Assessment of the need for a training course in rational use of drugs: a cross-sectional pilot study

Rational use of drugs means need-based use of them keeping in mind the pathological status, therapeutic indices, drugs interactions and adverse drug reactions. Lacunae in the existing undergraduate curriculum cause irrational use of drugs. The present study was undertaken among 2,200 fresh medical graduates from all over the country with a list of questionnaire distributed among them and analysing the answers. The aim was to ascertain the adequacy of present undergraduate curriculum on pharmacology in equipping the doctors on rational use of drugs and to assess the need and feasibility of Refresher's course. More than half (55%) replied prescriptions were not truly rational. Ninety-eight per cent opened Refresher's course is beneficial in rational prescribing. This cross-sectional survey could provide a glimpse of existing undergraduate pharmacology curriculum and its impact on rational prescribing practice. The Refresher's course in the early internship period involving the clinical departments and department of pharmacology is suggested.