RCGP statement in response to the Public Accounts
Committee prescribing proposals
The RCGP wants patients to play a closer role in decisions
concerning their care. Greater patient participation leads to
better outcomes and satisfaction. The more information the
patients have about their treatment, the better.
The needs of individual patients are paramount
to effective prescribing and GPs are making difficult day-to-day
decisions to offer the best possible treatment to safeguard their
patients’ best interests whilst responsibly using NHS
resources.
We support the continuing drive towards
prescribing generic versions of medication (e.g. statins) when
appropriate but we know that changes in medication can unsettle
patients and any changes must be carried out for sound clinical
reasons with good communication between GPs and their
patients. If there is a sound evidence base for switching
drugs, meaning that the same clinical effect can be achieved with a
cheaper, more cost effective drug, and the patient is satisfied,
then this can be a sensible thing to do as it releases resources
for improving services in other areas.
It would be useful for patients to understand
the true cost of prescription drugs and we support the suggestion
that cost should be printed on packets of medications. We also
believe that rationalising the appearance of medication should be
explored.
We agree that any incentives from
pharmaceutical companies should be transparent and carefully
monitored by practices.
We should continue to focus on improving
prescribing quality as well as containing prescribing
expenditure. Patient care - not the cost of drugs - should be
everyone’s primary focus.
ends
For more information please contact the RCGP press
office press@rcgp.org.uk
/ 020 7344 3129