ABSTRACT

This chapter examines some of the ways in which a systematic evaluation of practice can help release resources in the area of prescribing in primary care. To try and control the increase in prescribing costs there is a greater emphasis on the need for 'rational prescribing'. A frequent misconception is that rational prescribing is just cheap prescribing. Although rational prescribing could be used to release resources, it is important to ensure that any decision-making processes adopt a holistic approach. Family Health Services Authority prescribing advisers are already seeing significant increases in prescribing costs in areas of disease management that are being actively encouraged in primary care. Increased prescribing in primary care and the introduction of new drugs have the potential to release resources in secondary care. Community pharmacists have an important role to play through the provision of prescribing advice, compliance aids and monitored dosage systems to facilitate this community care.