Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON EVALUATION OF RATIONAL USE OF ANTIBIOTICS, OUTCOME AND IMPACT OF PATIENT EDUCATION ON MEDICATION ADHERENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PNEUMONIA PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A PILOT STUDY.

*Chandini Nair, Alfiya Sudheer F., Reeba Roy, Sandra S. S., Dr. Nithin Manohar R., Dr. K. Madhu, Mrs. Pavithra J., Dr. Prasobh G. R.

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is commonly treated with antibiotics. Irrational antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance, prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, and poor clinical outcomes. Clinical pharmacist–led patient education may improve medication adherence, knowledge, and quality of life among hospitalized pneumonia patients.METHODOLOGY: A prospective observational study was conducted among hospitalized pneumonia patients admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care of a tertiary care hospital. Eligible patients were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Demographic details, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, radiological investigations, prescribed antibiotics, and treatment outcomes were collected using a structured data collection form. The rationality of antibiotic prescriptions was assessed according to standard treatment guidelines. Medication adherence was evaluated using theAdherence to Refills and Medication Scale (ARMS), while Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) and Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) were assessed before and after pharmacist-led patient education. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate software, with a p-value of

Keywords: Pneumonia, Rational Antibiotic Use, Medication Adherence, Patient Education, Quality of Life, KAP.