Factors influencing the prescription pattern of essential medicines from the perspectives of general practitioners and patients: a qualitative study in China

Abstract

ObjectivesThis qualitative study aimed to explore the factors influencing the prescription patterns of essential medicines (EMs) from the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) and patients in Beijing, China.DesignThe qualitative study was conducted using individual in-depth interviews.SettingThis study was conducted from January to August 2020, in community health service centres (CHSCs) across six urban districts of Beijing, China.ParticipantsA total of 17 GPs from 17 CHSCs in 6 urban districts and 22 patients with non-communicable diseases from three CHSCs in the three urban districts of Beijing were recruited using the purposive sampling method and a three-stage sampling strategy, respectively.ResultsFive major themes were identified among factors influencing the prescription pattern of EMs: (1) efficacy and safety of medicines, (2) prescription recommendations from physicians in tertiary or secondary hospitals, (3) patients’ medication preference, (4) financial status of patients and (5) minimum requirement for the prescription of EMs.ConclusionThe findings of this study contribute to our understanding of the factors influencing the prescription patterns and utilisation of EMs from the perspectives of GPs and patients, respectively. Policymakers should implement policies and measures to promote the National Essential Medicines System in China.

A spatial feature analysis of primary health care utilization in a large city in China and its implications for family doctor contract service policy

“…In CHC staff training, it is necessary to tailor the clinical practice guidelines to the CHC environment and contain feasible and affordable suggestions, including the integration of patient-centered views with patient goals [ 22 , 23 ]. These guidelines should focus on the use of cost-effective diagnostic methods and treatment measures [ 24 – 27 ].…”

“…One study criticized two-way referrals for transferring patients only from community health centers to hospitals but not from hospitals to community health centers. There has not been enough focus on increasing the attractiveness of community health centers, and there is an urgent need for a convenient and effective referral system [ 23 , 29 , 30 ]. It is also necessary to increase the motivation of secondary and tertiary hospitals to admit patients from community health centers.…”