As part of our 2022/23 Prescribing Scheme, Devon ICB included a quality measure aimed to promote 5-day courses of amoxicillin 500mg capsules. The measure set each GP practice a reduction target for quantities other than 15, meeting the reduction target would achieve payment.
The ICB MO team of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians created engagement with the scheme by meeting with GP practice teams, running a webinar, amending the clinical system (TPP SystmOne) formulary file to set 15 capsules as the default quantity, and adding an Information message to Scriptswitch to advise on appropriate course lengths for acute prescriptions (screenshot below).
The scheme was launched in April 2022 and was well received & implemented due to the straightforward measure and clear rationale. The was an increase in 5-day course from 25% in April 2022 to 53% in January 2023.
