Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: In the context of paediatric asthma management, accurate medication records are vital for ensuring effective care and adherence to treatment. The fragmented nature of digital health records across the NHS, particularly between GP prescribing systems and community pharmacy records, may result in discrepancies that impact patient safety and clinical decision-making. This study aimed to critically evaluate the reliability of GP prescribing data in children and young people with asthma, and to explore the implications of data inconsistencies.

Methods: We initiated a mixed methods service evaluation following a case involving a six-year-old child with poor asthma control. Their medication history, as recalled by the family, was compared to GP and pharmacy records. Significant discrepancies identified prompted a broader evaluation of healthcare professionals’ experiences and perceptions regarding the accuracy of electronic medication records in practice.

Results: The survey demonstrated that discrepancies between GP prescribing records and actual medication use are common in children and young people’s asthma care, with 64% observing mismatches when comparing records to family recollections. Respondents reported a range of frequencies for these discrepancies, and only a minority contacted pharmacies to verify records. Differences included both the type and name of medications prescribed versus dispensed.

Conclusion: The discrepancies identified in the case study and subsequent survey underscore the limitations of relying solely on GP prescribing data to assess adherence among children and young people with asthma, and may be relevant for other long-term conditions. Risks of inaccurate or incomplete records include missed opportunities for monitoring, safeguarding, and effective clinical management. Treating clinicians doubtful about adherence or family recollection of medications dispensed should obtain pharmacy records for prioritised patients.

References

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London Asthma Leadership and Implementation Group 2022 Salbutamol-recommendation-_asthma-toolkit.docx
McCrossan et al https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S445534
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Stoianova at al 2024 https://doi.org/10.71706/9b90e9b6-abbc-4a31-bcff-cca46cc59870