Prescribing restriction: implications and reactions.

The adoption of area antibiotic policies carries with it the restriction of prescribing. The reactions of the medical staff to this potential challenge were assessed by a questionnaire distributed to them and completed anonymously. Results showed that the doctors adopted a generally cooperative and progressive attitude. Their views provided encouragement for the adoption of further prescribing policies which, although producing probable financial savings and the educational benefit of a deeper knowledge of fewer drugs, would place a further restriction on the drugs available for their patients.