratamento do diabetes, como o Glifage (12%) e de dislipidemias, como a Sinvastatina (10%). Conclusão: A polifarmácia vem sendo uma realidade considerável entre a população e as intervenções terapêuticas têm sido melhores com o desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos, ajudando no aprimoramento da utilização destes e no aumento da sobrevida dos indivíduos.

Objective: to identify the patients affected by polypharmacy, because, in Brazil about 70% of the elderly suffer from some chronic disease and are treated with one or more drugs. Method: The research is descriptive, exploratory, qualitative and quantitative, held with students of the University Open to Maturity ­ in Campina Grande - PB, in the period from February to May 2018. A Most of the patients studied were represented by women (70%) compared to men (30%). Results: Most of patients were represented by women (70%) compared to men (30%).We observed that 67% of the elderly use 5 drugs or more, while only 33% of these are treated with less than 5. Among the most prescribed, those used in the treatment of hypertension, like the Losartan (16%), diabetes treatment, such as Glifage (12%) and dyslipidemia, such as Simvastatin (10%). Conclusion: Polypharmacy has been a considerable reality among the population and therapeutic interventions have been better with the development of new drugs, helping to improve their use and increase the survival of individuals.

Access and use of medicines by elderly individuals with dementia

The objective is to reveal the difficulties concerning the access and use of medicines by elderly individuals with dementia, reported by their caregivers. This qualitative study applied the participant observation method during pharmaceutical appointments performed in a specialized geriatrics service of the University Hospital of Brasília. Caregivers reported facing difficulties regarding the itinerary for medicines access in public pharmacies, as well as the high cost of these technologies in private establishments. Psychiatric symptoms, cognitive deficits, behavioral changes, apraxia, dysphagia, among other clinical manifestations of dementia syndromes, incapacitates the elderly for self-responsibility concerningthe use of drugs, which accentuates the complexity of medicines administration within the care process. In conclusion, it is fundamental to recognize caregivers' role in promoting the rational use of medicines, and so this theme should be highlighted within the pharmaceutical services context.

Awareness of rational use of medicines among interns at rural teaching hospital

Background: The concern of switching irrational towards rational prescribing behaviour by prescriber impacts the patient compliance. Thereby an attempt to bring down the drug resistance is possible. Aim and objective of the study was to know the knowledge and practices Rational prescription behaviour in medical interns (MBBS 2012 batch) at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), BG Nagara.Methods: Observational cross sectional validated questionnaire based study on Rational Use of Medicines (RUM) was administered to Interns (n=75) included both males and females (MBBS 2012 batch) at AIMS during March-April 2018.Results: Both the gender had similar knowledge on RUM. 32 (42.67%) male and 43 (57.33%) female interns participated and 88% were aware of term “Essential drug”. Though 61.33% were prescribing rationally, they lacked in terms of listing National essential drug list and steps involved in selecting “P-drug”. Only 4% rightly defined RUM. 92% agreed that RUM minimizes ADR incidence. 90.67% believed that RUM would reduce the development of drug resistance. And 85.33% were in opinion that doctors should use his/her gained knowledge despite of Medical representative advice to bring the justice towards RUM in practice before prescribing.Conclusions: Rational use of medicine in interns should be assessed periodically on prescribing knowledge and skills during their training to minimize prescribing and clinical errors.

Uso de serviços de saúde e de medicamentos por portadores de Hipertensão e Diabetes no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Use of health services and medicines by hypertensive and diabetic patients in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever e analisar os fatores associados à busca de atendimento de emergência e internação por portadores de hipertensão arterial (HA) e Diabetes Mellitus (DM) no município do Rio de Janeiro, sobretudo aqueles ligados ao uso de medicamentos. Trata-se de estudo transversal utilizando dados de base secundária referentes à abordagem em nível domiciliar em que foram realizadas entrevistas diretamente com portadores de HA/DM. As variáveis de desfecho foram: 1) procura por atendimento de emergência como decorrência de complicações relacionadas à HA/DM nos 12 meses anteriores à entrevista; 2) Internação no mesmo período e pelo mesmo motivo. Foi feita análise uni e bivariada entre as variáveis de exposição e cada um dos desfechos utilizando-se teste qui-quadrado ao nível de significância de 10%, dando origem a modelos de regressão logística multivariada. A autoavaliação negativa do estado de saúde associou-se a ambos desfechos na análise multivariada. Ter deixado de tomar os medicamentos associou-se à internação e ter faltado nos seis meses precedentes à consulta agendada associou-se à busca por emergência.

Abstract This study aimed to describe and analyze factors associated with emergency care and hospitalization of hypertensive and diabetic patients in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, especially those related to the use of medicines. This is across-sectional study using secondary database from a household survey that approached hypertensive and diabetic patients. The outcome variables were: 1) seek for emergency careasa resultof complications related to hypertension and diabetes in the 12months preceding the interviews; 2) hospitalizationin the same period andfor the same reasons. Uni and bivariate analysis between exposure variables and each of the outcomes were performed using chi-square test at a significance level of 10%, which originated multivariate logistic regression analysis. Negative self-evaluation of health status was associated with both outcomes in the multivariate analysis. Having stopped taking the medications was associated with hospitalization and having missed a medical appointment in the last six months was associated with search for emergency care.

Implementação da nova regulamentação para prescrição e dispensação de antimicrobianos: possibilidades e desafios / Implementation of new regulations for prescribing and dispensing of antibiotics: challenges and possibilities

Introdução: O uso e a prescrição inadequados de antimicrobianos e a pressão da indústria farmacêutica para a sua utilização transformaram a resistência bacteriana a esses medicamentos em um problema mundial de saúde pública. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o processo de implantação da Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada (RDC) da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) de nº 20/2011, que dispõe sobre o controle dos antimicrobianos. Método: Utilizou-se o Modelo de Múltiplos Fluxos de Kingdon para examinar a inserção do tema do controle dos antimicrobianos na agenda governamental e sua posterior conformação em política pública. Foram empregadas diversas estratégias metodológicas, como a revisão bibliográfica, a análise de documentos, a busca de notícias veiculadas na mídia e informações advindas de entrevistas com informantes-chave. Conclusão: Apesar da existência de legislações e regulamentações sobre o uso e a prescrição de antimicrobianos, além da ampliação do acesso da população aos profissionais de saúde para evitar a automedicação e promover o uso correto, esforços como a educação sanitária para profissionais e a população e o reforço da fiscalização sanitária devem ser efetivamente implementados, não apenas para alcançar o uso racional, mas também para diminuir a resistência aos antimicrobianos.(AU)

Introduction: Inappropriate use and prescription of antimicrobials and the pressure from the pharmaceutical industry for their use have turned bacterial resistance into a global public health problem. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the implementation process of ANVISA's Board of Directors Resolution (RDC) 20/2011 for antimicrobials control. Method: Kingdon's Multiple Streams Model was used to examine the inclusion of antimicrobial control into the government agenda and its subsequent shaping into public policy. Several methodological strategies were employed, such as bibliographic review, document analysis, the search for stories in the media and information from interviews with key informants. Conclusion: In addition to legislation and regulations of the use and prescription of antimicrobials, easier population's access to health professionals to avoid self-medication and promote correct use, it is necessary to implement efforts such as education of professionals and the general population, not only to achieve rational use, but also to reduce antimicrobial resistance.(AU)

Exploring The Interface Between Complementary Medicine And Community Pharmacy In Malaysia – A Survey Of Pharmacists

@#The use of complementary medicine (CM) is on the rise worldwide. In Malaysia, CM is available as over-the-counter products in community pharmacies and consumers expect pharmacists to be knowledgeable about CM. However, little is known about Malaysian community pharmacists’ attitude and knowledge of CM. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the extent of integration of CM into practice, taking into account community pharmacists’ attitudes towards CM, their role in recommending CM, their knowledge of the evidence-base for commonly used CM, further education and training needs, and knowledge of information sources which can be used by pharmacists for CM information. Ethics approval was obtained and a pilot study was conducted to validate the questionnaire. After amendments were made, community pharmacists were invited to complete a 41-item paper-based or web-based questionnaire. Invitations to complete the survey were sent by either social media, email or face-to-face invitation. A response rate of 27% (453/1662) was achieved providing data from 453 community pharmacists. Most respondents were female (63%), aged 24-72 years. Only 42% of pharmacists always asked their customers presenting with a prescription about concomitant CM use. Forty-two percent (42%) of pharmacists personally recommended CM and slightly more than half (58%) had notified manufacturers of CM products of any suspected adverse drug reactions. On average, pharmacists achieved a score of 54% for knowledge on CM-drug interactions and 71% for knowledge of clinically proven benefits. Most pharmacists (75%) obtained their CM product training through self-directed learning. In addition, most pharmacists (66%) supported CM education at the undergraduate level and almost all (94%) recognised the need for additional CM education for pharmacists. Malaysian registered pharmacists do not routinely ask customers about CM use, or recommend CM products, but have a positive attitude towards their use and were interested in learning more about CM.

Uso racional de medicamentos, farmaceuticalização e usos do metilfenidato / Rational use of medicines, pharmaceuticalization and uses of methylphenidate

Resumo O uso racional de medicamentos (URM) é considerado um dos elementos-chave recomendados pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) para as políticas de medicamentos. O crescimento excessivo no uso de medicamentos em muitos países tem sido apontado como uma importante barreira para o alcance do URM e faz parte de um fenômeno denominado ´farmaceuticalização´ da sociedade. Desta forma, o presente artigo objetiva apresentar movimentos para racionalizar o uso do metilfenidato no Brasil e discutir os limites impostos tendo como referência o conceito de farmaceuticalização da sociedade. Trata-se de estudo exploratório, realizado por meio de narrativa da literatura científica. As controvérsias acerca dos usos do metilfenidato o torna um bom exemplo deste fenômeno podendo auxiliar na reflexão e na construção de novos caminhos para os limites encontrados pelo conceito de uso racional de medicamentos.

Abstract The rational use of medicines (URM) is considered one of the key elements recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for pharmaceutical policies. The excessive increase in the use of medicines in many countries has been identified as a major barrier to the achievement of URM and is part of a phenomenon called the 'pharmaceuticalization' of the society. This paper aims to present innitiatives to rationalize the use of methylphenidate and its limits in Brazil, considering the concept of pharmaceuticalization of the society. It is an exploratory study, based on a narrative review of the scientific literature. Controversies about the uses of methylphenidate make it a good example of this phenomenon and may help in the reflection and construction of new paths to the limits found by the concept of rational use of medicines.