The 7th Evaluation report, Progress, achievements and future directions, outlines changes in behaviour by health professionals and consumers in areas targeted by NPS programs: use of antibiotics for URTIs; diuretics and NSAIDS; and consumers communicating with health professionals about their medicines.

Consistent with NPS messages, there is continuing reduction in the prescribing of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infection in Australia.

“In addition, following NPS guidelines for use of amoxycillin as first line therapy, we are seeing a significant increase in the use of amoxycillin when an antibiotic is prescribed coupled with declining use of cefaclor and roxithromycin” says Tim Driscoll, chair of the expert panel providing NPS with advice on appropriate evaluation methodology.

Also consistent with NPS messages, the proportion of low-dose thiazide diuretics prescribed nationally has more than doubled in comparison to periods preceding the introduction of the NPS program in this area.

Similarly, the proportion of high-risk NSAIDS has fallen approximately one third since pre-program periods.

In regards to consumer behaviour, in comparison to 2003, consumers are more likely to remember receiving and reading a consumer medicines information leaflet in 2004. They are also more likely to have asked questions of their GP and/or pharmacist the last time they were prescribed a new medicine.

These results are achieved through a nationally coordinated strategy targeting health professionals and consumers.

Health professionals have access to a range of independent information and educational initiatives on the quality use of medicines. Many of the activities are delivered in partnership with local networks such as divisions of general practice.

Early in 2004, NPS launched a national advertising campaign targeted at consumers. In follow up to this national campaign, NPS is now tailoring more specific activities to sectors in the community requiring more intensive assistance to access information about medicines. These include people from indigenous and multicultural backgrounds, senior Australians as well as people living in regional and remote parts of the country.

A copy of the NPS 7th Evaluation report can be downloaded at the NPS website (www.nps.org.au). Follow the link provided in the top right hand box, “latest evaluation reports”.

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Ltd (NPS) provides independent, evidence-based information and services to health professionals and the community on Quality Use of Medicines (QUM). To achieve this we work in partnership with GPs, pharmacists, specialists, other health professionals, Government, pharmaceutical industry, consumer organisations and the community. NPS is an independent, non-profit organisation funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.