Average prescription volume for medications in the ’28-day basket’ medications per month

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Next update expected:September 2026

Updates

6th October 2025
2nd October 2025
Dataset first published.

Main information

Designation
Official statistics
Data provider
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership
Data source
Prescribing Services
Time period covered
April 2019 to March 2025

Overview

Summary of dataset and variables

This dataset is based on items prescribed by any Welsh general practice staff member, qualified to prescribe, which are subsequently dispensed in the community in the UK. 'Items’ refer to each different medicine or appliance listed on a prescription regardless of quantity or volume. Only items which are dispensed are counted. In October 2022, the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group recommended that longer prescribing intervals, where clinically appropriate would benefit patients and healthcare providers. For example, if a patient is usually prescribed medication in 28 day intervals they could instead be prescribed 56 day intervals, which would reduce administration time and costs for healthcare providers and reduce the frequency of medication collection for the patient. As the same items can be prescribed in various forms (liquid/tablets/powder) and in different volumes, it is not possible to measure the volume of items prescribed accurately. However, a sample of 54 medications, known as the ‘28-day basket’ of medications can be used as an approximation of prescription volume. These 54 medications are usually taken as once-daily doses, therefore the total quantity doses divided by the number of times the item is prescribed can give an indication of the average number of days of treatment prescribed .

Data collection or calculation

Prescriptions data are obtained from Prescribing Services, NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and are based on information on prescription forms sent by the prescriber for payment.

Statistical quality

See associated statistical release and quality report for detailed notes, background and definitions.

Related reports

Published by

Organisation
Welsh Government
Contact email
stats.healthinfo@gov.wales