Drug prescribing in public primary care centres. Results from prescription studies 1988-1997 in the county of Halland, Sweden.

OBJECTIVE

To present the prescribing patterns of general practitioners (GPs) at public primary care centres (PPCCs) in Halland, a county in the south-west of Sweden. GP share of the total prescribing of different drug groups 1988-1997 is presented, as well as changes in patterns.

DESIGN

A descriptive prescription study performed 3 months each year in 10 consecutive years.

SETTING

Medical service and pharmacies in Halland.

SUBJECTS

Prescriptions from about 100 GPs of PPCCs and 550 physicians of various other specialties.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Percentages and absolute numbers of GPs prescribing.

RESULTS

GPs prescribed 45% and 51% of the prescriptions from physicians in 1988 and 1997, respectively, while the cost shares were 40% and 42%. An increase in prescriptions was seen both in relative and in absolute numbers (from 117414 in 3 months in 1988 to 161012 in 1995). The increase in cost per DDD (defined daily dose) during the study period was 47% for GPs and 72% for other doctors.

CONCLUSIONS

GP prescribing increased in both absolute and relative numbers, while the cost increase per DDD was moderate compared to other physicians.