A study of awareness about prescription writing among undergraduate medical students: A cross-sectional study

Dr. Mayur M. Sisodiya*, Dr. Anuradha Gandhi, Dr Prakruti Patel, Dr Mira Desai

Aims: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and skill of undergraduate medical students about prescription writing. Materials and Methods: The observational, questionnaire based, cross sectional study was carried out in II (group A), III part 1 (group B) and III part 2 (group C) MBBS students. Data was collected through structured, prevalidated questionnaire. Result: A total 475 medical students were divided in group A (n=213), group B (n=144) and group C (n=118). All students knew that the prescription can be written by registered medical practitioner, but only 20.2% students knew that an intern doctor can also write a prescription. Only 40.4% students knew that diagnosis of disease is required in prescription. According to 97.68% students, date of prescription is required to prevent the misuse of blank prescription. Signature of doctor, registration number and contact number of doctor are also important was known by 30.52% students. The refilling information was known by 83.1% students. Prescription was correctly written by 76.05% students of group A followed by group B (56.25%) and group C (34.74%). Total 98.9% students believe that non-pharmacological advice is included in prescription, though 18.52% students did not write non-pharmacological advice in prescription. Conclusion: Students lack detailed knowledge about rules and regulation of prescription writing. Regular training and evaluation of prescription writing skill can help to promote rational prescribing of medicine.