An interesting story for general practice this morning.
The post on the BBC website today links patient satisfaction with GP antibiotic prescribing levels.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35008128
As a practice manager I've seen this myself, people wanting to complain that their request for antibiotics (ABx) has been refused, normally accompanied by "well, Dr. X always gave them to me..."
We have a nickname for GP's who prescribe appropriately, Dr. No! Because it seems they spend much of their day saying just that. You find that most younger GP's are quickly labelled as a Dr. No and they quiclky develop a whole tranche of patients who don't want to see them and would sooner see the older, 'easier' GP.
Is it down to GP's who are less strong willed in the past changing public perception and expectations? I think it might be, it's far 'easier' to give someone what they want, but is it clinically appropriate? No, of course not. It was only in August this year that GP's were threatened by NICE with being disciplined for prescribing too many ABx(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-33961241)
So, what's your take on it?
Are you left feeling short changed when you leave the surgery empty handed?
Are you happy that your GP is one of the stronger, more clinically adept ones who prescribe appropriately or would you prefer one that NICE want disciplined/struck off?