Practical approach to lung health in Nepal: Better prescribing and reduction of cost

Shrestha, Naveen, Samir, K. C., Baltussen, Rob, Kafle, Kumud K., Bishai, David and Niessen, Louis (2006) Practical approach to lung health in Nepal: Better prescribing and reduction of cost. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 11 (5). pp. 765-772. ISSN 1360-2276

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Objectives To assess the impact of Practical Approach to Lung Health (PAL) guidelines on prescription behaviour and the total cost of prescription for patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia. Methods Pre- and post-intervention comparison in a cluster randomized trial of primary care facilities. Seven health posts and 33 subhealth posts in Nepal were stratified by type and randomized into intervention and control groups. Health workers from the intervention facilities received 5 days training on the adapted PAL guidelines and their use. To collect prescription details, we used carbon-copy prescription pads in both groups. To measure the impact of PAL guidelines we used the World Health Organization's rational use of drug indicators and drug cost indicators, in a multivariate regression analysis. Results The PAL guidelines led to fewer prescriptions of multiple drugs and to more prescriptions of generic and essential drugs. The guidelines also lowered average prescription cost and wastage by disease except for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease although not to a statistically significant degree. Similarly, the prescription of antibiotics and adherence to guidelines improved, albeit not statistically significant. Conclusion There is evidence that the implementation of PAL guidelines promotes rational use of drugs for some respiratory diseases. The expected health effects of PAL guidelines should be compared with their implementation costs before continuing training on lung health, and strategies put in place to sustain the effects.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Health Economics
Depositing User:	Val Knights
Date Deposited:	09 Jun 2011 12:52
Last Modified:	24 Sep 2024 09:52
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/32101
DOI:	10.1111/j.1365-3156.2006.01599.x

Actions (login required)

View Item