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[How do practitioners evaluate the newly introduced system of substituting prescriptions?]
S L Rubak1, M L Andersen, J Mainz
1Aarhus Universitet, Institut for Almen Medicin. sune.rubak@dadlnet.dk
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|December 7, 2000
Summary
Danish general practitioners (GPs) found the 1997 drug substitution system difficult and burdensome. Most GPs desired the system
Area of Science:
- Health Policy
- Pharmacoeconomics
- General Practice
Context:
- Introduction of a mandatory drug substitution system in Denmark in 1997.
- Pharmacists required to substitute prescribed drugs with cheaper generic (G-substitution) or original (O-substitution) alternatives.
- General practitioners (GPs) could override substitution if necessary.
Purpose:
- To gather GPs' perspectives on the mandatory drug substitution system.
- To identify and evaluate problems encountered by GPs with the system.
- To assess the medical justification of analogue substitution.
Summary:
- A questionnaire-based study surveyed 300 GPs, achieving an 80% response rate.
- 61% of GPs expressed dissatisfaction, advocating for the system's removal due to complexity, inadequate implementation, and increased workload.
- All participating GPs deemed analogue substitution medically unjustifiable and unacceptable.
Impact:
- Highlights significant challenges and dissatisfaction among primary care physicians regarding pharmaceutical cost-containment policies.
- Informs future healthcare policy development concerning prescription practices and drug substitution.
- Underscores the importance of clear communication, adequate training, and manageable workloads in implementing healthcare reforms.