Rational Use of Drugs: WHO Conference 1985

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Questions and Answers

What is a fundamental principle of rational drug use?

Considering the patient's suitability, efficacy, safety, and cost (correct)

Administering the highest possible dose to ensure efficacy

Selecting the most cost-effective drug available

Prescribing a combination of multiple drugs to treat a single condition

Which of the following factors contributes to poor medicine management?

Patient's religious beliefs

Patient's confidence in the medicine

Complexity of the regimen (correct)

Cost-effectiveness of the treatment

What is a common consequence of irrational drug use?

Increased patient compliance

Harm to patients and waste of resources (correct)

Reduced healthcare costs

Improved patient care quality

What is a common issue with pharmaceutical dispensing practices in Primary Health Care (PHC) settings?

Substitution of prescribed drugs without consent Signup and view all the answers

What is a term used to describe a patient's conscious decision to deviate from their prescribed medication regimen?

Intentional non-compliance Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of promoting rational drug use in healthcare settings?

Improved patient compliance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a physical limitation that can affect medicine management?

Dysphasia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of strategies to improve drug use?

Improving patient care quality Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of PHC patients receive injections, with a significant portion being medically unnecessary?

5-55% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of irrational prescribing?

Multiple prescribing Signup and view all the answers

What is a term used to describe the process of prescribing, dispensing, and patient use of drugs?

Drug utilization Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of irrational drug use?

Unnecessary exposure to side effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for intentional non-compliance among patients?

Self-medication with prescription drugs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of irrational drug use?

Premature discontinuation of medication Signup and view all the answers

What is a common factor contributing to unintentional non-compliance?

Inability to read or understand instructions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of misuse of drugs?

Sharing of drugs prescribed for others Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of poor patient-physician interaction?

Unintentional non-compliance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of rational drug use?

Following the recommended dosage and regimen Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rational Drug Use

Goal: To ensure that drugs are used appropriately and effectively, with minimal risk to patients
Key Principles:
- Cost-effectiveness: Using the most affordable and effective medication
- Patient-centeredness: Considering the patient's individual needs and preferences
- Evidence-based: Utilizing scientific evidence to guide drug selection and administration

Factors Contributing to Poor Medicine Management

Inadequate knowledge: Lack of understanding about the proper use of medications.
Limited resources: Insufficient access to healthcare infrastructure and essential drugs.
Financial constraints: High costs associated with medications.
Cultural beliefs: Misconceptions and traditional practices impacting medicine use.

Irrational Drug Use

Definition: The use of medication against the principles of rational drug use.
Common Consequences:
- Adverse drug events: Unwanted effects from medication use.
- Increased healthcare costs: Unnecessary expenses for medications.
- Drug resistance: Emergence of drug-resistant pathogens.
- Decreased medication effectiveness: Suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Pharmaceutical Dispensing Practices in PHC

Issue: Lack of standardization in dispensing practices, leading to medication errors and misuse.

Patient Non-Compliance

Definition: Deviation from the prescribed medication regimen.
Terms:
- Non-adherence: Lack of awareness or inability to follow the prescribed regimen.
- Non-compliance: Conscious decision by the patient to deviate from the instructions.

Benefits of Rational Drug Use

Improved patient outcomes: Enhanced treatment effectiveness and reduced complications.
Reduced healthcare costs: Optimize resource utilization and minimize unnecessary expenses.
Enhanced patient safety: Minimize risks associated with medication use.

Physical Limitations and Medicine Management

Factors:
- Difficulty swallowing pills
- Impaired vision, affecting medication labeling
- Physical impairments affecting medication administration.

Strategies for Improving Drug Use

Primary Goal: Optimize medication use to improve patient well-being and minimize risks.

Medication Use in PHC

Injection Prevalence: High percentage of patients in PHC settings receive injections, many of which are unnecessary.

Irrational Prescribing

Examples:
- Prescribing antibiotics for viral infections
- Over-prescribing medication
- Prescribing medication based on patient demand rather than clinical need.

Drug Use Terminology

Drug Use Cycle: Encompasses prescribing, dispensing, and patient use of medications.

Consequences of Irrational Drug Use

Adverse events: Unintended effects from medication use, ranging from mild to severe.

Patient Non-Compliance: Intentional and Unintentional

Intentional Non-compliance: A conscious decision by the patient to deviate from prescribed medication use, often due to factors like cost, perceived side effects, or lack of understanding about the medication's purpose.
Unintentional Non-compliance: Factors that lead to unintentional lack of adherence to the prescribed regimen, such as forgetting to take medication, difficulties remembering dosage, or misunderstandings about the regimen.

Drug Misuse

Definition: Using medication in a way that is not as prescribed, including taking the wrong dosage, using it for a different reason than intended, or sharing medication.

Patient-Physician Interaction

Potential Outcome of Poor Interaction: Lack of understanding and trust between the patient and physician can lead to non-compliance.

Rational Drug Use Characteristics

Key Features:
- Appropriate selection of medication: Choosing the right drug for the specific condition.
- Appropriate dosage and duration of treatment: Providing the correct dosage and duration of medication use.
- Patient education and counseling: Ensuring patients understand their medication and how to use it safely and effectively.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the rational use of drugs, including correct drug selection, appropriate dosage, and patient adherence. This quiz is based on the WHO conference of experts in Nairobi, 1985, and covers key principles for healthcare professionals.