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Evidence-based prescribing

May 2007

Aside from patient consultations, the most common intervention of the NHS is the issuing of prescriptions. In 2005, a total of 720 million prescription items were dispensed in England, representing a total cost of £7.9bn. Evidence-based prescribing is essential in providing good quality, effective, and safe healthcare to patients. Inappropriate prescribing, through both the overuse and underuse of drugs, can result in increased adverse reactions, increased hospital admissions, anti-microbial resistance, increased consultations, and wastage of medicines.

This report provides an information resource for healthcare professionals on evidence-based prescribing. It explores the factors that may affect prescribing practice, how effective prescribing can be achieved, and the problems resulting from inappropriate prescribing. It outlines the limitations of the current evidence base, discusses education and training in prescribing, and highlights the sources of information available to healthcare professionals for evidence-based prescribing.

Download the full report as a pdf document using the link on the right.

A hard copy of this report is available from:
BMA Science and Education Department
British Medical Association
BMA House
Tavistock Square
London WC1H 9JP
Tel: 020 7383 6164
Email: info.science@bma.org.uk