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Overseas general practitioners (GPs) and opioid prescriptions in England

Author

Listed:
  • Madia, Joan E.
  • Nicodemo, Catia
  • Orso, Cristina E.
  • Tealdi, Cristina

Abstract

The substantial recent rise in opioid prescription rates, along with increasing evidence of misuse and associated morbidity and mortality, raises serious concerns about the appropri- ateness of these drugs for pain management. This study investigates prescription behaviour differences across opioid drug categories between UK-trained and overseas-trained GPs. Us- ing panel data covering all English practices from 2018 to 2021, we find a strong association between practices with more overseas GPs and opioid prescription patterns. Regional dif- ferences emerge, with GPs from North America prescribing more opioids and those from Africa and Asia prescribing less, relative to the UK-trained counterparts. Heterogeneous cultural norms, different training environments, and varying epidemiological patterns might explain these different prescribing behaviours. Comprehensive cross-country assessments of GP competencies could identify areas for targeted training, helping to align the practices of foreign-trained GPs with UK standards while supporting the attraction of global talent.

Suggested Citation

  • Madia, Joan E. & Nicodemo, Catia & Orso, Cristina E. & Tealdi, Cristina, 2025. "Overseas general practitioners (GPs) and opioid prescriptions in England," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:159:y:2025:i:c:s0168851025001186
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2025.105362
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Molly Schnell & Janet Currie, 2018. "Addressing the Opioid Epidemic: Is There a Role for Physician Education?," American Journal of Health Economics, MIT Press, vol. 4(3), pages 383-410, Summer.
    2. Boggian, Luigi & Madia, Joan E. & Moscone, Francesco & Orso, Cristina E., 2024. "Immigrant status and likelihood of opioid treatment. Lessons from Spain’s National Health Service," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    3. Friebel, Rocco & Yoo, Katelyn Jison & Maynou, Laia, 2022. "Opioid abuse and austerity: Evidence on health service use and mortality in England," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 298(C).
    4. Nicodemo, Catia & Orso, Cristina E. & Tealdi, Cristina, 2024. "Overseas general practitioners (GPs) and prescription behaviour in England," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • C01 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General - - - Econometrics
    • C55 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Large Data Sets: Modeling and Analysis
    • C8 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs

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