Prescription Writing Ability of Young Doctors and Medical Interns in Kurdistan Province Iran

Background & Objective: Evaluation of prescriptions of doctors and particularly medical interns is an essential method for obtaining information about prescribing patterns and drug consumption The present study aimed to assess the ability of prescription writing of medical interns and young doctors for common illnesses  Methods: In this crosssectional study the ability of prescription writing of medical interns and recently graduated doctors was evaluated via objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) on ten common diseases in Sanandaj Medical School Iran in ۲۰۱۰  Results: The average number of medicine for each prescription was ۲۱ and the average score of participants in all stations was ۶۲% From the correct prescriptions ۸۱۵% had appropriate medicine and ۳۴۴% accurate dosage and ۲۱۳% with precise course of treatment ۲۴۱% had administered wrong drugs for patients Half of the cases determined the correct treatment period In terms of related factors the score of girls was better than boys (P = ۰۰۳) However there was no relationship between their ability and age marital status average mark of interns or their medical exam score in preinternship examination (r = ۰۱ )  Conclusion: Prescription writing ability of participants was relatively acceptable but important issues such as drug dosage frequency of consumption and course of treatment which are essential in disease treatment should be improved Therefore it is necessary to review medical education programs and curriculums