General practitioners' views on generic medication and substitution

The government proposal to allow pharmacists to substitute generic medication has caused concern among general practitioners and their patients. A survey of 200 general practitioners was undertaken to canvass their views on the use of generic medications and generic substitution. One hundred and eighty-two completed questionnaires were returned and included in the analysis. Sixty-seven percent of responders indicated that they actively prescribe generic medication. Fifty-two percent stated their opposition to generic substitution without the doctor's knowledge or approval. Fifty doctors provided information about 85 cases where they had identified problems which they associated with the use of generic medications

The green prescription study: a randomized controlled trial of written exercise advice provided by general practitioners.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether written advice from general practitioners increases physical activity among sedentary people more than verbal advice alone. METHODS: Sedentary patients (n = 456) received verbal advice on increasing physical activity and were then randomized to an exercise prescription (green prescription) group or a verbal advice group. RESULTS: The number of people engaging in any recreational physical activity at 6 weeks increased substantially, but significantly more so in the green prescription group. Also, more participants in the green prescription group increased their activity over the period. CONCLUSIONS: A written goal-oriented exercise prescription, in addition to verbal advice, is a useful tool for general practitioners in motivating their parents to increase physical activity