Effects of a behaviour independent financial incentive on prescribing behaviour of general practitioners

Rationale and objectives It is difficult to keep control over prescribing behaviour in general practice. The purpose of this study was to assess the initial effects of a behaviour independent financial incentive on the volume of drug prescribing of general practitioners (GPs). Design 2-Year Controlled Before After study with an intervention region and a concurrent control region. Setting and participants GPs in two regions in the Netherlands (n = 119 and n = 118). Intervention A financial incentive for prescribing according to local guidelines on specific drugs or drug categories. The financial incentive consisted of a non-recurrent, behaviour-independent allowance. Main outcome measure Change in the number of prescriptions for 10 targeted drugs or drug groups. Results Significant changes were seen only in three types of antibiotics and in recommended gastric medicines. In almost all cases, effects were temporary. Conclusion Behaviour independent financial incentives can be a help in changing prescription behaviour of GPs, but effects are small-scale and temporary.