Clinical Case Studies: Novel Tools For Training Medical Students In Rational Prescribing Skills.
1175-1179
Correspondence
Dr Sharma R,MD,DMCH.Ex.Senior Demonstrator Post-graduateDept of Pharmacology and Therapeutics,Govt Medical College,Jammu-J&K(India).Add:216-A GandhiNagar,Jammu (Tawi)-180004.E-mail: rashmichams@yahoo.com
Inclusion of clinical case studies in pharmacology curriculum of Medical students is a novel way to inculcate rational prescribing skills in ‘the future prescribing physicians’. The present prospective randomized cross-sectional study was conducted in the Postgraduate Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics of a medical college as practical training of 98 fifth semester medical students to study prescribing practices in the teaching hospital and to make them aware of existing irrational practices. At the end of study 100% of students advocated conducting such exercises more frequently and 69.38% students said that rational prescribing is being practiced in our institution; however, 81.63% of students still advocated to improve rational prescribing in institute. 100% students suggested to give exposures of clinical case studies to undergraduate students, 61.22% proposed to conduct periodic seminars and CME (continue medical education) programs on rational prescribing, 40.81% suggested to conduct classes regarding rational prescribing of postgraduate students from different departments of the institute and 93.81% recommended to encourage frequent interactions between pharmacologists and practitioners to improve rational prescribing program. The present study could serve as a model for training students in various aspects of pharmacology with an aim to produce rational prescribers instead of confused practitioners.