Why are some doctors high-prescribers of benzodiazepines and minor opiates? A qualitative study of GPs in Norway.

Background: Registration studies have shown great variations in prescribing volume and prescribing patterns of benzodiazepines (BZDs) and minor opiates among GPs.

Objectives: We aimed to form a basis for hypotheses and build theories about prescribing, in order to investigate how high-prescribing doctors can legitimize their own prescribing pattern.

Methods: A qualitative interview study of doctors with previously known high, medium and low prescribing volumes was performed.

[Physicians' view on drug therapy for hypertension. A questionnaire in the county of Hordaland].

A questionnaire survey was conducted in Hordaland county to discover opinions on drug therapy for uncomplicated hypertensives with no other risk factors. The response rate was 66%; 179 general practitioners and 31 hospital doctors. The doctors were well informed about the documentation of the clinical benefit of various drugs.

[Control of prescriptions of B-preparations. A registry study of B-preparations in Oslo and Akershus].

In two Norwegian counties all prescriptions for benzodiazepines and analgesics containing codeine were registered over a two month period and the records were subsequently transferred to a database. 93,000 prescriptions were registered, equivalent to this 2.8 millions DDD.

[Communication in emergency health services].

When the new national radio and telecommunications system for acute medical services is established in 1995, 25 years will have passed since publication of the first White Paper on the issue. By following the process of this reform as it has evolved it is possible to point out how various government bodies and professional groups have stimulated or hindered the process to suit their individual motives and needs. In addition to active involvement by enthusiastic professionals and government agencies, the approval and implementation of such a reform requires the support of other institutions, other professional groups, the media and politicians.