Objective:
Results of the first program on rational use of antibiotics in Gipuzkoa,
until the year 2004, are analyzed. This program was set up in 1999
and almost half of the pharmacies in the province have participated
in it in a voluntary way.
Method: Data were gathered within the pharmacies during one week
every three months, and by writing up all the antibiotics, both
demanded and dispensed without corresponding prescription, and also
some information related to the activity of the pharmacists in the
dispensing process. All data were sent to the Gipuzkoa Professional
Association.
Results: antibiotics’ demand without prescription diminished to
reach a 3.6% out of the overall antibiotics demand. On the other
hand, antibiotics dispensing without the prescription fell until
the 1.6% out of the overall antibiotics dispensed. These figures
mean that a few antibiotics keep being dispensed without the corresponding
prescription.
Conclusions: This program achieved a reduction on both the demand
and the dispensing of antibiotics without the corresponding prescription.
It’s important to keep working on these kind of programs to reinforce
the professional role of pharmacists by a more active participation
of related organizations, the use of protocols and guidelines, and
the possible use of negative incentives.
