Conclusion
Prescribing decisions on the acute medical admissions unit were
influenced by a variety of factors, some of which have already been
acknowledged within existing theories and models. The findings
provisionally offer new insights, which, subject to confirmation by
further research, bring to light three attitudinal characteristics that
may impact negatively upon the quality of prescribing decisions. These
include, first, how perceived poor reliability of medication history may
result in information gaps that compromise prescribing decisions;
second, how competing pressures and priorities restrict doctors’
aptitude to conduct a review of medication and finally, how doctors may
rationalise the assignment of medication review to the GP.