Prescribing and practice development decision-making in Irish general practices

Background: In Ireland, primary care is considered the appropriate setting to meet the majority of health and personal social service needs, with GPs central to its provision. Irish general practices are characterised by considerable autonomy in terms of commercial practice and the range of medical services they provide; however, little is known about what influences their decision-making with respect to the adoption of new health-care technologies. Aim: The aim of this paper is to provide a holistic overview on prescribing and practice development decision-making in Irish general practices. Methods: A summary of recent publications examining the factors influencing the adoption of new drugs, medical equipment and information and communications technology (ICT) by Irish GPs is undertaken. Results: These studies identify experiential learning, connectedness with others, and GP and practice characteristics as significant influences in the adoption of new drugs, medical equipment and ICT in Irish general practices. Conclusions: This summary identifies possible levers for encouraging the adoption of health-care technologies by Irish GPs.