Evaluation of rationality in prescribing, adherence to treatment guidelines, and direct cost of treatment in intensive cardiac care unit: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the most common cause of sudden death. Hence, appropriate drug therapy in intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) is crucial in managing cardiovascular emergencies and to decrease morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prescribing pattern of drugs and direct cost of therapy in patients admitted in ICCU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients admitted in ICCU of a tertiary care teaching hospital were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical history, and complete drug therapy received during their stay in ICCU were noted. Data were analyzed for drug utilization pattern and direct cost of treatment calculated using patient's hospital and pharmacy bills. Rationality of therapy was evaluated based on American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines. RESULT: Data of 170 patients were collected over 2 months. Mean age of patients was 54.67 ± 13.42 years. Male to female ratio was 2.33:1. Most common comorbid condition was hypertension 76 (44.7%). Most common diagnosis was acute coronary syndrome (ACS) 49.4%. Mean stay in ICCU was 4.42 ± 1.9 days. Mean number of drugs prescribed per patient was 11.43 ± 2.85. Antiplatelet drugs were the most frequently prescribed drug group (86.5%). Mean cost of pharmacotherapy per patient was ‘2701.24 ± 3111.94. Mean direct cost of treatment per patient was ‘10564.74 ± 14968.70. Parenteral drugs constituted 42% of total drugs and 90% of total cost of pharmacotherapy. Cost of pharmacotherapy was positively correlated with number of drugs (P = 0.000) and duration of stay (P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Antiplatelet drugs were the most frequently prescribed drug group. Mean number of drugs per encounter were high, which contributed to the higher cost of pharmacotherapy. ACC/AHA guidelines were followed in majority of the cases.