Evaluation of skill-based training program on rational drug treatment for medical interns

CONTEXT: A module-based training program for medical interns using World Health Organization guide for good prescription along with the individual feedback on their prescription was developed and implemented. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to obtain the medical interns’ reactions to newly developed skill-based training program on rational treatment. STUDY SETTING: This study was conducted at the Department of Community Medicine. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 96 medical interns were included in the study. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study consisting of retro-prefeedback and open-ended questions about self-assessment of perceived skill on rational treatment. ANALYSIS: Collected data were entered in Epi Info (3.5.4) and analyzed. RESULTS: After training, there was a significant increase in self-perceived posttest scores of setting up the therapeutic objective for the treatment (2.9–4.9), ability to select the correct drug (2.8–5.1), ability to select right dose, schedule, and duration of drugs (2.5–4.9). and overall prescription skill (2.9–4.9). There is a significant decrease in self-perceived scores in the skill of practicing polypharmacy (4.1–2.5). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the training program was taken well and interns perceived their skill on rational treatment was improved as shown by the feedback.