Abstract
The aim of the study was to see whether the use of a computer to issue prescriptions in conjunction with a computerised, customized drug formulary affects prescribing costs. Data on prescribing costs were obtained from the Scottish Prescription Pricing Bureau for 1978-87. A microcomputer system was introduced into the practice in 1983 and used initially to issue repeat prescriptions, but from 1985 onwards a new system was added to issue all prescriptions; a personal computerised drug formulary was developed in 1983. Personal prescribing costs before and after computerisation were compared with those of the other partners and those of the Lothian Health Board and Scotland combined. The prescribing costs of the partners and Lothian Health Board and Scotland combined increased almost linearly in line with inflation from 1978 to 1987. Personal prescribing costs increased steadily until 1983, when repeat prescriptions were issued by computer, and remained static for a year. Thereafter they increased steadily until 1985, when all prescriptions were issued by computer, and then showed a steady and sustained fall. Personal prescribing costs were 21.5% lower than those of the partners in 1986 and 29.5% lower in 1987. Prescribing costs were reduced when a computer was used to issue all prescriptions in conjunction with a personal, computerised formulary.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Beardon P. H., Brown S. V., Mowat D. A., Grant J. A., McDevitt D. G. Introducing a drug formulary to general practice--effects on practice prescribing costs. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1987 Jul;37(300):305–307. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Carson P. Activity after myocardial infarction. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1984 Jan 7;288(6410):1–2. doi: 10.1136/bmj.288.6410.1. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Difford F. Reducing prescribing costs through computer controlled repeat prescribing. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1984 Dec;34(269):658–660. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Donald J. B. On line prescribing by computer. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1986 Apr 5;292(6525):937–939. doi: 10.1136/bmj.292.6525.937. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Field J., Freeman G. K. Ten years' prescribing costs at Aldermoor Health Centre. Practitioner. 1987 May 8;231(1429):701–704. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Fraser R. C., Gosling J. T. Information systems for general practitioners for quality assessment: II. Information preferences of the doctors. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1985 Nov 30;291(6508):1544–1546. doi: 10.1136/bmj.291.6508.1544. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Hamley J. G., Brown S. V., Crooks J., Knox J. D., Murdoch J. C., Patterson A. W. Prescribing in general practice and the provision of drug information. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1981 Nov;31(232):654–660. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Harris C. M., Fry J., Jarman B., Woodman E. Prescribing--a case for prolonged treatment. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1985 Jun;35(275):284–287. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Harris C. M., Jarman B., Woodman E., White P., Fry J. S. Prescribing--a suitable case for treatment. J R Coll Gen Pract Occas Pap. 1984 Jan;(24):1–39. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Rowe J., MacVicar S. Doctors' knowledge of the cost of common medications. J Clin Hosp Pharm. 1986 Oct;11(5):365–368. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.1986.tb00865.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]