A retrospective study on the prescription pattern of commonly prescribed drugs in the Department of Surgical Oncology in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background

Surgical oncology plays a key role in cancer therapy, combining surgical techniques with oncological care. Rational drug prescribing is essential for optimal patient outcomes, particularly in complex cancer care settings.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess prescribing patterns and adherence to WHO prescribing indicators among surgical oncology patients within a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was executed over a ten-month period (June 2023–March 2024) in the Department of Surgical Oncology at Sri Venkateshwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati. A total of 158 biopsy-confirmed cancer patients aged above 18 years were enrolled. Prescription data were systematically evaluated to determine drug classes utilized, prescribing frequency, and adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators.

Results

Patients aged 40–60 years represented the largest proportion of the cohort (39.90%), and females accounted for the majority of cases (69.60%). Adenocarcinoma was identified as the most prevalent cancer subtype (20.90%). Among antibiotics, cephalosporins were predominantly prescribed (92.92%), with cefuroxime being the most frequently utilized agent (31%). Analgesics were administered in 89.87% of cases, although opioid prescriptions remained relatively low (5.70%). WHO prescribing indicator analysis revealed: average drugs per encounter (3.15), generic prescribing rate (75.35%), essential drug list adherence (73.74%), and antibiotic encounter rate (62.65%). Deviations from WHO standards, particularly in antibiotic overuse and EDL adherence, were noted.

Conclusion

The study identifies key prescribing trends and deviations from recommended practices. The findings emphasize the need for standardized, evidence-based prescribing protocols to reduce irrational drug use, enhance patient safety, and improve treatment efficacy in surgical oncology.

Keywords

Surgical oncology prescribing patterns antibiotics analgesics WHO indicators cancer treatment rational drug use

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