Table 1.
Weighted scores and ranking of the prescribing quality indicators from the GP survey (in the order that they were ranked by the GPs)
| Prescribing quality indicator | Weighted score | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| A high ratio of prescribing of inhaled corticosteroid to inhaled bronchodilators in patients with moderate to severe asthma | 752 | 1st |
| A high rate of prescribing of statins and aspirin in patients with NIDDM (as recommended by ICGP and National Guidelines) | 686.5 | 2nd |
| A low rate of benzodiazepine prescribing for prolonged periods (>2–4 weeks) | 661.5 | 3rd |
| A high rate of generic prescribing (a high rate is considered to be a marker of cost consciousness) | 624.5 | 4th |
| A high rate of prescribing of paracetamol compared with NSAIDs in patients with concomitant heart failure (NSAIDs may antagonize the effect of therapy for heart failure) | 558 | 5th |
| A low rate of coprescription of potassium supplements or potassium sparing diuretics for patients receiving ACE inhibitors or angiotensin antagonists (risk of hyperkalaemia) | 554 | 6th |
| A high rate of prescribing of thromboembolic prophylaxis in patients over 75 years on digoxin (a marker for atrial fibrillation) | 520.5 | 7th |
| A low rate of prescribing of broad spectrum antibiotics such as coamoxyclav (augmentin®) compared with oral amoxicillin or penicillin for first-line treatment | 467.5 | 8th |
| A low rate of prescribing of proton pump inhibitors, e.g. omeprazole, lansoprazole, at full curative dose for >4 weeks rather than a maintenance dose | 351.5 | 9th |
| A low rate of prescribing of oral nutritional supplements | 291.5 | 10th |
| A low rate of prescribing of compound analgesics such as distalgesic or coproxamol relative to paracetamol | 215.5 | 11th |
NIDDM, Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; ICGP, Irish College of General Practitioners; NSAID, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.