Are prescriptions consistent with diagnosis? A survey of adult psychiatry discharge letters
Dodwell D., Esiwe C.
Background: Older studies have shown inconsistency between diagnosis and prescribed medication. There have been no recent published studies to check on improvement. Aim: To compare prescription with diagnosis. Method: Discharge letters of adult psychiatry in-patients gave information on diagnosis and prescribed medication. Appropriateness was based on the British National Formulary (BNF). Results: Seventy-four percent of prescriptions were broadly compatible with BNF guidance; 3% were above BNF limits and 23% were off-licence compared to recorded diagnosis. Conclusions: Greater attention should be paid to recording diagnosis/diagnoses; off-licence prescribing should be explained to patients and colleagues. Declaration of interest: None. © Shadowfax Publishing and Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.