ASSESSMENT OF PATIENT-CARE, FACILITY CARE, AND COMPLEMENTARY DRUG USE INDICATORS AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF WESTERN NEPAL

Objective: The current study aims to determine the pattern of drug usage in terms of patient-care, facility care, and complementary drug use indicators among elderly people. Methods: The study was a prospective cross-sectional study that was conducted in the outpatient department. Patient-care, facility care, and complementary drug use indicators were assed as per the WHO/INRUD indicators. Patient/patient party knowledge of correct dose was analyzed by the information; time of administration (when) and quantity of drugs to be taken (how much). Results: The duration of consultation in the ophthalmology department was comparatively longer (30.33 min) than in other departments. The dispensing time of the medicine department was 126.60 s which was higher than other departments. Among the total medicines, 88.58% were dispensed, 21 (1.06%) of the total drugs had the patient’s name labeled on the envelope while 1430 (81.53%) of the drugs had drug name and 1617 (92.19%) only had the administration time labeled on the envelope. On interviewing patients/patient parties, 240 (59.55%) knew both the time of administration and the number of drugs to be taken. The average medicine cost encountered per patient was found to be Nepalese rupees (NRs.) 1353±1079 NRs. (US$ 11.57±9.23). Conclusion: It is concluded that systematic changes need to be applied to improve the patient knowledge, to deliver quality advice to the patients, and to maintain the process of adequate labeling in medications.