• S M Campbell, J A Cantrill, and D Roberts.
• National Primary Care Research and Development Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL. stephan.campbell@man.ac.uk
• BMJ. 2000 Aug 12;321(7258):425-8.

ObjectivesTo identify prescribing indicators based on prescribing analysis and cost (PACT) data that have face validity for measuring quality or cost minimisation.DesignModified two round Delphi questionnaire requiring quantitative and qualitative answers.SettingHealth authorities in England.ParticipantsAll health authority medical and pharmaceutical advisers in the first round and lead prescribing advisers for each health authority in the second round.Main Outcome MeasuresFace validity (median rating of 7-9 on a nine point scale without disagreement) and reliability (rating 8 or 9) of indicators for assessing quality and cost minimisation.ResultsCompleted second round questionnaires were received from 79 respondents out of 99. The median rating was 7 for cost minimisation and 6 for quality, and in all except four cases individual respondents rated indicators significantly higher for cost than for quality. Of the 41 indicators tested, only seven were rated valid and reliable for cost minimisation and five for quality.ConclusionThe 12 indicators rated as valid by leading prescribing advisers had a narrow focus and would allow only a limited examination of prescribing at a general practice, primary care group, or health authority level.

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