Prescribing differences among older adults with differing health cover and socioeconomic status: a cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

As health reforms move Ireland from a mixed public-private system toward universal healthcare, it is important to understand variations in prescribing practice for patients with differing health cover and socioeconomic status. This study aims to determine how prescribing patterns for patients aged ≥ 65 years in primary care in Ireland differ between patients with public and private health cover.

Methods

This was an observational study using anonymised data collected as part of a larger study from 44 general practices in Ireland (2011-2018). Data were extracted from electronic records relating to demographics and prescribing for patients aged ≥ 65 years. The cohort was divided between those with public health cover (via the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme)

SUBMITTER: Prendergast C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10656928 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature