Improper prescribing habits and inappropriate drug use lead to serious health and economic consequences. This study was undertaken to evaluate drug utilization services and prescription patterns of homeopathic doctors in a government homeopathic teaching hospital in India.

BACKGROUNDIntra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a recognized prognostic marker for severity of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and has a strong impact on the clinical course of SAP. Previous studies indicate that a Da-Cheng-Qi Decoction (DCQD) is beneficial in the treatment of SAP. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of modified DCQD on IAH in patients with SAP.

METHODSBetween January 2008 and December 2008, 42 patients from the West China Hospital were randomized into either the DCQD or control group (n = 21 in each group). Mortality, intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), oxygenation index, Balthazar CT score, rate of renal failure, decompression rate, intensive care unit (ICU) transfer rate, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSCompared to the control group, the modified DCQD treatment significantly decreased IAP (P < 0.05) and APACHE II (P < 0.05) scores on days 4 - 8, CRP on day 8 (P < 0.01), renal failure rate (P < 0.05), and LOS (P < 0.05). The oxygenation index was significantly improved in the DCQD group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the Balthazar CT score, shock rate, ICU transfer rate, or mortality occurred between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe modified DCQD can effectively relieve IAH and decrease LOS for patients with SAP. Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Adult ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Intra-Abdominal Hypertension ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatitis ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVEImproper prescribing habits and inappropriate drug use lead to serious health and economic consequences. This study was undertaken to evaluate drug utilization services and prescription patterns of homeopathic doctors in a government homeopathic teaching hospital in India.

METHODSNo standardized homeopathic drug use indicators are available. The researchers used indicators for health care setting (drug availability)-modified prescribing indicators and patient care indicators, based on World Health Organization's core drug use indicators. A cross-sectional, prospective, institutional, observational study of 2-month duration with record analysis was conducted on 600 patients visiting seven different outpatient departments (OPDs) for the first time at Mahesh Bhattacharyya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Howrah, West Bengal, India, using the developed indicators.

RESULTSOverall availability of prescribed drugs was quite satisfactory (92.28%). Centesimal potencies accounted for the majority of prescriptions (74.76%). There was a poor record of diagnosis (39.17%) except in the OPDs of Gynecology and Obstetrics (68.48%, P < 0.01) and Dermatology (64.58%, P < 0.01). Records of investigational findings and ongoing therapies, if any, were also poor except OPDs of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Pediatrics. Structure of prescriptions was maintained satisfactorily in all the OPDs. Though tendency of using 'individualized homeopathy' predominated, there also existed the use of 'polypharmacy'. Mean consultation time was 5.9 min. Labeling was extremely poor and is an area needing improvement. The prescriptions were highly legible.

CONCLUSIONThis was a preliminary study, conducted for the first time in homeopathy using newly developed indicators that yield meaningful results. Further studies are necessary in order to evaluate the different factors involved and to plan future interventions to improve the quality of care in healthcare settings.

Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Drug Prescriptions ; Drug Utilization ; Female ; Homeopathy ; Humans ; India ; Male ; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital ; Patient Care ; Practice Patterns, Physicians' ; Prospective Studies