Undergraduate Medical Student’s Perceptions Regarding Personal Drug Selection Exercise

International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences, 2012, 1, 2, 61-67.
Published: June 2012
Type: Research Article
Authors: Lalit Mohan, Bharti Chogtu, Shalini Adiga, K.L Bairy, and Anoop Kishore

Author(s) affiliations:

Lalit Mohan1, Bharti Chogtu2*, Shalini Adiga3, Smita Shenoy2, K.L Bairy3, Anoop Kishore4

1Associate Professor, Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Jamuhar, Bihar, India.

2Associate Professor, 3Lecturer Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, India.

Abstract

Background: Right drug for the right patient in the right dose for the right duration is the aim of rational prescribing. The foundation for rational prescribing can be laid if prescribing doctors are sensitized to this concept during undergraduate studies. The knowledge of personal drug (P-drug) selection process is an important step towards rational prescribing. Objectives: This study was done to analyse tje student’s opinions and the difficulties they faced in the process of P-drug selection. Materials and Methods: In first phase of this study, fifth sesmester students of MBBS course were taught the process of selecting a P-drug in pharmacology practical classes. In seconf phase. students were given questionnaire to put forth their views on selection process of P-drug. The qunatitative data was expressed as median and interquartile range (IQR). Results: Majority of the students were in favor of introducing the process of selection of P-drug in udergraduate pharmacology curriculum [4 (4-5), scale 1-5]. The students were of the opinion that such exercise will given in-depth knowledge of various groups used and highlight the intragroup differences. Student’s also opined that P-drug knowledge of various groups of durgs used and highlight the intragroup differences. Student’s also opined that P-drug exercise also enable them to remember various aspects of the drugs for long period. Students also felt that the P-drug selection process will help them to understand hoe drug selection been for the treatment of various disease conditions. Conculsion: P-drug selection exercise helps students to understand the differences between various drugs used for the treatment of one disease condition. This may serve as a strong foundation for developing rational prescribing skills.

Keywords: P-drug, Pharmacology, Prescription Writing, Undergraduate Curriculum

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