Prescription of antidepressants by general practitioners: recommendations by FHSAs and health boards

Abstract

Background: In order to cut costs of prescribing by general practitioners family health service authorities (FHSAs) and health boards in the UK have been instructed to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of prescribing by general practitioners in their area by tailoring advice to individual general practices.

Aim: As over 95% of patients suffering from depression are treated by their general practitioner, a study was set up to investigate the effectiveness of the advice given by FHSAs and health boards to general practitioners on treatment of depression and prescription of antidepressant drugs.

Method: The recommendations on prescription of antidepressants of professional advisors from all 117.FHSAs and health boards in the UK were elicited by telephone. Those who had produced written information for the general practitioners in their area regarding depression and antidepressants prescribing during the study period were asked to send a copy to the researchers.

Results: An excellent response rate (100%) was obtained to the telephone survey, and all of the bodies that provided their general practitioners with written information on depression and prescription of antidepressants sent in copies. Most of the documents received were informative and accurate; however, others provided information that was incorrect.

Conclusion: Bulletins and newsletters from FHSAs and health boards are capable of influencing the prescribing patterns of general practitioners in their area, and must contain accurate and up-to-date information if they are to improve the management of depressed patients in the community.