Healthy Skepticism Library item: 20231

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Publication type: Journal Article

Harrigan P
Australia: rational prescribing in general practice
The Lancet 1991 Dec 7; 338:(1448-1449):
http://www.nelm.nhs.uk/en/NeLM-Area/Evidence/Medicines-Management/References/1991---January/01/Australia--rational-prescribing-in-general-practice/

Abstract:

Reports criticisms (Australian Prescriber 1991;14:75-78) by Dr Nicholas Zwar, a medical educator, of standards of prescribing by GPs in Australia. Non-medical factors that affect prescribing behaviour include the age and sex of the doctor, the level of doctors’ communication skills, their knowledge of and confidence in non-drug therapies, their perception of patients’ expectations of a prescription, and the use of a prescription to end a consultation. Dr Zwar considers that a rational approach to prescribing should be taught as early as possible in undergraduate medical courses.