Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Management, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran National Committee on Rational Drug Use, Food and Drug Organization, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
2 National Committee on Rational Drug Use, Food and Drug Organization, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Community Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Objective: Pharmacists have a remarkable role in rational use of drugs by dissemination
of drug information to guide patients, physicians, and policy makers. The present study was
undertaken to evaluate the pharmacists’ view point about the main factors affecting current
drug use pattern regarding rational drug use and the most effective strategies for improving
and promoting rational drug use among pharmacists.
Methods: In a cross‑sectional survey, pre‑designed questionnaires were filled in convenient
sampling by pharmacists who had attended the congress of rational drug use in Tehran, Iran.
Findings: A total of 144 pharmacists with the average age of 40.78 years old were enrolled to
the study. Data indicated that the most priorities in irrational use of drugs from pharmacists’
view point were lack of appropriate cooperation and communication between physicians and
pharmacists(39%), pharmacists’ low tariff and economic issues (34%), lack of public knowledge
about drug usage (45%), and lack of supervisory regulations on pharmacy practice (15.8%).
Conclusion: In this study, lack of public knowledge and awareness about appropriate use
of medicines was the most important element from pharmacists’ viewpoint in occurrence
of irrational drug use. Dissemination of information and compiling of diverse strategies
in education, management, regulation, and finance can be very efficient due to a strong
relationship between drug policies and performance of regulations and supervisions as well
as drug services.
Keywords
achievements of promoting rational use of drug in Iran. Iran
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