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GP Prescribing Errors

By Julie Glynn

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 13Dec2011 Word count: 570 Viewed: 242 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

When visiting a General Practitioner for medical assistance, many people will accept the course of treatment that is recommended without questioning their doctor's professional opinion. This is perfectly understandable, as we expect GPs to have the skills and expertise necessary to carry out their job.

More often than not this expectation is fulfilled, and patients throughout the country enjoy an excellent standard of care from their GP. However, there are unfortunately times when mistakes are made, causing a patient to suffer further harm. This can arise due to any number of reasons. One of the most common, however, is a GP prescribing error.

What is a Prescribing Error?

A prescribing error is when a GP prescribes a patient the wrong medication. For example, a prescription may be deemed incorrect and therefore dangerous because:-

* The patient is allergic to the medication;

* The same medication is prescribed for too long, making it harmful;

* The incorrect dosage is prescribed;

* Two or more medicines which should not be taken together are prescribed;

* The wrong medication entirely is prescribed.

Why Might a Prescribing Error Happen?

There are many ways a GP prescribing error may arise. The most common of these include:-

1. Human error.

GPs are, of course, only human. However, in the medical world there is no room for human error, as any lapse in concentration can prove to be devastating.

2. Monitoring issues.

Many types of medication need to be closely monitored. With such drugs, patients should not be given repeat prescriptions until their condition has been assessed. For example, if a woman is taking the contraceptive pill, her blood pressure should be regularly reviewed.

3. Unfamiliarity with a patient.

If a GP is unfamiliar with a patient (for example, they are a locum or working in an NHS walk-in centre) there may be a lack of awareness regarding a patient's medical history. This may lead to medication being prescribed, which in turn causes a different medical condition to deteriorate. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken by those with kidney problems.

4. Unfamiliarity with a drug.

There are so many different drugs available, a GP may be excused for not having an in depth knowledge of each and every type. Nevertheless, if a GP is uncertain about a medication, it should not be prescribed until he/she has established it will not harm the patient in question.

5. Electronic prescriptions.

Now used in GP practices across the country, electronic prescriptions are a fairly new phenomenon. However, recent research carried out by Reading University that over 4% of e-prescriptions contain "significant clinical errors".

Does a Prescribing Error Amount to Medical Negligence?

If you have suffered as a result of a GP prescribing error, it is likely that you have been the victim of medical negligence. To confirm whether or not this is in fact the case, you need to speak a solicitor who specialises in this area of the law. After listening to the circumstances of your treatment, a medical negligence solicitor will quickly be able to suggest if you have suffered a sub-standard level of care. If you do proceed with a medical negligence claim, you could be awarded compensation for the pain and suffering your GP has caused.

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