Over-the-counter drugs and prescribing in general practice

Authors: Baines, D.L.

Journal: British Journal of General Practice

Volume: 47

Issue: 417

Pages: 221-224

ISSN: 0960-1643

Abstract:

Background. Both the government and the pharmaceutical industry are interested in increasing the use of over-the counter (OTC) medicines. The reaction on the part of general practitioners is more circumspect. Aim. To investigate whether fundholding or dispensing status and patient exemption from, or prepayment of prescription charges influence the behaviour of general practitioners with respect to prescribing preparations otherwise available OTC. Method. Regression analysis of data for all 105 Lincolnshire practices for the fiscal year 1993-94, using the number of items prescribed by the practice that were also available OTC as the outcome variable. Comparison of Audit Commission Thematic Analysis of Prescribing (ACTAP) data for fundholders' and non-fundholders' OTC prescribing in the same year. Results. The prescription of medicines otherwise available OTC is less likely when the practice is fundholding and more likely when the practice has dispensing status. Prescription of such medicines also increases as the proportion of patients exempt from, or having prepaid prescription charges increases.

Source: Scopus

Over-the-counter drugs and prescribing in general practice.

Authors: Baines, D.L. and Whynes, D.K.

Journal: Br J Gen Pract

Volume: 47

Issue: 417

Pages: 221-224

ISSN: 0960-1643

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Both the government and the pharmaceutical industry are interested in increasing the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. The reaction on the part of general practitioners is more circumspect. AIM: To investigate whether fundholding or dispensing status and patient exemption from, or prepayment of prescription charges influence the behaviour of general practitioners with respect to prescribing preparations otherwise available OTC. METHOD: Regression analysis of data for all 105 Lincolnshire practices for the fiscal year 1993-94, using the number of items prescribed by the practice that were also available OTC as the outcome variable. Comparison of Audit Commission Thematic Analysis of Prescribing (ACTAP) data for fundholders' and non-fundholders' OTC prescribing in the same year. RESULTS: The prescription of medicines otherwise available OTC is less likely when the practice is fundholding and more likely when the practice has dispensing status. Prescription of such medicines also increases as the proportion of patients exempt from, or having prepaid prescription charges increases.

Source: PubMed

Over-the-counter drugs and prescribing in general practice

Authors: Baines, D.L. and Whynes, D.K.

Journal: BRITISH JOURNAL OF GENERAL PRACTICE

Volume: 47

Issue: 417

Pages: 221-224

ISSN: 0960-1643

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Over-the-counter drugs and prescribing in general practice.

Authors: Baines, D.L. and Whynes, D.K.

Journal: The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners

Volume: 47

Issue: 417

Pages: 221-224

eISSN: 1478-5242

ISSN: 0960-1643

Abstract:

Background

Both the government and the pharmaceutical industry are interested in increasing the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. The reaction on the part of general practitioners is more circumspect.

Aim

To investigate whether fundholding or dispensing status and patient exemption from, or prepayment of prescription charges influence the behaviour of general practitioners with respect to prescribing preparations otherwise available OTC.

Method

Regression analysis of data for all 105 Lincolnshire practices for the fiscal year 1993-94, using the number of items prescribed by the practice that were also available OTC as the outcome variable. Comparison of Audit Commission Thematic Analysis of Prescribing (ACTAP) data for fundholders' and non-fundholders' OTC prescribing in the same year.

Results

The prescription of medicines otherwise available OTC is less likely when the practice is fundholding and more likely when the practice has dispensing status. Prescription of such medicines also increases as the proportion of patients exempt from, or having prepaid prescription charges increases.

Source: Europe PubMed Central