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Patterns of prescribing in Irish general practitioners
Irish Medical Journal
|December 1, 1992
Summary
General Practitioners (GPs) prescribing generic drugs can significantly reduce costs. This study found a 21% saving when GPs prescribed generics for at least three common conditions, highlighting potential for greater savings.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Prescribing Patterns
Background:
- General Practitioners (GPs) in Sligo/Leitrim were studied to understand their prescribing habits for common conditions.
- Prescribing patterns were analyzed based on drug range, generic vs. proprietary use, and cost variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prescribing patterns of General Practitioners (GPs) for common clinical situations.
- To assess the impact of generic prescribing on overall costs and identify areas with potential savings.
Main Methods:
- Thirty General Practitioners (GPs) in the Sligo/Leitrim area participated.
- A structured questionnaire with seven common case histories requiring prescriptions was used.
- Data analyzed included drug range, generic/proprietary prescribing, and cost variations per case and per doctor.
Main Results:
- 21% of prescriptions were for generic preparations, most common in Tonsillitis and Osteoarthritis.
- Urinary Tract Infection prescribing was most consistent and cheapest; Non-Ulcer-Dyspepsia showed most variation and highest cost.
- GPs using generics in at least three cases achieved a 21% reduction in prescribing costs.
Conclusions:
- Generic prescribing was highest in areas with moderate savings potential and lowest where savings were greatest.
- Increased generic prescribing by GPs can lead to substantial cost savings in healthcare.
- Further research into barriers and facilitators for generic prescribing in high-savings areas is warranted.