*Email id: drneetusharma@yahoo.in
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centred learning method where students learn by actively solving problems rather than by passively absorbing information.
A total of 152 MBBS 2nd Professional students of GMC Patiala were given a project as a part of PBL. Students were asked to obtain a prescription from any source [dispensary/government hospitals/ESI (Employees’ State Insurance) hospitals etc] and analyse it for missing parts, drugs prescribed by proprietary or generic name and justification for use of drugs in given disease.
Responses of students were analysed with the help of a nine-question questionnaire and it was found that out of 152, some part of prescription was missing in 64.4% prescriptions, instructions to patients were missing in 61.1% prescriptions and drug dosage was missing in 18.4% prescriptions. In 84.8% prescriptions, drugs were prescribed by proprietary name and in 89.4% prescriptions drugs were justified for the condition in which they were prescribed.
PBL was found to be an effective tool for student learning. This study exposed students to various types of prescription errors that are prevalent in various health setups.
Problem-based learning, Prescription errors, Active participation, Medication errors, Medical education
