Effect of Clinical Pharmacist-Led Prescription-Writing Training on Prescribing Competency and medication safety among medical interns: A pilot quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a clinical pharmacist-led prescription-writing training program on prescribing competency, medication safety, and self-reported preparedness among medical interns. Methods: A pilot quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted among undergraduate medical interns at a comprehensive specialized hospital from July 2025 to January 2026. Participants completed a baseline prescription-writing assessment using a standardized clinical case, followed by a structured 2-hour, case-based clinical pharmacist-led training based on WHO prescribing guidelines. A post-intervention assessment used the same clinical case to minimize case-related variability. Prescriptions were evaluated using a standardized WHO-based checklist. Paired t-tests compared mean scores before and after training, while changes in drug therapy problems were assessed. Results: Of 43 enrolled interns, 42 completed the post-intervention assessment. Mean prescription-writing scores improved significantly from 7.0 ± 2.4 at baseline to 13.4 ± 1.3 post-intervention, with a mean difference of 6.4 (95% CI: 5.6‑7.2; p < 0.001). Drug therapy problems decreased from 72.4% to 19.1% (p=0.02). Most participants reported improved confidence (96%), preparedness (96%), and satisfaction (99%) with the training. Conclusion: Clinical pharmacist-led prescription-writing training improved prescribing competency, reduced drug therapy problems, and enhanced self-reported preparedness among medical interns. Integrating such training into undergraduate medical education may strengthen prescribing practices and medication safety. However, the absence of a control group limits causal inference; findings should therefore be considered preliminary evidence of immediate educational benefit. Controlled studies with longer follow-up are warranted.