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Evidence into practice. Prescribing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
N Freemantle1, J M Mason, I Watt
1University of York.
Summary
Antidepressant prescribing trends in UK primary care were analyzed using NHS data from 1989-1994. The study found that information on drug effectiveness did not significantly alter prescribing habits, suggesting limited impact of health technology assessments on practice.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Health Services Research
- General Practice
Background:
- Antidepressant prescribing has increased significantly.
- Understanding factors influencing prescribing is crucial for optimizing patient care and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze antidepressant prescribing trends in English primary care.
- To evaluate the impact of health technology assessments (HTAs) on prescribing patterns.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive analysis of National Health Service (NHS) reimbursement data.
- Examination of antidepressant prescribing data from 1989 to 1994.
Main Results:
- Prescribing trends for antidepressants showed little change during the study period.
- The release of information regarding the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of antidepressants did not appear to influence prescribing trends.
Conclusions:
- Simple dissemination of HTA results may not be sufficient to change clinical practice.
- Further strategies are needed to translate evidence into primary care prescribing of antidepressants.