Repeat prescribing--reducing errors.

Background And Context: Prescribing errors account for a significant proportion of overall error in general practice. Repeat prescribing occurs commonly in New Zealand and is a likely cause of error in practice.

Assessment Of Problem: This paper reports on two related aspects of repeat prescribing; an audit of adherence to a repeat prescribing protocol and self-reported repeat prescribing incidents in a network of 97 general practices.

Do scores in the selection process for vocational general practice training predict scores in vocational examinations?

Aim: Selection processes for vocational training are common and are intended to predict future examination performance (predictive validity). Comparison of selection scores with measures of competence during training can provide supporting evidence that both the examination process and selection process are valid and reliable.

Method: Selection interview scores for vocational training in general practice were compared to summative examination scores eight months into training between 2003 and 2006.

Concordance and discordance between primary and secondary care health workers in perceptions of barriers to diabetes care.

Aims: To understand differences between primary care health professionals and secondary care health workers in their perceptions of barriers to good diabetes care.

Methods: Practice nurses and general practitioners in the Waikato region of New Zealand were surveyed to ascertain their perceptions (as primary health care workers) of barriers to diabetes care; 315 replies were received (70% response rate). Secondary care health professionals working at Waikato Hospital were similarly surveyed; 123 replies were received (71% response rate).

Perceptions of migrant doctors joining the New Zealand medical workforce.

New Zealand, like many first World countries, has become increasingly dependent on overseas-trained doctors (OTDs). This qualitative study identifies and explores issues of concern to OTDs when first integrating into the New Zealand medical system through the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX) pathway. The data were collected using semistructured interviews and focus groups involving 10 OTDs who were working in a New Zealand hospital.