Evaluation of antibacterial use in outpatients of township and community primary medical institutions in a district of Sichuan Province, China

Abstract

Objectives: Antibacterial use in township health centres (THCs) and community health service centres (CHSCs) in a district of Sichuan Province, China, was investigated. By analysis of the common irrational use of antibacterials in such primary medical institutions, the purpose of promoting rational use of antibacterials can be achieved.

Methods: Outpatient prescriptions were randomly selected from 12 THCs and 5 CHSCs in a district of Sichuan Province from July-September 2015 and antibacterial use in these outpatient prescriptions was investigated.

Results: The average usage rate of antibacterials in outpatient prescriptions of THCs and CHSCs was 61.05% and 35.07%, respectively, and the average proportion of rational antibacterials in prescriptions was 59.88% and 77.07%, respectively. In THCs, there was an extremely significant difference between centre A and centre N, especially for two antibacterial indicators (irrational antibacterials and irrational drug frequency). There was also an extremely significant difference between centre P and centre T, especially for the same two abovementioned indicators. These results were evaluated in relation to the implementation of quality control management of rational drug use.

Conclusion: There are many irrational problems in antibacterial use in outpatient prescriptions of THCs and CHSCs in China. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the training and management of antibacterial use at primary medical institutions, and grassroots pharmacists should also play an active role in antibacterial drug management.

Keywords: Antibacterial; Community health service centre; Outpatient prescription; Primary health care; Township health centre.