PubMed · 6799083
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
M Pringle, J Dennis, A Hutton. 1982-01-16. Practice Research. Computerisation--the choice.. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.284.6310.165
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
Hvalsø is a country town with six general practitioners in five practices. In 1988, as a result of a campaign influencing both doctors and patients, a 38% reduction in the consumption of benzodiazepines, measured as the number of prescribed doses, was achieved. This reduction still persists. We have now attempted to reduce consumption even further by directly influencing the individual users. We gave them written information, insisted on personal attendance for each prescription renewal, and, for use at these consultations, introduced a new benzodiazepine journal for 60% of the users. Registration of the prescribed amounts of benzodiazepines was performed over two three-month periods, before and after the intervention. The final registration was made six months after the intervention period. The number of prescriptions, number of prescriptions per 1000 patients and the number of users remained unchanged. A 20% reduction in the amount of prescribed sedatives (hypnotics) and a 7% reduction in prescribed minor tranquillizers was achieved because of fewer doses per prescription. We conclude, that we did not manage to change the patients' behaviour, expressed as the number of prescriptions per 1000 patients, but the doctors were influenced to write out fewer doses per prescription. Important reductions in consumption may be achieved in primary interventions.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.