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.
Reference: World Health Organization, Promoting Rational Use of Medicines, Volume 2, Chapter 4, Pages 35-40