Objective To investigate the effects of new regulations on outpatient drug costs and drug prescription in a university hospital in Guangdong Province during COVID-19. Methods Patients visited the outpatient department of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies was selected as the subjects. Outpatient drug costs from January to May in 2018

2019 and 2020 were compared with those from June to December in 2018

2019 and 2020. Outpatient prescriptions from January to May in 2018

2019

and 2020 were compared. The satisfaction with outpatient medication management from January to December in 2020 was investigated using our self-made outpatient medication satisfaction survey scale. A total of 10 patients were also interviewed to understand their medication use after the new regulation. Results Compared to the outpatient drug costs from January to May in 2018 and 2019

the costs decreased by 1 663 100 and 1 800 100 RMB during the same period in 2020

respectively. When analyzed by personnel category

faculty and staff outpatient drug costs decreased the most in absolute terms

by 686 000 and 960 400 RMB

respectively. Compared to the outpatient drug costs from June to December in 2018 and 2019

there was a decrease of 245 200 and 88 000 RMB during the same period in 2020

respectively. Compared to the outpatient prescriptions from January to May in 2018 and 2019

there were 17 016 and 20 319 fewer prescriptions during the same period in 2020

respectively. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed and 493 valid questionnaires were collected

with a valid questionnaire recovery rate of 98.6%. Among the respondents

320 of them were very satisfied

165 were satisfied

with a satisfaction rate of 97%. All 10 patients indicated that the actual amount and costs of medication used did not change markedly after the new regulation. Conclusion The new regulations on outpatient drug prescription management can facilitate the purchase of medication for treatment

reassure patients

and improve their compliances with treatment.