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Effects of a behaviour independent financial incentive on prescribing behaviour of general practitioners
Jody D Martens1, Mirjam J Werkhoven, Johan L Severens
1Integrated Care Unit, and Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. jd.martens@caphri.unimaas.nl
Rationale And Objectives:
It is difficult to keep control over prescribing behaviour in general practice. The purpose of this study was to assess the initial effects of a behaviour independent financial incentive on the volume of drug prescribing of general practitioners (GPs).
Design:
2-Year Controlled Before After study with an intervention region and a concurrent control region.
Setting And Participants:
GPs in two regions in the Netherlands (n = 119 and n = 118).
Intervention:
A financial incentive for prescribing according to local guidelines on specific drugs or drug categories. The financial incentive consisted of a non-recurrent, behaviour-independent allowance.
Main Outcome Measure:
Change in the number of prescriptions for 10 targeted drugs or drug groups.
Results:
Significant changes were seen only in three types of antibiotics and in recommended gastric medicines. In almost all cases, effects were temporary.
Conclusion:
Behaviour independent financial incentives can be a help in changing prescription behaviour of GPs, but effects are small-scale and temporary.
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