Repeat prescribing safety survey

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Repeat prescribing is an accepted part of general practice activities in New Zealand and in many developed countries. However, there has been little research on how this service is used in New Zealand, or on clinicians' attitudes towards it. AIM: To discover the opinions of vocationally registered general practitioners (GPs) and general practice registrars regarding repeat prescribing, availability of practice policy and mechanisms for issuing such prescriptions. METHODS: A survey was developed by an expert group and shared through the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners' (the College) weekly newsletter, epulse, inviting members to participate in the survey. The survey was also emailed to registrars. RESULTS: In total, 144 vocationally registered GPs and 115 registrars responded (n = 259), giving a response rate of 3.2% for GPs and 12.7% for registrars. Patient convenience and time efficiency for the practice were the most commonly cited reasons for repeat prescribing. Registrars had low awareness of practice policy on repeat prescribing and only one-quarter of practices had an orientation pack that contained advice on repeat prescribing. DISCUSSION: Better practice systems are likely to improve the safety profile of repeat prescribing and should be addressed. There is substantial unwanted variability currently in these practice systems.