National Prescribing Indicators 2020-21
The National Prescribing Indicators for 2020–2021 have been prepared by a multiprofessional collaborative group, with support from the All Wales Prescribing Advisory Group (AWPAG) and the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), and subsequently endorsed by the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG)
National Prescribing Indicators (NPIs) are developed annually with the aim of promoting rational prescribing. The indicators are evidence-based and are designed to be clear, easily understood and allow health boards, primary care clusters, GP practices and prescribers to compare current prescribing practice against an agreed standard of quality
For 2020-21 the National prescribing indicators: supporting safe and optimised prescribing, have been refresshed with a focus on 3 priority areas
- Analgesics (including Opioid burden, Tramadol and Gabapentin and pregabalin)
- Anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation
- Antimicrobial stewardship (including Total antibacterial items and 4C antimicrobials)
These three priority areas are also supported by additional indicators falling into the categories of safety and efficiency:
- Safety
- Prescribing Safety Indicators
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Hypnotics and anxiolytics
- Yellow Cards
- Efficiencies
- Best value biological medicines
- Insulin
- Low value for prescribing
The National Prescribing Indicators document provides detailed background information and evidence to support the aims of each indicator, and is available here:
https://www.awttc.org/national-prescribing-indicators-2020-2021
In addition to the main NPI document, a concise summary of the NPIs has also been published, entitled
Supporting Information for Prescribers and Healthcare Professionals. The document contains a brief overview of each NPI, including purpose, units of measure, brief rationale and prescribing points, and links to useful resources:
The National Prescribing Indicators 2020–2021: Analysis of Prescribing Data to June 2020 document has been prepared by the Welsh Analytical Prescribing Support Unit and can be accessed on the link below:
https://awmsg.nhs.wales/medicines-appraisals-and-guidance/medicines-optimisation/national-prescribing-indicators/national-prescribing-indicators-2020-2021/national-prescribing-indicators-2020-2021-quarterly-reports/