The majority of doctors are still not following guidelines on the prescribing of tranquillisers and sleeping tablets, according to a new audit.
It found that just one in five prescriptions complied with guidelines introduced a decade ago, including limiting their duration to no more than two to four weeks or staying at the lowest possible dose.
The drugs can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation and sleep. But over time they can also carry a risk of addiction or dependence for some patients.
Researchers from the Schools of Pharmacy in Trinity College, Dublin and Queen's University, Belfast examined more than 4,400 prescriptions.
"The most commonly identified problems were that the lowest recommended dose was not prescribed and the duration of treatment was non-compliant with the recommended period," the study in the 'Irish Medical Journal' revealed. The majority of prescriptions had at least two discrepancies and more than a quarter had three or more.
According to the guidelines, the prescription should match the patient's age profile and, in the case of elderly patients, the dose should be around half the normal amount.
The researchers said the audit, coupled with feedback for doctors, can be effective in improving professional practice but the effects are generally small to moderate.
Source: Eilish O'Regan, Irish Independent, 12/03/15
Safer Student Nights
eBulletin
Poll
