Abstract
Background: Traditional systems of managing repeat prescribing have been criticised for their lack of clinical and administrative controls. Aim. To compare a community pharmacist-managed repeat prescribing system with established methods of managing repeat prescribing.
Method: A randomised controlled intervention study (19 general medical practices, 3074 patients, 62 community pharmacists). Patients on repeat medication were given sufficient three-monthly scripts, endorsed for monthly dispensing, to last until their next clinical review consultation with their general practitioner (GP). The scripts were stored by a pharmacist of the patient's choice. Each monthly dispensing was authorised by the pharmacist, using a standard protocol. The cost of the drugs prescribed and dispensed was calculated. Data on patient outcomes were obtained from pharmacist-generated patient records and GP notes.
Results: A total of 12.4% of patients had compliance problems, side-effects, adverse drug reactions, or drug interactions identified by the pharmacist. There were significantly more problems identified in total in the intervention group. The total number of consultations, deaths, and non-elective hospital admissions was the same in both groups. Sixty-six per cent of the study patients did not require their full quota of prescribed drugs, representing 18% of the total prescribed costs (estimated annual drug cost avoidance of £43 per patient).
Conclusion: This system of managing repeat prescribing has been demonstrated to be logistically feasible, to identify clinical problems, and to make savings in the drugs bill.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 271-275 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | British Journal of General Practice |
Volume | 50 |
Issue number | 453 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 2000 |
Keywords
- Pharmacist
- Prescribing costs
- Repeat prescribing
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Family Practice