Strategies supporting sustainable prescribing safety improvement interventions in English primary care: a qualitative study (12 May 2023)

Summary

Two information technology (IT)-based interventions, which aim to improve prescribing safety in primary care, have been rolled out across England over the past few years. Researchers identified five strategies which could help ensure that the systems continue to have an impact over the longer term.

The first system (computerised decision support, or CDS) raises a warning when a clinician is about to prescribe a medicine that could increase a patient’s risk of harm. The second method (PINCER) is led by pharmacists; it searches people’s medical notes to identify potential errors that have already happened. Pharmacists, GPs and other clinicians work together to investigate and correct any errors.

The research team examined documents, interviewed relevant professionals and carried out workshops which also involved members of the public. They identified strategies that could help ensure that these systems have an ongoing impact in primary care.