Prescribing in hospital outpatient departments and rural health facilities in Uganda: some clinical and educational implications.

A comparison of prescribing patterns in hospital outpatient departments (OPD) and rural health units (RHU) in Uganda revealed an average of 2.45 and 1.66 drugs prescribed per treatment episode in OPD and RHU respectively. 40.1% of the OPD and 57.3% of the RHU prescriptions included antibacterials. It is argued that in view of the relevant morbidity pattern, an average of 1.4-1.5 drug/treatment episodes, as well as 15-20% receiving antibacterials would seem appropriate, thus leaving scope for considerable cost reductions. A successful strategy for achieving rational prescribing is likely to include a variety of educational approaches aimed at all present and future prescribers.