Research highlights errors in medicines by GPs

Most mistakes were classed as mild or moderate, but around one in every 550 items was judged to contain a serious error, research commissioned by the General Medical Council found.

The most common errors were lack of information on dosage, prescribing an incorrect dosage, and failing to ensure that patients were properly checked with blood tests.

One in eight of all patients had a prescription item with an error – this rose to four in 10 patients aged 75 years and older.

Researchers concluded causes included deficiencies in the training of GPs, time pressure, and lack of robust systems for ensuring patients got necessary blood tests.

GMC chairman Prof Sir Peter Rubin said: “GPs are typically very busy, so we have to ensure they can give prescribing the priority it needs.

“Using effective computer systems to ensure potential errors are flagged and patients are monitored correctly is a very important way to minimise errors.

“Doctors and patients could also benefit from greater involvement from pharmacists in supporting prescribing and monitoring.”

Clare Gerada, Royal College of General Practitioners chair of council, said: “There are over one million patient consultations in general practice every day across the UK and this report demonstrates that in 95 per cent of cases GPs prescribe safely and effectively in the best interests of their patients.

“With an ageing population and more patients presenting with complex and multiple conditions and a wider range of treatments, prescribing can be extremely complex.

“Prescribing is a core skill for GPs and, in the main, standards are extremely high.

“GPs strive to keep their prescribing skills up to date to provide the safest possible patient care, but any error in GP prescribing is regrettable and is taken very seriously by GPs and their teams.”

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “Patient safety is paramount. The vast majority of prescriptions are checked by community pharmacists, who spot and put right any errors when they are dispensed. Patients can be confident that the medicines they receive are safe and appropriate.

“We have worked to improve and increase the training medical students receive in prescribing skills and we are working with GPs to see how we can best support them to work with pharmacists and improve the safety and effectiveness of prescribing.”