The impact of economic information on medical decision making in primary care

Wu, O., Knill-Jones, R., Wilson, P. and Craig, N. (2004) The impact of economic information on medical decision making in primary care. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 10(3), pp. 407-411. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2753.2004.00490.x)

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Abstract

Background: Many general practitioners (GPs) are concerned about the increasing dominance of economic issues in major decisions about clinical care, and feel their opinions on economic matters have not been heard. It is unclear whether this information has any impact on everyday clinical practice in a primary care setting. Aim: To investigate GPs' perspectives on the use of economic information in medical decision making. Design of study: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: GP members of the West of Scotland Primary Care Research and Development Network (WestNet). Methods: Questionnaire survey sent to GPs by post and by email. Results: The overall response rate was 44%, favouring postal over email responses. All respondents indicated that economic information has previously influenced them and should be incorporated into their medical decision making. The most common source of this information was generated by local authorities such as health boards, primary care groups and local prescribing advisors – used by 80% of the respondents. However, publications, such as the <i>British Journal of General Practice</i>, locally produced newsletters and prescribing formularies, and feedback from the General Practice Administration System for Scotland, were used as sources of economic information by 20%, 27% and 33%, respectively. Published materials – in particular, locally specific information and summarized information in leaflet format – were favoured (54%) in comparison to verbally presented material. Conclusions: GPs believe that economic information should be incorporated in medical decision making. The need for precise and summarized information, produced locally, has been highlighted. Better understanding towards the type of economic evidence GPs find useful and comprehensible is required.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Wilson, Prof Philip and Wu, Professor Olivia and Knill-Jones, Dr Robin
Authors: Wu, O., Knill-Jones, R., Wilson, P., and Craig, N.
Subjects:R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences
Journal Name:Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
Journal Abbr.:J. Eval. Clin. Prac.
ISSN:1356-1294
ISSN (Online):1365-2753
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2005 Blackwell Publishing
First Published:First published in Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice 10(3):407-411
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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