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Analysis of the quality of prescriptions at a cardiovascular ward in Brazil: a pilot study

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Abstract

Aim of study To analyze the quality of prescriptions in a hospital in Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional pilot study of the quality of prescriptions of adult patients admitted at the cardiovascular ward. Data were collected with the help of a structured form developed by the researchers based on related literature, with items about medications and completeness of prescriptions. The form was divided into four categories of prescription quality indicators: prescription type, legibility and readability of handwriting, and completeness. Main outcome measures 100 patients participated in the study, with ages between 20 and 94 years (mean of 67.12 ± 16.6 years), We analyzed 5,030 on 496 prescriptions for 100 patients. Of 11% the handwriting was considered to be less legible and 17% considered illegible. In terms of readability, a high incidence of medications were prescribed by their brand names (89%), and 13,707 abbreviations (mean of 27.6 per prescription) were used mainly to refer to the route of administration (31%), concentration (27%), and indications for use (20%). In relation to completeness, 471 (95%) prescriptions were considered incomplete, mainly medication data. Conclusion The quality indicators used in this study revealed a high rate of prescription problems and errors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Social Pharmacy, Federal University of Sergipe, (DFS/UFS), LEPFS-UFS, Av. Marechal Rondom, s/n, São Cristóvão, Aracaju, Sergipe, 49000-000, Brazil

    J. S. Siqueira, A. R. Antoniolli, C. C. Silvestre, A. D. Oliveira-Filho, W. B. Silva & D. P. Lyra Jr.

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  1. J. S. Siqueira
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  2. A. R. Antoniolli
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  3. C. C. Silvestre
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  4. A. D. Oliveira-Filho
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  5. W. B. Silva
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  6. D. P. Lyra Jr.
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Correspondence to D. P. Lyra Jr..

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Siqueira, J.S., Antoniolli, A.R., Silvestre, C.C. et al. Analysis of the quality of prescriptions at a cardiovascular ward in Brazil: a pilot study. Int J Clin Pharm 33, 260–263 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-011-9491-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-011-9491-4

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