MISUSE OF MEDICINE IN HOSPITALS, THE ROLE OF EDUCATION AND POLICY.
The use of irrational medicines in hospital settings, both in private and public institutions, continues to be a significant challenge. Controlling the overuse or misuse of medication is difficult, but it is possible through the implementation of simple yet effective policies. Based on my long term observation and experiences, I believe that many doctors will agree with the point I raise here.
One of the most common issues in hospitals, particularly in the outpatient department ( OPD), is the repeated visit of patients who often do not require any medication. These patients, frequently accompanied by family members,may demand medicines despite the absence of any clinical need. When a doctor decides that medication is unnecessary, patients may become aggressive and in some cases misbehave or threaten the doctor.Faced with such situations, doctors may feel pressured to prescribe medication to avoid conflict, especially since the hospital administration might indirectly encourage the use of medications to maintain patient satisfaction.
This creates a challenging situation for health care professionals who may feel their hands are tied, either due to security concerns or pressure from hospital management.To address this issue, it is essential for hospital administrations to provide better support and security for doctors.
To reduce the irrational use of medicines in hospitals,we need to take a systematic approach that combines education,policy reform,and better support for healthcare providers.Here are some potential solutions:
POLICIES AND ITS BENEFITS :
1: Awareness and education: Public awareness campaigns should be established, aiming to inform patients about the dangers of overuse of drugs. Health messages should be aired on social media and during drama breaks instead of ads,so the public receives important information from the health department.
2 : Administration Role : To protect doctors from threats or harassment, hospital administration should provide enhanced security. Additionally conflict resolution training for healthcare workers can help manage tense situations more effectively.
3 : Evidence Based Guidelines: Hospitals should implement evidence based prescribing protocols.and Doctors should strictly follow these guidelines.
4 : Pictorial Messages: Pictorial health messages should be prominently displayed in hospitals especially in OPD areas And hospital administration should arrange awareness programs to educate patients and their families, and doctors should also take the time to explain it.
5 : OPD charges: Implementing OPD charges will have the benefit that only genuine patients will come, and unnecessary flow of the patients will decrease which can allow doctors to allocate proper time and proper consultation
6 : Infrastructure : And the resources in hospitals will also be used properly if patients are charged for the OPD slip, meaning the infrastructure will be better managed.
Conclusion :
The misuse of medicines can be controlled through simple strategies such as awareness messages, pictorial displays, and social media campaigns. Additionally, OPD charges could help address this issue. Many patients visited repeatedly without needing medicines, often due to the free availability of medications. While the government is hesitant to charge OPD fees due to concerns about the poor, it's worth noting that these individuals often have money for non-essential items, like snacks,mobile phones or beverages and even gutkas . A small charge could be a practical solution.
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