A study of factors associated with cost and variation in prescribing among GPs

Improved partnerships between patient, doctor and pharmacist must be established and better prescribing decision monitoring and support through policy development and educational intervention is needed to reduce prescribing uncertainty.

Abstract

Prescribing makes a considerable impact on health and budgets and yet remains a contentious issue. Improved partnerships between patient, doctor and pharmacist must be established. Better prescribing decision monitoring and support through policy development and educational intervention is needed to reduce prescribing uncertainty. Newly established Primary Care Groups may need to reflect upon the difficulties facing prescribers, particularly when prescribing within cash-limited budgets, to avoid discord between prescribing behaviour and local policy development.