[An analysis of long-term computerized prescriptions for those over and under 65 at a health center].

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the origin, diagnoses and types of medicine used in computerised long-term prescription at our centre, which are classified by age distribution; and to extract, if possible, use parameters for monitoring internal activities.

DESIGN

Descriptive study.

SETTING

Zumaia Health Centre (Guipúzcoa).

PATIENTS

976 patients divided into those over and those under 65, included in the programme of long-term treatment cards.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

54% of patients were over 65 and 46% under. Average medicines per patient were 3.24 and 2.23, respectively. 34% of long-term prescription originated in primary care, although primary care was only the main indicator to a significant degree in group K (CIAP) diagnoses for under-65's. The commonest diagnoses belonged to group K, independently of the origin of the prescription. The most prescribed medicines were those in groups M and C (IMC), significantly higher in the over-65's.

CONCLUSIONS

Only one third of the prescriptions originated in PC. A significant reversal of this tendency was observed in young people with chronic group K pathologies. The indication of long-term treatment for psychological problems often escapes the public health system; when the PC doctor indicates this treatment, he/she usually does so on the basis of symptomatic conditions. Monitoring new cases could help us find the efficacy of the corrective measures introduced, both at the level of structural innovations and changes in care procedure.