Prescribing analysis and cost tabulation (PACT) data: an introduction.

PACT (prescribing analysis and cost tabulation) data is a national data set which analyses prescribing data in terms of cost and number of items (volume). At an organizational level, PACT is used to monitor and control prescribing cost and to set prescribing budgets. At individual practitioner level, it is used as an educational and audit tool. The Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) has sent general practitioners (GPs) quarterly summary reports of their own prescribing since 1988. From 2000 prescriptions written by nurse prescribers have been added to the national PACT data set, and health authorities, practices and trusts will now be analysing both nurse and GP prescribing quality. Because of differences in the way they work, nurse prescribers will not automatically receive individual reports of their own prescribing. However they should be able to access this information on request through their local health authority prescribing advisers and primary care group pharmacists. Based on GP experience, nurse prescribers should find PACT data a useful learning resource for individual and team practice development.