Determinants of prescribing of psychoactive drugs by general practitioners

Precise data on levels of prescribing of psychoactive and other drugs by general practitioners have recently become available in Australia (Rowe, 1973a, b; Bridges-Webb, 1972). However, there has been little or no research into possible determinants of prescribing behaviour, for example, age, social background, work load, the nature of the practice, education and colleague networks. Nor have the attitudes, expectations, values or information levels of general practitioners been studied. The overseas literature in this field is confusing and scanty. There would seem to be good reason to investigate these aspects in Australian practices. A pilot study carried out in Canberra in 1972 suggests that a short structured questionnaire administered in a face-to-face interview could provide the necessary data.