Is there a role for computerized decision support for drug dosing in general practice? A questionnaire survey

Abstract

Objective: To determine: (i) whether general practitioners have difficulty with drug dosing; (ii) what information sources they currently use to help them with drug dosing; (iii) their views on the potential value of decision support software for drug dosing.

Design: Questionnaire survey.

Setting: Nottingham, U.K.

Participants: 263 general practitioners (GPs).

Results: The response rate was 78% (263/336). Most GPs reported difficulties with drug dosing for children, the elderly and patients with renal impairment. Compared with 'patients in general', GPs had particular difficulties in drug dosing for these specific groups (P < 0.001). Paper-based formularies were the most common source of information for help with drug doses. Nevertheless, most GPs had positive views on the potential usefulness of computerized decision support.

Conclusion: GPs commonly have problems in drug dosing for certain groups of patients. The development and use of computerized decision support might help GPs in these situations.