Unscientific assertions on treating asthma in general practice

EDITOR, - General practitioners recently received their latest reports giving prescribing analysis and cost (PACT) data from the Prescription Pricing Authority. Traditionally these reports have included information related to the quantity and cost of items prescribed during the previous quarter with local and national comparative data. While these reports have been interesting, they do not bear any relation to the quality of care provided by the general practitioner; family health services authorities use them, however, to pressure general practitioners to reduce costs …