Poor utilisation and limited impact of formularies on quality of prescribing by hospital doctors.

We determined the utilisation and perceived value of formularies amongst 104 Non Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs). Only 58% routinely carry a formulary, largely the British, National Formulary (BNF) which is considered by 93% to be the best. The overall quality of prescribing in surgical wards was poorer compared to medical wards. However, after distribution of "free BNF's" significant improvements (p < 0.05) occurred, but only in surgical wards and only in aspects of prescribing specifically highlighted (generic prescribing and limiting the duration of intravenous medications). These improvements lasted four weeks before returning to previous levels. Our results suggest that despite recognising their value a significant proportion of Irish hospital doctors do not routinely carry a formulary. The beneficial effects of distributing free formularies was shortlived.