CASE STUDY

Insights from GPs and Specialists on Improving Prescribing Practices - Download your free Infographic

The open-ended responses from the AusDoc survey provide valuable qualitative insights into how prescribing practices for GPs and specialists can be improved.

These responses highlight key themes and practical recommendations for enhancing access to information and support for healthcare professionals.

1. Enhanced Education and Training

Many respondents emphasised the need for ongoing education initiatives. Suggestions included:

Workshops and Seminars: Tailored programs on new treatments, focusing on real-world applications and challenges. One respondent noted, “Practical workshops that dive into case studies would help bridge the gap between theory and practice.”
Online Modules: Flexible e-learning opportunities for busy practitioners. Another participant stated, “Online training allows me to learn at my own pace and revisit material when necessary.”
Specialist-Led Training: Collaborations between specialists and GPs to share expertise and improve mutual understanding. A GP shared, “Learning directly from specialists would give us insights that are often missing in standard materials.”

2. Streamlined Access to Information

Respondents frequently mentioned the need for more efficient and consolidated access to prescribing information. Specific recommendations included:

Centralised Portals: Platforms that integrate clinical trial data, safety information, and prescribing guidelines in one location. “A single source of truth would save hours of searching for accurate data,” noted one participant.
Mobile Applications: On-the-go resources for quick reference during consultations. A specialist remarked, “Having prescribing details on my phone means I can provide faster and more accurate advice.”
Summarised Evidence: Concise summaries of the latest research tailored to the needs of GPs and specialists. “I don’t have time to read full trial reports, but a well-written summary would be invaluable,” commented a GP.

3. Improved Communication Channels

Facilitating better communication between stakeholders emerged as a recurring theme. Ideas included:

Peer Networking Platforms: Opportunities for GPs and specialists to discuss cases and share experiences. “Being able to consult with colleagues in real-time would improve decision-making,” said one respondent.
Feedback Mechanisms: Channels for healthcare professionals to provide input on treatment guidelines. “Our on-the-ground experiences should shape the guidelines we’re expected to follow,” stated a GP.
Patient Communication Tools: Resources to support shared decision-making between doctors and patients. A respondent shared, “Clear, patient-friendly resources can make consultations more effective.”

4. Support for Implementation Challenges

Respondents highlighted barriers to adopting new treatments and called for more practical support, such as:

Cost Transparency: Clear information on the financial implications of new treatments. “Patients often ask about costs, and not having answers affects their trust in my recommendations,” said one GP.
Administrative Simplification: Reducing the paperwork burden associated with prescribing. “Streamlined processes would free up time to focus on patient care,” commented a specialist.
Formulary Integration: Streamlined processes for including new treatments in local formularies. “Delays in formulary approvals hold back patient access to innovative treatments,” noted one participant.

4 Key Recommendations for Action

Based on these responses, the following actions can be taken to address the identified gaps:

Invest in Tailored Education: Develop modular training that addresses the specific needs of GPs and specialists, ensuring relevance to both groups.
Build Robust Information Platforms: Create user-centric tools that consolidate diverse types of data into accessible formats.
Encourage Collaboration: Foster environments where GPs and specialists can work together, learning from each other’s expertise.
Enhance Policy Support: Work with policymakers and healthcare organisations to simplify administrative barriers and improve resource allocation.

Final Thoughts

The qualitative insights from the survey responses underscore the importance of targeted interventions to support healthcare professionals. By addressing educational needs, improving access to information, and fostering collaboration, stakeholders can empower GPs and specialists to deliver optimal care for their patients.

Source

This article is based on the open-ended responses in Question 4 of the survey in the AusDoc survey “Information needs in prescribing a new treatment”. Responses are from 312 Australian qualified doctors, including GPs (n = 205) and specialists (n = 67), conducted in November 2024.

This article was written with the assistance of AI.