Prescription of analgesics in general medical practice

Citation
H. Tonies et M. Maier, Prescription of analgesics in general medical practice, WIEN KLIN W, 113(22), 2001, pp. 874-879
Citations number
31
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine
Journal title
WIENER KLINISCHE WOCHENSCHRIFT
ISSN journal
0043-5325 → ACNP
Volume
113
Issue
22
Year of publication
2001
Pages
874 - 879
Database
ISI
SICI code
0043-5325(20011115)113:22<874:POAIGM>2.0.ZU;2-W
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of prescription of analg esic drugs by General Practitioners in Austria, the reasons for which they are prescribed, as well as relevant organizational details. A questionnaire was designed to prospectively collect data from 14 particip ating General Practitioners over a period of at least 20 days each. The typ e of analgesic drugs prescribed during direct (doctor) or indirect (recepti onist) consultations was recorded, coded according to the ATC classificatio n and separated into first and repeat consultations. Furthermore, the diagn ostic terms and the individual intensity of pain perception by the patients were noted. During 7248 consultations recorded, 1083 prescriptions of analgesics were i ssued. The majority of first prescriptions are issued during direct consult ations, whereas a large number of repeat prescriptions are prepared for the doctor's supervision by the receptionists via indirect consultations. Almo st half of the patients receive repeat prescriptions. In both, direct and indirect consultations with patients, approximately eve ry 7th contact results in the prescription of an analgesic drug. The antirh eumatic drug group is the most frequently prescribed group of painkillers w hereas opioids are rarely prescribed. Selection of drugs is not clearly rel ated to the degree of pain experienced by individual patients. Problems of the musculo-skeletal system rank first among the classifications leading to prescription of an analgesic. Pain needs quick and efficient therapy. Prescriptions of analgesics in Gene ral Practice ought to be issued in such a way as to serve this large group of patients without, however, taking extensive risks: repeat and first pres criptions issued during indirect consultations have to be precisely recorde d and need the doctor's personal supervision.