Quality Prescribing Program

Program Overview and Rationale

The Division’s Quality Prescribing Program(QPP) service has been conducted successfully in partnership with the National Prescribing Service (NPS) for the past 6-years. The service aims to provide GPs with independent, up-to-date, evidence based information on selected therapeutic topics.

GPs are further encouraged to take advantage of the remuneration provided through the Practice Incentive Program (PIP). To be eligible to receive the Quality Prescribing Incentive (QPI) component of the PIP payment, each Full Time Equivalent GP in the practice must complete 3 endorsed activities per year, one of which must be an NPS clinical audit.

Currently recognised activities:

clinical audit of prescribing for specific drug group using NPS, or NPS approved, materials (NPS produces at least two audits per year)
case studies using problem based learning provided by the NPS. These case studies are printed in NPS News which is distributed as an insert to Australian Prescriber. Group discussion of an NPD case study is also recognised.
Discussion with an NPS facilitator (practice visit/educational visitor) working within the Division of General Practice.

Duration of Program and how it Operates

Annual program cycles run from 1st May to 30th April.

The Practice Visit program and continued professional development activities will be co-ordinated and managed by the Division.

Clinical Audits are provided by NPS, the Division will facilitate updates on the course of these audits. Case Studies are not facilitated by the Division but are contained within the Australian Prescriber for GPs to complete of their own accord. Each case study counts as one activity for this program (instead of one practice visit and/or CPD evening).

How the Program benefits GPs and their Patients

Increase GPs resource base by providing independent and updated information on medications and provide a means to maximise the financial benefits of PIP.

Enhance GPs’ knowledge about medication management in order to achieve better health outcomes for the patient by reducing potential medication related complications.

Liaise with key area stakeholders to ensure consistency in the transmission of knowledge to GPs. Participation is open to all GPs and their patients

Current level of Program Participation / Utilisation

There are currently 186 Central Coast GPs enrolled for QPP activities.

Co-ordination of the Program

Sandy Vincent
QUM Coordinator
Ph: (02) 4367 1610
Fax: (02) 4365 3836

More Information

Resources Links

| | | |
| |