A mixed-methods evaluation of the impact of a pharmacist-led feedback pilot intervention on insulin prescribing in a hospital setting.

Aims To explore the impact of a prescribing feedback intervention on insulin prescribing. Methods This was a mixed-methods study in a hospital setting. An insulin prescribing feedback intervention was delivered verbally and in writing to twelve doctors. Insulin prescribing error frequency was compared to ten doctors who had not received the feedback intervention. Insulin prescribing was audited over four weeks at the start and end of the intervention period. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participating doctors who had received feedback, and qualitative data analyzed thematically to explore the impact of the intervention on their prescribing practice. Results Prescribing data were collected on 370 insulin prescriptions with 241 errors identified. A significant reduction (χ2=22.6, p= Conclusions Feedback has potential to improve insulin prescribing and is a valued and acceptable process intervention for doctors. The impact on insulin prescribing practice is varied and complex influencing the capability, opportunity and motivation of prescribers to adapt and evolve their behavior in response to ongoing feedback.