Investigating relationships between a range of potential indicators of general practice prescribing: an observational study

摘要: Objectives: (i) to describe the variation in a number of potential prescribing indicators across large general practices, (ii) determine whether particular are associated with higher or lower overall costs, (iii) how correlated each other, (iv) stable over time. Design: Observational study based on analysis PACT (Prescribing Analysis and Cost) data for practices. Setting: The Trent region England. Subjects: 809 Main outcome measures: Variations range performance indicators; correlations between these NIC (net ingredient costs) per ASTRO-PU (Age, sex temporary resident originated unit); change financial year 1994–5 1995–6. Results: Wide variations were found practices indicators. There positive correlation ( P< 0·001) relatively high cost within different therapeutic areas. negative low prescribing. intercorrelations For most there significant changes values two years. Conclusion: considerable show We have demonstrated that lend support idea such might act as proxies more patterns. However, we observed not strong. Further research is needed into development use data.