Which framework is associated with the Essential Medicines List to standardize drug prescribing practices?

A Formulary Committee Recommendations

B Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs)

C Pharmacovigilance Protocols

D Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Solution

Correct Answer: Option B

- The Essential Medicines List (EML) is designed to promote the availability of safe, effective, and affordable medicines that meet the priority health care needs of the population.
- To ensure that these medicines are used appropriately and rationally, a framework is required to guide healthcare professionals in the standardization of drug prescribing practices.

- Among the options provided, the correct framework associated with the EML is the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs).

- Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) provide evidence-based recommendations on the appropriate selection, dosage, and duration of treatment for common diseases.
- They are closely aligned with the medicines listed in the EML, ensuring that prescribers use only those drugs that have been deemed essential based on efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
- The STGs support rational drug use by minimizing discrepancies in treatment, reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance, and promoting optimal patient outcomes.
- Other options like Formulary Committee Recommendations mainly focus on selecting medicines for hospital formularies but do not systematically guide prescribing practices across healthcare settings.
- Pharmacovigilance Protocols relate to the monitoring of adverse drug reactions rather than prescribing.
- Therapeutic Drug Monitoring is a clinical tool to optimize dosing for specific drugs but does not provide a comprehensive framework for standard treatment.

Thus, Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) serve as the cornerstone to standardize prescribing practices in conjunction with the Essential Medicines List.

ReferenceWorld Health Organization, Promoting Rational Use of Medicines, Volume 2, Chapter 4, Pages 35-40

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