Are prescriptions consistent with diagnosis? A survey of adult psychiatry discharge letters

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• Mental health
• diagnosis
• medication