OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces in outpatient and emergency departments in Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine （hereinafter referred to as "our hospital "）

and to analyze the problems in irrational prescriptions

so as to promote rational medication of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces. METHODS: Totally 2 650 prescriptions were randomly extracted from outpatient and emergency prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces in our hospital in 2019

of which the irrational prescriptions were classified into nonstandard prescriptions

inappropriate prescriptions and abnormal prescriptions （too much categories of traditional Chinese medicine and too large amount of prescription cost） according to related statutory instruments. RESULTS: Among the 2 650 prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces

166 were nonstandard prescriptions （6. 26%）

mainly including incomplete writing of clinical diagnosis on prescription

overdose application of toxic drugs without signature and unmarked adjustment

special decoction requirements

etc; 51 were appropriate prescriptions （1. 92%）

mainly including inappropriate usage and incompatibility without signature; the number of Chinese medicine flavors in a single prescription was 1 to 34

with an average of 13. 73

there were 6 prescriptions were >30 flavors （0. 23%）; the average amount of a single prescription was 39. 52 yuan

of which 9 prescriptions were > 200 yuan （0. 34%）. CONCLUSIONS: Prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces in our hospital is in good condition

while there are still some problems

including incomplete writing of clinical diagnosis and overdose of toxic traditional Chinese medicine.It is necessary to strengthen the training on traditional Chinese medicine knowledge

improve the professional level of pharmacists

and improve relevant system of traditional Chinese medicine prescription review to promote rational application of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces.