GP fundholding and prescribing in UK general practice: Evidence from two rural, English Family Health Services Authorities

Authors: Baines, D.L., Brigham, P., Phillips, D.R., Tolley, K.H. and Whynes, D.K.

Journal: Public Health

Volume: 111

Issue: 5

Pages: 321-325

ISSN: 0033-3506

DOI: 10.1016/S0033-3506(97)00062-0

Abstract:

Background: Two separate prescribing budget regimes (part of GP fundholding and the indicative prescribing scheme) were introduced into UK general practice in April 1991 in an attempt to contain the growth in NHS expenditure on prescribed drugs. Objectives: The aims of this study are (i) to examine whether the fundholding scheme has been more effective at containing prescribing cost growth than the indicative prescribing scheme and (ii) to ascertain whether its implementation, at a practice level, has been affected by local circumstances and conditions. Methods: Prescribing cost data were collected from two rural, English Family Health Services Authorities for the financial years 1990/1991 to 1993/1994. Exploratory analysis was performed using regression analysis and non-parametric statistical techniques. Results and conclusions: Initially, the fundholding scheme has been the more effective at containing expenditure on prescribed drugs. However, the implementation of the schemes in rural areas has probably been affected by the existence of practices with permission to dispense drugs to their own patients, due to a lack of pharmacies in such areas.

Source: Scopus

GP fundholding and prescribing in UK general practice: evidence from two rural, English Family Health Services Authorities.

Authors: Baines, D.L., Brigham, P., Phillips, D.R., Tolley, K.H. and Whynes, D.K.

Journal: Public Health

Volume: 111

Issue: 5

Pages: 321-325

ISSN: 0033-3506

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Two separate prescribing budget regimes (part of GP fundholding and the indicative prescribing scheme) were introduced into UK general practice in April 1991 in an attempt to contain the growth in NHS expenditure on prescribed drugs. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study are (i) to examine whether the fundholding scheme has been more effective at containing prescribing cost growth than the indicative prescribing scheme and (ii) to ascertain whether its implementation, at a practice level, has been affected by local circumstances and conditions. METHODS: Prescribing cost data were collected from two rural, English Family Health Services Authorities for the financial years 1990/1991 to 1993/1994. Exploratory analysis was performed using regression analysis and nonparametric statistical techniques. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Initially, the fundholding scheme has been the more effective at containing expenditure on prescribed drugs. However, the implementation of the schemes in rural areas has probably been affected by the existence of practices with permission to dispense drugs to their own patients, due to a lack of pharmacies in such areas.

Source: PubMed

GP fundholding and prescribing in UK general practice: evidence from two rural, English Family Health Services Authorities

Authors: Baines, D.L., Brigham, P., Phillips, D.R., Tolley, K.H. and Whynes, D.K.

Journal: PUBLIC HEALTH

Volume: 111

Issue: 5

Pages: 321-325

ISSN: 0033-3506

DOI: 10.1038/sj.ph.1900377

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

GP fundholding and prescribing in UK general practice: evidence from two rural, English Family Health Services Authorities.

Authors: Baines, D.L., Brigham, P., Phillips, D.R., Tolley, K.H. and Whynes, D.K.

Journal: Public health

Volume: 111

Issue: 5

Pages: 321-325

eISSN: 1476-5616

ISSN: 0033-3506

DOI: 10.1038/sj.ph.1900377

Abstract:

Background

Two separate prescribing budget regimes (part of GP fundholding and the indicative prescribing scheme) were introduced into UK general practice in April 1991 in an attempt to contain the growth in NHS expenditure on prescribed drugs.

Objectives

The aims of this study are (i) to examine whether the fundholding scheme has been more effective at containing prescribing cost growth than the indicative prescribing scheme and (ii) to ascertain whether its implementation, at a practice level, has been affected by local circumstances and conditions.

Methods

Prescribing cost data were collected from two rural, English Family Health Services Authorities for the financial years 1990/1991 to 1993/1994. Exploratory analysis was performed using regression analysis and nonparametric statistical techniques.

Results and conclusions

Initially, the fundholding scheme has been the more effective at containing expenditure on prescribed drugs. However, the implementation of the schemes in rural areas has probably been affected by the existence of practices with permission to dispense drugs to their own patients, due to a lack of pharmacies in such areas.

Source: Europe PubMed Central