GENERAL PRACTICE Uncomfortable prescribing decisions :

Abstract

Antibiotics, tranquillisers, hypnotics, and symptomatic remedies were most often associated with discomfort, but any prescribable item could be associated with discomfort. Respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal problems, and anxiety were most often associated with discomfort, but again any condition could be associated. The main reasons given for the decisions made were patient expec- tation, clinical appropriateness, factors related to the doctor-patient relationship, and precedents. The main reasons given for feeling uncomfortable were concern about drug toxicity, failure to live up to the general practitioner's own expectations, concern about the appropriateness of treatment, and ignorance or uncertainty.