Physicians’ attitude toward non-essential drug prescription criteria measure

Abstract

Introduction: Non-essential drug prescription criteria (NPC) is a control measure for drug expenditure and promote the rational drug use in patients under civil servant medical benefit scheme. Objective: This study aimed to explore the physicians’ agreement and complying to control measure for non-essential drug (NED) at Srinagarind Hospital. Materials and methods: Data were collected using questionnaire from physicians working at Srinagarind Hospital with authority for NED prescribing during January 1 to March 31, 2013. Results: There were 51 from 222 questionnaires returned from the physicians (23.0%). Most physicians aged below 36 years (27.5%) followed by age over 55 years (19.6%). Most physicians had service year over 20 years (45.0%) followed by service year less than 10 years (31.4%). For the documentation of diagnosis in medical record, detail of essential drug use and detail of clinical manifestation opposed the use of essential drug, the average level of physicians’ agreement was 4.84, 4.27 and 3.98, respectively and the average level of complying was 4.71, 3.90 and 3.55, respectively. Conclusion: Control measure for NED was recognized by most physicians. Most of them agreed and complied with NPC.