4.1.8 Principles of rational prescribing
Principles of Rational Prescribing – the ‘Risk/Benefit’ Appraisal
The principles of rational prescribing are based on the concept of “risk/benefit” appraisal. This means that when making decisions about prescribing medications, healthcare providers must carefully weigh the potential benefits of the medication against the potential risks and side effects.
There are several key elements to a risk/benefit appraisal:
| Risk/benefit appraisal aspect: | Summary: |
| Clinical indication | The first step is to determine whether there is a clear clinical indication for the medication. This means that the patient must have a condition that the medication is known to treat effectively. |
| Patient factors | The next step is to consider the patient’s specific factors, such as their age, weight, medical history, and current medications, that may affect how they respond to the medication. |
| Choice of medication | The healthcare provider must then select the best medication for the patient, taking into account the patient’s individual needs, as well as the cost and availability of the medication. |
| Dose and duration | The provider must determine the appropriate dose of the medication, taking into account the patient’s age, weight, and other factors, as well as the severity of the condition being treated. They must also consider how long the medication should be taken. |
| Monitoring | The healthcare provider must establish a plan for monitoring the patient’s response to the medication, including regular check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for side effects. |
In summary, the principles of rational prescribing involve considering the patient’s individual needs, the benefits and risks of the medication, and the cost and availability of the medication. By following these principles, healthcare providers can ensure that they are prescribing medications in a safe and effective manner, maximizing the benefits to the patient while minimizing the risk of harm.
General Medical Council advice:
The General Medical Council (GMC) is the regulatory body for doctors in the UK and provides guidance to healthcare providers on a range of professional issues, including prescribing. The GMC’s advice regarding the principles of rational prescribing can be found in its publication “Good Medical Practice”.
According to the GMC, doctors must prescribe drugs in accordance with the principles of good clinical practice and must take into account the following factors:
- Clinical need: Doctors must ensure that a drug is prescribed only when there is a clinical need for it and it is in the best interests of the patient.
- Evidence-based practice: Doctors must base their prescribing decisions on the best available evidence, taking into account the latest clinical guidelines and research.
- Choice of the drug: Doctors must choose the most appropriate drug for the patient, taking into account factors such as cost, availability, and the patient’s individual needs.
(GMC, 2013)
References:
(1) General Medical Council (GMC). (2013). Good medical practice. Manchester: General Medical Council.