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Generic prescribing--a change of habit
The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
|February 1, 1985
Summary
General practice trainees and trainers altered prescribing habits after a focused effort to broaden their prescription range. This study demonstrates a significant shift in prescribing behavior through conscious intervention.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- General Practice
- Pharmacology
Background:
- General practice training involves developing broad prescribing skills.
- Understanding prescribing habits is crucial for effective patient care.
- Interventions can potentially modify physician prescribing behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in prescribing habits among general practice trainees and trainers.
- To evaluate the impact of a conscious effort to increase general prescribing.
- To demonstrate the plasticity of prescribing behavior in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- A trainee and a trainer in general practice recorded their prescriptions for one week.
- The exercise was repeated after a deliberate attempt to expand the range of prescribed medications.
- Prescribing data was collected and compared before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- A notable change in prescribing habits was observed.
- The intervention led to an increased extent of general prescribing.
- Both the trainee and trainer exhibited modifications in their prescribing patterns.
Conclusions:
- Conscious efforts can lead to significant alterations in prescribing habits.
- General practice physicians are capable of modifying their prescribing behavior.
- Further research can explore methods to optimize prescribing education and practice.