The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7422 p451-452
14 October 2006

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A multidisciplinary audit examining the prescribing of sugar free liquid medicines to children in South Tyneside

By Claire Kelly, Mark Burdon, David Carter, Anne Archer, Kathryn Featherstone and Pam Lee

Claire Kelly, BA, is clinical audit, research and development facilitator, Mark Burdon, BSc, MRPharmS, is community pharmacy development and clinical governance facilitator, Anne Archer, is dental health facilitator, Kathryn Featherstone, BSc, MRPharmS, is head of medicines management and Pam Lee, MPH, is public health specialist at South Tyneside Primary Care Trust. David Carter, MSc, MRPharmS, is managing director and superintendent pharmacist at DL Carter & Son Ltd and chairman of the Gateshead & South Tyneside Local Pharmaceutical Committee. Correspondence to: Claire Kelly, South Tyneside Primary Care Trust, Clarendon, Windmill Way, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear NE31 1AT e-mail claire.kelly@stpct.nhs.uk

Abstract

Aim
To observe the prescribing habits of all Primary Care prescribers and dispensing of liquid medication to children under 16 to examine if sugar free was specified on the prescription.

Design
Quantitative data collection by community pharmacists.

Subjects and Setting
All primary care prescribers in South Tyneside.

Results
49% of prescriptions did not state “sugar free”.

Conclusion
It is evident that prescribers continue to issue sugar-based preparations for children.

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