Pharmacoepidemiologic And Cost Evaluation Of Off-Label Drug Prescribing Among Paediatric Patients At Hospital Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
Loading...
Date
2018-07
Authors
Balan, Shamala
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Off-label drug prescribing is common among paediatric patients. Prevalence and cost data on off-label drug prescribing among paediatric patients in Malaysia as well as the reasons behind the quantitative findings of previous studies remains unexplored. This research aimed to explore, evaluate and characterise the practice of off-label prescribing among paediatric patients in Hospital Sungai Buloh. Four studies were conducted using mixed-methodology approach to address the research objectives. The qualitative method provided a baseline and ground information on the awareness, knowledge, attitudes and views on off–label drug prescribing among paediatric patients. The quantitative method was used to determine the extent, nature and drug cost involved in off–label drug prescribing among paediatric patients and to assess learning needs among pharmacists and doctors towards off-label drug prescribing. The studies were conducted among the pharmacists and the doctors at the Pharmacy and the Paediatric Department of Hospital Sungai Buloh. Most of the study participants (93.4%) were familiar with the term off-label drug prescribing. About 60% of the study participants were prescribing or dispensing off-label drugs unknowingly. There was a mismatch between the views of study participants and the findings of previous studies. The study participants were more concerned regarding the safety (63.7%) than the efficacy (40.7%) of off-label drugs Evidence-based practice was quoted as most important gate-keeping method. Disclosure to parents and obtaining consent was viewed as an important action to be taken when using off-label drugs. The act of ‘referring’ was quoted when discussing the decision making to prescribe or dispense off-label drugs and the features of preferred guidance options.
Description
Keywords
Off-label drug prescribing is common , among paediatric patients