2. Assess the appropriateness of NSAID prescriptions based on patient diagnoses.
3. Identify common indications for NSAID use and assess their alignment with evidence-based guidelines.
4. Determine the frequency of unnecessary NSAID prescriptions and associated risk factors.
5. Provide recommendations to optimize NSAID use and reduce adverse events at STIPC.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed analgesics, but their ingestion can be associated with adverse effects like gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment and cardiovascular events. According to National ambulatory medical care survey in 2019, analgesics was the highest prescribed therapeutic drug category in the United States*. This study aims to evaluate the appropriateness of NSAID prescription orders based on diagnosis at the South Texas ICE Processing Center (STIPC), an ICE detention center in Pearsall, Texas. A retrospective chart review is being conducted for male patients taking oral NSAIDs during the 2023 to 2025 fiscal year (October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2025). Data was extracted from the Correctional Institutional Pharmacy System (CIPS) software system. CIPS is the pharmacy system used in processing and dispensing medication orders to nurses and/or patients. CIPS will generate the patient list and medication orders. A cloud based electronic record platform, eClinical Works (eCW) was used to obtain diagnoses. eCW is used by prescribers to document patient encounters, enter medication and laboratory orders and record results. Data from CIPS will be verified against eCW data, meaning diagnosis for each medication order will be reviewed for appropriateness or not. The indication for NSAID prescription was analyzed to determine if it was necessary or unnecessary. Necessary indication is defined as NSAIDs prescribed for musculoskeletal pain such as back/leg/hand pain while unnecessary indication includes other diagnoses such as sore throat or headache. Non-parametric statistical analyses will be conducted on the reviewed patient data. The percentage of patients prescribed NSAIDs for indications not relating to musculoskeletal pain will be presented. The findings of this study will provide recommendations to prescribers on best clinical practices to reduce unnecessary NSAID prescription orders at STIPC, which can be applied to other healthcare facilities. This will help mitigate the risk of adverse events associated with NSAID therapy.