A GP prescribing educational intervention involving a medication panel

To trial an educational intervention for general practitioners promoting Quality Use of Medicines.

Twenty-three general practitioners (GPs) from the Brisbane Inner South Division participated in 12 prescribing upskilling sessions over 13 months. The educational intervention utilised an interactive small group, case based approach with panel input from a GP, pharmacist, clinical specialist, consumer with a related diagnosis, and clinical pharmacologist, focusing on areas of nominated interest. Participants also had access to a therapeutic drug management phone service.

Twenty-one (91%) participants completed nine or more sessions and a total of 319 of a possible 324 (98.5%) format evaluations were completed on educational sessions three to eleven. Pre and post session multiple choice questions (MCQs) were used to evaluate change in prescribing knowledge for eight of the sessions. All sessions showed a statistically significant improvement post intervention in both individual participant and overall group knowledge scores (p < 0.001). Participant feedback highlighted that: 100% agreed or strongly agreed that the educational content, panel discussion and summaries were relevant to their practice; 80% agreed or strongly agreed that the sessions were helpful in the management of their patients; 85% agreed or strongly agreed that they had gained new knowledge/skills they would apply in their practice. The therapeutic drug management phone service was utilised at least once by 72% of participants.

The use of an interactive, case based prescribing intervention with medication team input, positively influences GP prescribing knowledge and management intent.