Title of article
Relationship between consultation length and rational prescribing of drugs in Gorgan city, Islamic Republic of Iran
Author/Authors
Khori, V. golestan university of medical sciences - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Pharmacology, ايران , Changizi, S. golestan university of medical sciences - Faculty of Medicine, Golestan Cardiovascular Research Centre, ايران , Biuckians, E. golestan university of medical sciences - Faculty of Medicine, Golestan Cardiovascular Research Centre, ايران , Keshtkar, A. golestan university of medical sciences - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, ايران , Alizadeh, A.M. tehran university of medical sciences tums - Cancer Research Centre, تهران, ايران , Mohaghgheghi, A.M. tehran university of medical sciences tums - Cancer Research Centre, تهران, ايران , Rabie, M.R shahrood university of technology - Faculty of Mathematics, شاهرود, ايران
From page
480
To page
486
Abstract
Doctors with longer consultation times tend to diagnose illnesses more precisely, prescribe fewer drugs and present better health advice to their patients. The aim of this study was to measure the average consultation time of general practitioners in Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran and to investigate the factors affecting consultation length, especially in relation to rational prescribing of drugs. Data were collected on 620 patient consultations with 62 randomly selected general practitioners. Mean consultation length was 6.9 (SD 2.6) minutes. Patient factors that were significantly associated with a longer mean duration of consultation time were: higher number of health problems, older age and fewer items of previously used drugs. Physician factors that were significantly associated with a longer mean consultation time were: younger age, higher numbers of items prescribed and injectable drugs prescribed, frequency of interruptions and higher workload.
Journal title
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
Journal title
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
Record number
2642797
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