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Biomedical subjects

J B Donald

Publications and source records attributed to J B Donald.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Prescribing costs when computers are used to issue all prescriptions.

The aim of the study was to see whether the use of a computer to issue prescriptions in conjunction with a computerised, customized drug formulary affects prescribing costs. Data on prescribing costs were obtained from the Scottish Prescription Pricing Bureau for 1978-87. A microcomputer system was introduced into the practice in 1983 and used initially to issue repeat prescriptions, but from 1985 onwards a new system was added to issue all prescriptions; a personal computerised drug formulary was developed in 1983. Personal prescribing costs before and after computerisation were compared with those of the other partners and those of the Lothian Health Board and Scotland combined. The prescribing costs of the partners and Lothian Health Board and Scotland combined increased almost linearly in line with inflation from 1978 to 1987. Personal prescribing costs increased steadily until 1983, when repeat prescriptions were issued by computer, and remained static for a year. Thereafter they increased steadily until 1985, when all prescriptions were issued by computer, and then showed a steady and sustained fall. Personal prescribing costs were 21.5% lower than those of the partners in 1986 and 29.5% lower in 1987. Prescribing costs were reduced when a computer was used to issue all prescriptions in conjunction with a personal, computerised formulary.

Computer Systems↗
PubMed1986

On line prescribing by computer.

A computer is used to produce all prescriptions for patients seen in the consulting room in this practice. This method of prescribing improves safety, saves time, decreases prescribing costs, and provides an instant audit of all important prescribing parameters. In addition, treatment is rationalised and patients are given an improved service. An analysis of my own practice prescriptions showed that only 31% were repeat prescriptions, and this concurs with national figures. This means that the savings in costs are not likely to be substantial; however, when all prescribing is done by computer from a limited drug formulary then these savings may be appreciable.

Computers↗
PubMed1975

The trainee year--a critical appraisal.

Answers to questionnaires distributed to all trainees in the Scottish south-east region in 1972 and 1973 showed a wide variation between the standard of teaching in individual practices. This was partly due to a failure of the organizing bodies to give proper guidance on the modern concepts of training to the trainers, and partly to a lack of enthusaism by some of the trainers. It is particularly important that the training practices are well equipped with equipment and books and journals relating to general practice. For the trainee vocational training programmes, attendance at day release courses, contact with fellow trainees, and appropriate "on call" duties are similarly important. If these and other recommendations were brought to the attention of the trainers by an effective, co-ordinating committee, the standards of general practice teaching would rise, as would the quality of patient care in the community.

Accreditation↗