CPT has been progressively integrated into the undergraduate curriculum in India as a way of improving the prescribing knowledge and skills of junior doctors. The method has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a core intervention to promote rational drug use. However, the actual practice and impact of this integration on effective and rational prescribing practice among junior doctors in India remains to be evaluated.
Internship is a period of medical apprenticeship under the guidance of experienced doctors. It also marks the …show more content…
Findings of present study emphasize the importance of teaching interns about practical tips in prescribing such as dosage calculation, trade names of drugs and accessing drug related information. Strengthening undergraduate training in rational prescribing practice and incorporating ‘WHO 6 steps of rational prescribing’ in their UG curriculum are the other key points from this study. A clinical pharmacology course aimed at practical prescribing skills could be devised for students at the time of their entry into internship. It is also important that regular assessment of these skills of junior doctors is carried out. Findings of these studies can then be used to devise refresher courses targeted to specific prescribing problems. This will enable interns to be better equipped for internship and their clinical careers