Determinants of physicians' attitude towards prescribing.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the primary care physicians' (PCP) characteristics that are associated with their prescribing attitude.


METHODS
A validated questionnaire was sent to randomly selected PCPs stratified in three groups according to any higher qualification in family medicine.


RESULTS
The best predictor for orientation of quality of care in prescribing was the country of qualification. Duration after qualification was negatively associated with PCP's belief in the use of drugs. Physicians who were female, with higher qualification, sooner after qualification, and working in group practice were less likely to perceive pressure from patients to prescribe, with group practice being the most significant determinant.


CONCLUSIONS
Different physician factors affect different aspects of PCPs' prescribing attitude. As duration after qualification was an important but negative attribute, quality use of medication should be emphasized in continuing medical education.
Wun
Y T
YT
Department of Community and Family Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. ytwun@cuhk.edu.hk
Chan
C S Y
CS
Dickinson
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010819:Physician's Role; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011361:Professional Competence; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012737:Sex Factors