E-DRUG: Inappropriate drug prescribing in Canada (2)
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Dear E Druggers:
I hope to get hold of the publication soon. When I have had a chance to
read it I will be able to offer a detailed response. I certainly have
doubts about the conclusions re the role that promotion plays in
inappropriate prescribing. Also when the issue of patient demand is really
analyzed what it usually comes down to is poor communication between
doctors and patients. There are a number of studies that have shown that
when there is good communication that patients are quite accepting of not
getting a prescription. While it is true that there have not been any
treatment guidelines specifically for Canada until recently, there are now
at least a couple of sets. Treatment guidelines on their own are unlikely
to improve the situation. Finally, the estimates about hospital admissions
and doctors visits due to inappropriate prescribing are probably reasonably
accurate. More when I've had a chance to review the study.
Joel
Joel Lexchin MD
121 Walmer Rd.
Toronto, Ontario
CANADA M5R 2X8
Phone: (416)-964-7186
Fax: (416)-923-9515
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