CHEME - Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation

Wales PREscription Fee Exemption Research Study (Wales PREFERS)

Investigator: Dr. Dyfrig Hughes

Funding Source: Wales Office for Research and Development in Health and Social Care

Timescale: March 2006 to 2007

Category: Pharmacoeconomics and pharmacoepidemiology

Collaborators: Dr. Susan Myles (University of Glamorgan) [PI], Professor Frank Dunstan (Cardiff University), Professor Philip Routledge (Cardiff University)

Status: Funded

In October 2003, it was announced that prescription charges would be abolished in Wales. The changes are being introduced in phases with free prescriptions available to all in 2007.  Currently around 10% of prescription items dispensed are charged for.  To our knowledge, there is no planned evaluation of this change in policy.

The implications of the abolition of prescription charges may be considerable.  In particular, a greater uptake of prescriptions will increase general practice and community pharmacy workloads and patterns of use of prescription and non-prescription medicines may change.

This research aims to assess the impact of abolishing the prescription charge as it occurs in Wales.  First, we shall analyse national prescribing records relating to medicines most frequently paid for, comparing trends in Wales with other areas of the UK where there remains a charge for prescriptions. In addition, we will collect data from general practitioners on the numbers and types of prescriptions written, enabling us to assess whether significant changes occur in the numbers of prescription written and cashed.  Secondly, we propose to follow a group of patients registered with community pharmacies and collect data on their demand for medicines (prescription and non-prescription) and other health services.

This research will establish if the abolition of the prescription charge enhances access to medicines in Wales and generate results of national and international significance.