Analysis of discharge prescriptions in a high-complexity public hospital in Santa Catarina

Abstract

Objectives: Assess, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) prescription indicators, discharge prescriptions in public, general, high-complexity hospital in Santa Catarina. Methods: A retrospective descriptive exploratory study with a quantitative approach, for sample analysis by convenience of discharge prescriptions at a public, general, high-complexity hospital from the State of Santa Catarina in 2023. Data was retrieved from a prescription attached to the patient’s records. The indicators analyzed recommended by WHO, they were average number of prescribed medications per patient; percentage of medications prescribed by generic name; percentage of prescriptions including antimicrobials; percentage of prescriptions including injectables; percentage of prescribed medications present in the National List of Essential Medicines (RENAME); percentage of prescribed medications present in the Municipal List of Essential Medicines (REMUME). Results: A total of 1.199 hospital discharges were analyzed in the study with 4.695 prescribed medications (average = 3,92 medications/patients). The percentage of medications prescribed by generic name was 80.3%. 37.5% contained the same antimicrobials, while 5.8% contained the same injectable medications. The proportion of medications belonging to RENAME was 62.4%, and 50.9% for REMUME. Duration of treatment, dose/concentration, and medication name were the most observed prescription errors. Conclusion: The hospital discharge prescriptions do not meet the requirements for rational drug use. Inconsistencies in the prescriptions were identified and may compromise access and safety in medication use.