Drug use, prescription patterns, and costs in COPD at a tertiary hospital.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Drug use in copd, prescription patterns, and cost of medications in a multispeciality tertiary care hospital in india
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Bhandari Puja, Kothiyal Preeti and Sati. Aarti
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Drug use in copd, prescription patterns, and cost of medications in a multispeciality tertiary care hospital in india
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20177-8907
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disorder characterized by difficulty in breathing due to limitations in airflow, often stemming from chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The prevalence and mortality associated with COPD have been on the rise over the last two decades, prompting the need for evidence-based guidelines to manage and treat this condition. Various organizations, including the American Thoracic Society and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), have developed protocols aimed at improving awareness and reducing the burden of COPD. This study conducted at a multispeciality tertiary care hospital in Dehradun, India, aimed to assess drug use, prescription patterns, and medication costs among COPD patients.
Drug Prescription Patterns in COPD
The study analyzed 50 prescriptions from COPD patients and found that a majority were using combination therapy. Notably, antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed medications, with 96% of patients receiving them. Other prevalent classes of drugs included short-acting beta-2 agonists (91%), anticholinergic agents (89%), inhaled corticosteroids (83%), and methyl xanthines (72%). This prescribing pattern aligns with current COPD management guidelines, indicating a well-established trend among healthcare practitioners. The significant reliance on combination therapies highlights an understanding that multifaceted treatment is essential for effectively managing the symptoms of COPD.
Patient Demographics and Comorbidities
The demographic analysis revealed a mean patient age of 59.22 years, predominantly affecting males (3.5:1 male-to-female ratio), largely due to smoking and tobacco use. More than half of the patients had some form of addiction, which is a recognized risk factor for COPD. Additionally, 60% of the patients had comorbidities such as hypertension, further complicating their treatment and management. Symptoms commonly reported by patients included continuous cough, sputum production, and dyspnea. These findings highlight the critical relationship between lifestyle factors and the prevalence of COPD, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
Cost Implications of COPD Management
The economic burden of COPD treatment is a pressing concern as reflected in this study, which noted a mean monthly medication cost of Rs 500 for patients. While this cost is lower than that in other hospitals in the region, it still poses a challenge for many individuals. The study observed that medications prescribed at the hospital are generally less economical compared to local brands available in government facilities. This discrepancy in drug costs underscores the importance of periodic evaluations of drug pricing to enhance affordability and improve patient compliance in COPD management.
Conclusion
The study concluded that the drug prescribing trends for COPD patients largely align with established guidelines, emphasizing the importance of various drug classes in effectively managing the disease. It highlighted the demographic trends showing a higher prevalence in elderly males with significant comorbidities. The financial aspect of COPD treatment emerged as a critical determinant of patient care, necessitating continual review to improve cost-effectiveness. By enhancing awareness of prescription patterns and addressing economic barriers, healthcare providers can better manage COPD, leading to improved outcomes for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
COPD is a preventable and treatable disease characterized by difficulty emptying air out of the lungs. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, leading to progressive loss of lung function.
What was the aim of the study on COPD in India?
The study aimed to identify the most prescribed drugs for COPD, their patterns, associated costs, and necessary laboratory investigations in patients at a tertiary care hospital.
What were the inclusion criteria for the COPD study?
The study included COPD inpatients aged 20 to 90 years, treated between February and April 2017, whose prescriptions recorded essential data without major comorbidities.
What were the most prescribed drug classes for COPD?
The most prescribed drug classes included antibiotics (96%), short-acting beta-2 agonists (91%), anticholinergic agents (89%), inhaled corticosteroids (83%), and systemic corticosteroids (71%).
What was the average cost of COPD treatment in the study?
The mean monthly cost of COPD prescriptions was approximately Rs 500, although this cost is lower compared to other tertiary and government hospitals in Dehradun.
What symptoms were commonly observed in COPD patients?
Common symptoms included cough, sputum production, dyspnea, fever, chest pain, and fatigue. About 72% had sputum production, while 78% reported continuous cough.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Drug use, prescription patterns, and costs in COPD at a tertiary hospital.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
The term 'Drug' pertains to the pharmacological agents used in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In this study, various classes of drugs were analyzed for their prescription patterns and costs. The focus on drug use underscores the importance of selecting appropriate therapeutic agents to manage COPD effectively and minimize associated morbidity.
2) Disease:
The term 'Disease' refers to COPD, a prevalent and treatable respiratory condition discussed in the study. The paper sheds light on the nature of COPD, emphasizing its long-term effects on lung function and patient quality of life. Understanding the disease is crucial for developing effective management strategies and improving patient outcomes.
3) Study (Studying):
The 'Study' highlights a cross-sectional analysis of COPD patients at a tertiary care hospital in India. It compiled data to evaluate prescribing patterns, costs, and treatment efficacy. The methodology and results inform future research directions and provide insights into current clinical practices in managing chronic pulmonary conditions.
4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
The term 'Antibiotic' identifies a category of drugs predominantly prescribed in the study for COPD management. Antibiotics were used to address infections that frequently accompany COPD exacerbations. Their prevalence in prescriptions indicates the importance of treating respiratory infections to improve recovery times and patient outcomes in COPD cases.
5) Beta:
The term 'Beta' relates to beta-agonists, specifically beta-2 adrenergic agents, which are crucial in the management of COPD. These medications work by relaxing airway muscles to improve airflow and alleviate symptoms. The study's emphasis on short and long-acting beta agonists reflects their significance in comprehensive COPD treatment.
6) Male:
The term 'Male' refers to the demographic group within the study population, highlighting a predominance of male patients suffering from COPD. This gender difference is likely tied to higher smoking rates among men, illustrating how gender-related health patterns can influence the prevalence and treatment approaches for chronic diseases.
7) India:
The term 'India' contextualizes the study's geographic focus, taking place in a multispeciality tertiary care hospital in Dehradun. This setting is significant as it highlights the local healthcare practices and challenges regarding COPD management within the Indian healthcare system, providing insights into prescription patterns and patient demographics.
8) Gold (Golden):
The term 'Gold' refers to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, which establishes guidelines for COPD management. The study aligns with GOLD's recommendations, showcasing the global standards in treating COPD. Awareness of these guidelines aids health professionals in providing consistent and evidence-based care for COPD patients.
9) Pharmacology:
The term 'Pharmacology' underlines the study's disciplinary focus on the effects and mechanisms of drugs used in COPD treatment. It incorporates the analysis of drug classes, their prescribing patterns, and related costs, thereby offering a comprehensive understanding of how these medications contribute to managing the disease.
10) Shriguru (Sriguru, Shri-guru):
The term 'Shri-guru' refers to the educational institution, Shri Guru Ram Rai University, where the research was conducted. This affiliation highlights the academic background of the researchers, showcasing the role of educational institutions in advancing medical research, particularly in patient care practices within specific communities.
11) Table:
The term 'Table' denotes the presentation format used in the study to summarize data and findings. Tables provide structured information regarding patient demographics, prescription patterns, and treatment costs, facilitating easier comprehension and analysis of complex datasets. They serve to enhance the clarity of the study's results.
12) Blood:
The term 'Blood' refers to the connection to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, which is significant in the context of COPD research and management. The involvement of such institutes emphasizes the importance of understanding cardiovascular aspects when treating respiratory diseases, given their interrelated nature.
13) Guru:
The term 'Guru' signifies the academic leadership and guidance provided during the research process. It reflects the mentorship aspect of medical and pharmacological education, underscoring how experienced professionals contribute to the development of students and researchers, enhancing the study's quality and research outcomes.
14) Shati (Sati):
The term 'Sati' refers to one of the co-authors of the study, who contributed to the research and analysis process. The inclusion of multiple authors signifies a collaborative effort, which is essential in multidisciplinary fields like pharmacology, ensuring comprehensive approaches to research and patient care.
15) Puja:
The term 'Puja' identifies the corresponding author of the study. Her role as a primary contact reflects her involvement in conducting the research and disseminating findings. This emphasizes the importance of individual contributions to collaborative research efforts, especially within academic and clinical settings.
16) Shri (Sri, Sr):
The prefix 'Shri' is an honorific title used in Indian culture, typically denoting respect. In this context, it refers to the institution and individuals involved in the research. This highlights the cultural significance of acknowledging contributions within academic and professional settings, promoting a sense of respect and gratitude.
17) Pharmacotherapy:
The term 'Pharmacotherapy' encompasses the therapeutic use of drugs to treat diseases, specifically COPD in this study. It underscores the necessity of appropriate medication selection and treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. Evaluating pharmacotherapy practices aids healthcare providers in optimizing treatment effectiveness.
18) Inflammation:
The term 'Inflammation' refers to the body's response to injury or infection, which is a critical factor in COPD pathology. Understanding the role of inflammation in COPD is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. The study acknowledges the inflammatory component as key to managing respiratory conditions.
19) Observation:
The term 'Observation' pertains to the systematic analysis of patient data and treatment outcomes in the study. Observational data helps identify trends in prescribing practices and treatment efficacy, providing valuable insights that can inform future clinical practices and improve patient management in COPD.
20) Discussion:
The term 'Discussion' refers to the section of the study where findings are interpreted and contextualized. This component is critical for assessing the significance of the results, comparing them with existing literature, and identifying implications for practice. A thorough discussion contributes to the understanding of disease management.
21) Medicine:
The term 'Medicine' broadly encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. In this study, it relates specifically to the medications prescribed to COPD patients. The focus on proper medicinal approaches highlights the need for effective treatment to improve patient quality of life.
22) Activity:
The term 'Activity' pertains to the physical capabilities affected by COPD. The study underscores how the disease limits normal physical activity, contributing to a decline in overall health and quality of life. Understanding these limitations is vital for developing effective rehabilitation and support interventions for patients.
23) Learning:
The term 'Learning' relates to the educational aspect of conducting research and its impact on knowledge dissemination. The study reflects the importance of continuous learning among healthcare providers about COPD management. This process allows professionals to stay updated with evolving practices and enhance patient care.
24) Quality:
The term 'Quality' pertains to the standard of care provided to COPD patients. The study emphasizes the need to assess and improve the quality of medical interventions. Ensuring high-quality treatment is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and addressing the complexities of chronic disease management.
25) Science (Scientific):
The term 'Science' refers to the systematic study of the natural world, which includes medical research. This study exemplifies the scientific approach to investigating COPD through evidence-based methods. Emphasizing scientific inquiry supports advancements in understanding and treating complex medical conditions effectively.
26) Fever:
The term 'Fever' signifies one of the common symptoms observed in COPD patients discussed in the study. The presence of fever often indicates an underlying infection or exacerbation of the disease. Monitoring such symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and managing acute episodes in COPD care.
27) Pain:
The term 'Pain' may refer to the discomfort experienced by COPD patients, though it's not explicitly highlighted in the study. Addressing any associated pain is vital in comprehensive patient management. Effective pain control improves the quality of life for individuals suffering from COPD or related conditions.
28) Life:
The term 'Life' pertains to the overall impact of COPD on patients' daily functioning and well-being. The study aims to address how chronic diseases like COPD affect not just medical parameters but also the quality of life for patients. Understanding this relationship informs better treatment approaches and patient support.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Drug use, prescription patterns, and costs in COPD at a tertiary hospital.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Antibiotic, Laboratory investigation, Combination therapy, Co-morbidities, Tertiary care hospital, Anticholinergic agents, Guidelines for management, Prescription Pattern, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Short Acting Beta 2 Agonist, Systemic corticosteroid, Inhaled corticosteroid, Demographic characteristic.