A survey of analgesic drug utilization within and between clinical units in a health district.

A computer-based survey was carried out to compare analgesic prescription within and between three hospitals in a health district. More than 70% of patients in these hospitals were prescribed one or more non-steroidal analgesics, and more than 20% one or more narcotic analgesics at least on an as-required (AR) basis. The program permitted detailed monitoring of prescriptions for particular indications, and of the prevalence of potentially interacting combinations. It was also possible to compare prescribing habits with formulary recommendations. An extension of its use to other drug groups should allow monitoring of the effects of education and of introducing new drug prescribing policies locally and nationally.