Introduction: Self-medication is an important aspect of self-care. It is a common practice in society and medical students are no exception. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and practice of self-medication among students of a medical school in Western Nepal. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among basic science and clinical students after obtaining prior consent from those willing to participate. Respondents’ degree of agreement with a set of 25 statements was noted using Likert scale to assess their knowledge. The practice of self-medication was studied by asking about the use of selected groups of medicines during the past one-year period and noting the pattern of use. Results: Three hundred and thirty of the 356 students (92.6%) participated in the study. Mean knowledge score was 93.2 (SD = 8.1). Self-medication was practiced by 83.3% (n = 275) of respondents. Knowledge about self-medication differed among respondents according to gender (p = 0.03) and nationality (p = 0.04) but not other variables. Practice of self-medication was associated with father’s profession (p = 0.03) and nationality of the respondents (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Students’ knowledge about self-medication was good and they commonly practiced self-medication. Pain-killers were the most commonly used drug.

Introduction: Spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reaction (ADR) is the main stay of pharmacovigilance. However the major limitation of this method is underreporting as it depends entirely on the participation of the health care professional. This study aimed to identify factors that discourage ADR reporting and possible ways to improve ADR reporting. Methods: This is a questionnaire based cross-sectional descriptive study employed at a tertiary level teaching hospital from December 2020 to March 2021 after approval from institutional review committee. All the doctors and nurses were included in the study and the data were collected using structured questionnaire. Results: Total numbers of participants were 283. Among them, 260(91.9 %) had encountered a patient/s with ADR and 119(45.6%) had documented ADR. However, there was no reporting to the pharmacovigilance centre/ unit of the hospital.Out of 283 participants, 123 (43.5%) agreed that the major discouraging factor to report ADR was unavailability of reporting form. Similarly decision to report ADR depended on new reaction to an existing product 217(76.7%) followed by seriousness of the reaction 213 (75.2%). The 245(86.7%) participants have recommended to conduct awareness among healthcare professional and 208(73.3%) to train healthcare professional to improve ADR reporting. Conclusion: Even though the large numbers of participants have encountered patient/s with ADR but documentation of ADR is less. Further, none have reported due to limited knowledge regarding“what, how and where to report ADR”? In addition to these, unavailability of ADR reporting form was the major discouraging factor to report ADR.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the prescribing pattern of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients visiting the outpatient general medical clinic in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital.Design/methodology/approachA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 419 patients aged ≥18 years, visiting the outpatient general medicine clinic of a tertiary hospital and prescribed with at least one PPI, from July to September 2016 using a purposive sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were performed using IBM-SPSS 20.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA).FindingsPatients were mostly less than 30 years (30.78%) and female (58.95%). Pantoprazole was the most frequently prescribed PPIs (57.04%). The majority of PPIs were prescribed for acid peptic disorder (APD) (33.65%), followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prophylaxis (30.79%). Most of the PPIs were prescribed for twice-daily administration (68.26%). Nearly one-fourth (21.72%) of the patients presented with at least one additional medical condition, and almost all (99%) patients were receiving at least one additional drug along with PPIs.Originality/valueThe study suggests that PPIs are frequently prescribed and their use has been extended to other conditions that in fact do not require acid anti-secretory therapy. Result has highlighted the need for an interdisciplinary collaboration between pharmacists and medical professionals for the rational use of PPIs and promotion of PPIs prescription from the National List of Essential Medicines.

incorporating the Pecha Kucha TM style of presentation utilizing 'short sharp bursts' of up to date paediatric teaching involving an evening of 6-7-minute presentations, occasionally with one longer presentation (10-20 minutes) on a wide range of topics. The sessions run for 90 minutes after afternoon handover to ensure optimal attendance. Results Since the start of the programme 6 sessions have taken place and were well attended. Following each session, we obtained feedback via SurveyMonkey to allow us to refine and improve the evenings. Initially feedback showed that 79% rated it 'highly enjoyable' and 71% stated it was 'highly educational' but didn't like the longer presentation. As we continued to respond to feedback the ratings improved with 92% rating it 'excellent' but suggested that 8% still found the 'pace too fast'. General comments suggested further MDT involvement and with increased incorporation of this feedback has remained excellent. Conclusions The evenings have been well received amongst attendees. Comments so far shows the Pecha Kucha TM style of presentation fosters a sociable atmosphere and positive learning environment. Constant feedback loops have allowed continual improvement with emphasis on ways to encourage not only MDT attendance but also MDT participation and presentation. Members of MDT and paediatric trainees all enjoyed the teaching and particularly commented on its 'informal and enjoyable atmosphere'. There is a wide scope for improving the format and content with a long list of healthcare professionals keen to take up the challenge of delivering a PED Talk.