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Stimson J, McKeever TM, Agnew E, Lim WS, Royal S, Myles P, Evans S, Robotham JV. Risk of unintended consequences from lower antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections in primary care. J Infect 2024; 89:106255. [PMID: 39191321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES About 60% of antibiotic prescribing in primary care is for respiratory tract infections (RTIs), some of which is likely unnecessary. There is limited evidence on the association between reduced antibiotic prescribing and adverse events. We aimed to identify associations between practice-level prescribing rates for RTIs in general practice, and patient-level adverse outcomes. METHODS We included 1471 English General Practitioner (GP) practices, linked to hospital admissions in England, from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink for 2005 to 2019. Outcomes were hospitalisations, RTI-related re-consultations and additional antibiotic prescriptions, adjusted for practice level case-mix prescribing. RESULTS Prescribing rates for practices falling within the lowest and highest prescribing quintiles were 52 and 139 prescriptions per 1000 RTI-related consultations. Patients from practices in the lowest prescribing quintile did not have significantly higher risk of hospitalisation, adjusted odds ratio 0·99 (95% CI 0·96 to 1·02). Re-consultations within 30 days were significantly higher for the lowest prescribing practices, adjusted odds ratio 1·209 (1·206 to 1·212). Additional antibiotic prescriptions and subsequent prescriptions upon re-consultation were significantly lower for the lowest prescribing practices, adjusted odds ratio 0·317 (0·314 to 0·321) and 0·706 (0·699 to 0·712), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our results contribute to evidence on the safety of reduced antibiotic prescribing for RTIs in primary care. Results suggest that for the majority of practices, further reductions in RTI-related antibiotic prescribing should be possible without an increase in hospitalisation for pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Stimson
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, Clinical & Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, UK.
| | - Tricia M McKeever
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK; NIHR Health Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre Respiratory Theme, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Emily Agnew
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, Clinical & Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, UK
| | - Wei Shen Lim
- Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK; NIHR Health Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre Respiratory Theme, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Puja Myles
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, UK
| | - Stephanie Evans
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, Clinical & Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, UK
| | - Julie V Robotham
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, Clinical & Public Health Group, UK Health Security Agency, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at University of Oxford in Partnership with the UK Health Security Agency, Oxford, UK
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2
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Vestesson E, De Corte K, Chappell P, Crellin E, Clarke GM. Antibiotic prescribing in remote versus face-to-face consultations for acute respiratory infections in primary care in England: an observational study using target maximum likelihood estimation. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 64:102245. [PMID: 37842171 PMCID: PMC10568332 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an ongoing increase in the use of remote consultations in general practice in England. Although the evidence is limited, there are concerns that the increase in remote consultations could lead to more antibiotic prescribing. Methods In this cohort study, we used patient-level primary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink to estimate the association between consultation mode (remote versus face-to-face) and antibiotic prescribing in England for acute respiratory infections (ARI) between April 2021 and March 2022. Eligibility criteria were applied at both practice-level and patient-level. 400 practices in England were sampled at random and then 600,000 patients were randomly sampled from the eligible patients (whose sex was recorded). Consultations for acute respiratory infections were identified. All antibiotic prescriptions were included, with the exception of antituberculosis drugs and antileprotic drugs, as identified through chapter 5.1 of the British National Formulary. The CPRD Aurum data was linked to the COVID-19 ONS infection survey by region. All analyses were done at the individual level. Repeated consultations from the same patient within 7 days were grouped together. We used targeted maximum likelihood estimation, a causal machine learning method with adjustment for infection type and patient-level, clinician-level and practice-level factors. Findings There were 45,997 ARI consultations (34,555 unique patients) within the study period, of which 28,127 were remote and 17,870 were face-to-face. For children, 48% of consultations were remote and, for adults, 66% were remote. For children, 42% of remote and 43% of face-to-face consultations led to an antibiotic prescription; the equivalent values for adults were 52% and 42%, respectively. After adjustment with TMLE, adults with a remote consultation had 23% (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% CI: 1.18-1.29) higher chance of being prescribed antibiotics than if they had been seen face-to-face. We found no significant association between consultation mode and antibiotic prescribing in children (OR 1.04 95% CI: 0.98-1.11). Interpretation The higher rates of antibiotic prescribing in remote consultations for adults are cause for concern. We see no significant difference in antibiotic prescribing between consultation mode for children. These findings should inform antimicrobial stewardship activities for health-care professionals and policy makers. Future research should examine differences in guideline-compliance between remote and face-to-face consultations to understand the factors driving antibiotic prescribing in different consultation modes. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Vestesson
- The Health Foundation, London, UK
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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3
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Yang YT, Zhong X, Fahmi A, Watts S, Ashcroft DM, Massey J, Fisher L, MacKenna B, Mehrkar A, Bacon SCJ, Goldacre B, Hand K, van Staa T, Palin V. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment of common infections in primary care and the change to antibiotic prescribing in England. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2023; 12:102. [PMID: 37717030 PMCID: PMC10504725 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is concern that the COVID-19 pandemic altered the management of common infections in primary care. This study aimed to evaluate infection-coded consultation rates and antibiotic use during the pandemic and how any change may have affected clinical outcomes. METHODS With the approval of NHS England, a retrospective cohort study using the OpenSAFELY platform analysed routinely collected electronic health data from GP practices in England between January 2019 and December 2021. Infection coded consultations and antibiotic prescriptions were used estimate multiple measures over calendar months, including age-sex adjusted prescribing rates, prescribing by infection and antibiotic type, infection consultation rates, coding quality and rate of same-day antibiotic prescribing for COVID-19 infections. Interrupted time series (ITS) estimated the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on infection-coded consultation rates. The impact of the pandemic on non- COVID-19 infection-related hospitalisations was also estimated. RESULTS Records from 24 million patients were included. The rate of infection-related consultations fell for all infections (mean reduction of 39% in 2020 compared to 2019 mean rate), except for UTI which remained stable. Modelling infection-related consultation rates highlighted this with an incidence rate ratio of 0.44 (95% CI 0.36-0.53) for incident consultations and 0.43 (95% CI 0.33-0.54) for prevalent consultations. Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) saw the largest reduction of 0.11 (95% CI 0.07-0.17). Antibiotic prescribing rates fell with a mean reduction of 118.4 items per 1000 patients in 2020, returning to pre-pandemic rates by summer 2021. Prescribing for LRTI decreased 20% and URTI increased 15.9%. Over 60% of antibiotics were issued without an associated same-day infection code, which increased during the pandemic. Infection-related hospitalisations reduced (by 62%), with the largest reduction observed for pneumonia infections (72.9%). Same-day antibiotic prescribing for COVID-19 infection increased from 1 to 10.5% between the second and third national lockdowns and rose again during 2022. CONCLUSIONS Changes to consultations and hospital admissions may be driven by reduced transmission of non-COVID-19 infections due to reduced social mixing and lockdowns. Inconsistencies in coding practice emphasises the need for improvement to inform new antibiotic stewardship policies and prevent resistance to novel infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ting Yang
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Centre for Health Informatics, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Xiaomin Zhong
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Centre for Health Informatics, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Ali Fahmi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Centre for Health Informatics, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Simon Watts
- Health Education England, Manchester, M1 3BN, UK
| | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jon Massey
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX26GG, UK
| | - Louis Fisher
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX26GG, UK
| | - Brian MacKenna
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX26GG, UK
| | - Amir Mehrkar
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX26GG, UK
| | - Sebastian C J Bacon
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX26GG, UK
| | - Ben Goldacre
- Bennett Institute for Applied Data Science, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX26GG, UK
| | - Kieran Hand
- NHS England, Wellington House, Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8UG, UK
| | - Tjeerd van Staa
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Centre for Health Informatics, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Victoria Palin
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Centre for Health Informatics, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
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Borek AJ, Pouwels KB, van Hecke O, Robotham JV, Butler CC, Tonkin-Crine S. Role of locum GPs in antibiotic prescribing and stewardship: a mixed-methods study. Br J Gen Pract 2022; 72:e118-e127. [PMID: 34990397 PMCID: PMC8763197 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2021.0354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most antibiotics are prescribed in primary care. Locum or sessional GPs (locums) are perceived as contributing to higher prescribing and may face barriers to engaging with antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). AIM To identify how locums' antibiotic prescribing compares with other general practice prescribers, and how they perceive their role in antibiotic prescribing and AMS. DESIGN AND SETTING Mixed-methods study in primary care. METHOD Data on antibiotic prescribing, diagnoses, and patient and prescriber characteristics were extracted from The Health Improvement Network database. A mixed-effects logistic model was used to compare locums' and other prescribers' antibiotic prescribing for conditions that do not usually benefit from antibiotics. Nineteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with locums in England and analysed thematically. RESULTS Locums accounted for 11% of consultations analysed. They prescribed antibiotics more often than other GPs and nurse prescribers for acute cough, sore throat, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, and acute bronchitis. The number of patients receiving antibiotics for these conditions was 4% higher (on absolute scale) when consulting with locums compared with when they consulted with other GPs. Four themes capture the perceived influences on prescribing antibiotics and AMS: antibiotic prescribing as a complex but individual issue, nature and patterns of locum work, relationships between practices and locums, and professional isolation. CONCLUSION Locums contribute to higher antibiotic prescribing compared with their peers. They experience challenges but also opportunities for contributing to AMS, which should be better addressed. With an increasing proportion of locums in general practice, they have an important role in antibiotic optimisation and AMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J Borek
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) academic clinical lecturer
| | - Koen B Pouwels
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - Oliver van Hecke
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) academic clinical lecturer
| | - Julie V Robotham
- Antimicrobial Resistance, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford
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Borek AJ, Campbell A, Dent E, Moore M, Butler CC, Holmes A, Walker AS, McLeod M, Tonkin-Crine S. Development of an intervention to support the implementation of evidence-based strategies for optimising antibiotic prescribing in general practice. Implement Sci Commun 2021; 2:104. [PMID: 34526140 PMCID: PMC8441243 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-021-00209-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trials show that antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategies, including communication skills training, point-of-care C-reactive protein testing (POC-CRPT) and delayed prescriptions, help optimise antibiotic prescribing and use in primary care. However, the use of these strategies in general practice is limited and inconsistent. We aimed to develop an intervention to enhance uptake and implementation of these strategies in primary care. METHODS We drew on the Person-Based Approach to develop an implementation intervention in two stages. (1) Planning and design: We defined the problem in behavioural terms drawing on existing literature and conducting primary qualitative research (nine focus groups) in high-prescribing general practices. We identified 'guiding principles' with intervention objectives and key features and developed logic models representing intended mechanisms of action. (2) Developing the intervention: We created prototype intervention materials and discussed and refined these with input from 13 health professionals and 14 citizens in two sets of design workshops. We further refined the intervention materials following think-aloud interviews with 22 health professionals. RESULTS Focus groups highlighted uncertainties about how strategies could be used. Health professionals in the workshops suggested having practice champions, brief summaries of each AMS strategy and evidence supporting the AMS strategies, and they and citizens gave examples of helpful communication strategies/phrases. Think-aloud interviews helped clarify and shorten the text and user journey of the intervention materials. The intervention comprised components to support practice-level implementation: antibiotic champions, practice meetings with slides provided, and an 'implementation support' website section, and components to support individual-level uptake: website sections on each AMS strategy (with evidence, instructions, links to electronic resources) and material resources (patient leaflets, POC-CRPT equipment, clinician handouts). CONCLUSIONS We used a systematic, user-focussed process of developing a behavioural intervention, illustrating how it can be used in an implementation context. This resulted in a multicomponent intervention to facilitate practice-wide implementation of evidence-based strategies which now requires implementing and evaluating. Focusing on supporting the uptake and implementation of evidence-based strategies to optimise antibiotic use in general practice is critical to further support appropriate antibiotic use and mitigate antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Anne Campbell
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elle Dent
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Alison Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A Sarah Walker
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Monsey McLeod
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Pharmacy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
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Stuart B, Brotherwood H, Van't Hoff C, Brown A, van den Bruel A, Hay AD, Moore M, Little P. Exploring the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for common respiratory tract infections in UK primary care. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:236-242. [PMID: 31637421 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To use illness severity scores to evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in UK general practice. METHODS We describe variations in practice prescribing rates, taking account of illness severity. We used three scores in three studies to measure severity: 'FeverPAIN' in an adult acute sore throat cohort (n=12 829), the '3C score' in an adult acute lower respiratory tract infection cohort (n=28 883) and the STARWAVe score in an acute cough and respiratory infection children's cohort (n=8394). We calculated median ORs to quantify practice-level variation in prescribing rates, adjusted for illness severity. RESULTS There was substantial variability in practice prescribing rates (ranges of 0%-97%, 7%-100% and 0%-75% in the three cohorts, respectively). There was evidence that higher prescribing practices saw a higher proportion of unwell patients. At the individual level, patients who were more unwell were more likely to receive a prescription, but prescribing levels for those with low scores were still high. The median OR was 2.5 (95% credible interval=2.2-2.9) in the sore throat data set, 2.9 (95% credible interval=2.6-3.2) in the adult cough data set and 2.1 (95% credible interval=1.8-2.4) in the children's cough data set. CONCLUSIONS Higher prescribing practices may see more unwell patients with high illness severity scores, but the differences in scores account for a minority of between-practice prescribing variation. There is likely to be scope for further reductions in antibiotic prescribing among patients with low illness severity scores. Further research is needed to explore the additional factors that account for variation in prescribing levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Stuart
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Hannah Brotherwood
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Catherine Van't Hoff
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Alastair Brown
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Little
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
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7
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Borek AJ, Campbell A, Dent E, Butler CC, Holmes A, Moore M, Walker AS, McLeod M, Tonkin-Crine S. Implementing interventions to reduce antibiotic use: a qualitative study in high-prescribing practices. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:25. [PMID: 33485324 PMCID: PMC7825381 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01371-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trials have shown that delayed antibiotic prescriptions (DPs) and point-of-care C-Reactive Protein testing (POC-CRPT) are effective in reducing antibiotic use in general practice, but these were not typically implemented in high-prescribing practices. We aimed to explore views of professionals from high-prescribing practices about uptake and implementation of DPs and POC-CRPT to reduce antibiotic use. METHODS This was a qualitative focus group study in English general practices. The highest antibiotic prescribing practices in the West Midlands were invited to participate. Clinical and non-clinical professionals attended focus groups co-facilitated by two researchers. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS Nine practices (50 professionals) participated. Four main themes were identified. Compatibility of strategies with clinical roles and experience - participants viewed the strategies as having limited value as 'clinical tools', perceiving them as useful only in 'rare' instances of clinical uncertainty and/or for those less experienced. Strategies as 'social tools' - participants perceived the strategies as helpful for negotiating treatment decisions and educating patients, particularly those expecting antibiotics. Ambiguities - participants perceived ambiguities around when they should be used, and about their impact on antibiotic use. Influence of context - various other situational and practical issues were raised with implementing the strategies. CONCLUSIONS High-prescribing practices do not view DPs and POC-CRPT as sufficiently useful 'clinical tools' in a way which corresponds to the current policy approach advocating their use to reduce clinical uncertainty and improve antimicrobial stewardship. Instead, policy attention should focus on how these strategies may instead be used as 'social tools' to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. Attention should also focus on the many ambiguities (concerns and questions) about, and contextual barriers to, using these strategies that need addressing to support wider and more consistent implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Anne Campbell
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elle Dent
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Alison Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - A Sarah Walker
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Monsey McLeod
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Pharmacy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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8
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van Bodegraven B, Palin V, Mistry C, Sperrin M, White A, Welfare W, Ashcroft DM, van Staa TP. Infection-related complications after common infection in association with new antibiotic prescribing in primary care: retrospective cohort study using linked electronic health records. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041218. [PMID: 33452190 PMCID: PMC7813359 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the association of incident antibiotic prescribing levels for common infections with infection-related complications and hospitalisations by comparing high with low prescribing general practitioner practices. DESIGN RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY Retrospective cohort study. DATA SOURCE UK primary care records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD GOLD) and SAIL Databank (SAIL) linked with Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data, including 546 CPRD, 346 CPRD-HES and 338 SAIL-HES practices. EXPOSURES Initial general practice visit for one of six common infections and the proportion of antibiotic prescribing in each practice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of infection-related complications (as recorded in general practice) or infection-related hospital admission within 30 days after consultation for a common infection. RESULTS A practice with 10.4% higher antibiotic prescribing (the IQR) was associated with a 5.7% lower rate of infection-related hospital admissions (adjusted analysis, 95% CI 3.3% to 8.0%). The association varied by infection with larger associations in hospital admissions with lower respiratory tract infection (16.1%; 95% CI 12.4% to 19.7%) and urinary tract infection (14.7%; 95% CI 7.6% to 21.1%) and smaller association in hospital admissions for upper respiratory tract infection (6.5%; 95% CI 3.5% to 9.5%) The association of antibiotic prescribing levels and hospital admission was largest in patients aged 18-39 years (8.6%; 95% CI 4.0% to 13.0%) and smallest in the elderly aged 75+ years (0.3%; 95% CI -3.4% to 3.9%). CONCLUSIONS There is an association between lower levels of practice level antibiotic prescribing and higher infection-related hospital admissions. Indiscriminately reducing antibiotic prescribing may lead to harm. Greater focus is needed to optimise antibiotic use by reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and better targeting antibiotics to patients at high risk of infection-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitta van Bodegraven
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Victoria Palin
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Chirag Mistry
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Sperrin
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew White
- NHS Greater Manchester Shared Service, Oldham, UK
| | | | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tjeerd Pieter van Staa
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Fernández-Urrusuno R, Meseguer Barros CM, Anaya-Ordóñez S, Borrego Izquierdo Y, Lallana-Álvarez MJ, Madridejos R, Tejón EM, Sánchez RP, Pérez Rodríguez O, García Gil M, Escudero Vilaplana B, Riádigos GMS, López-Fando MSP, Olmo Quintana V, Pina Gadea MB, García Alvarez A, Martorell MLS, Jiménez Arce JI, Aguilella Vizcaíno R, Pérez Martín J, Alzueta Isturiz N. Patients receiving a high burden of antibiotics in the community in Spain: a cross-sectional study. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2020; 9:e00692. [PMID: 33340264 PMCID: PMC7749514 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Some patients in the community receive a high burden of antibiotics. We aimed at describing the characteristics of these patients, antibiotics used, and conditions for which they received antibiotics. We carried out a cross-sectional study. Setting: Thirty Health Primary Care Areas from 12 regions in Spain, covering 5,960,191 inhabitants. Patients having at least 30 packages of antibacterials for systemic use dispensed in 2017 were considered. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of antibiotic use, conditions for which antibiotics were prescribed, clinical characteristics of patients, comorbidities, concomitant treatments, and microbiological isolates. Patient's average age was 70 years; 52% were men; 60% smokers/ex-smokers; 54% obese. Overall, 93% of patients had, at least, one chronic condition, and four comorbidities on average. Most common comorbidities were cardiovascular and/or hypertension (67%), respiratory diseases (62%), neurological/mental conditions (32%), diabetes (23%), and urological diseases (21%); 29% were immunosuppressed, 10% were dead at the time of data collection. Patients received three antibiotic treatments per year, mainly fluoroquinolones (28%), macrolides (21%), penicillins (19%), or cephalosporins (12%). Most frequently treated conditions were lower respiratory tract (infections or prophylaxis) (48%), urinary (27%), and skin/soft tissue infections (11%). Thirty-five percent have been guided by a microbiological diagnosis, being Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30%) and Escherichia coli (16%) the most frequent isolates. In conclusion, high antibiotic consumers in the community were basically elder, with multimorbidity and polymedication. They frequently received broad-spectrum antibiotics for long periods of time. The approach to infections in high consumers should be differentiated from healthy patients receiving antibiotics occasionally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Fernández-Urrusuno
- Clinical Unit Primary Care Pharmacy Sevilla, Aljarafe-Sevilla Norte Primary Health Area, Andalusian Health Service, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Sonia Anaya-Ordóñez
- Service of Pharmacy, Granada Metropolitano Primary Health Care Area, Andalusian Health Service, Granada, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Esther Marco Tejón
- Cuenca Primary Care Management, Hospital Virgen de la Luz, Castilla La Mancha Health Service, Cuenca, Spain
| | | | - Olatz Pérez Rodríguez
- Mallorca Primary Care Management, Islas Baleares Health Service IB-SALUT, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - María García Gil
- Service of Pharmacy, Sagunto Health Care Area, Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Genma M Silva Riádigos
- Service of Pharmacy, Ouest Primary Health Care Area, Madrid Health Service, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Vicente Olmo Quintana
- Service of Pharmacy, Gran Canaria Primary Care Management, Canarian Health Service, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - M Belén Pina Gadea
- Service of Primary Care Pharmacy, Aragón Health Service, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Angel García Alvarez
- Tramuntana Primary Care Management, Islas Baleares Health Care Service, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - M Llüisa Sastre Martorell
- Service of Pharmacy, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Islas Baleares Health Service IB-SALUT, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Jorge I Jiménez Arce
- Clinical Unit Primary Care Pharmacy Area VII Asturias, Principado de Asturias Health Service, Mieres, Asturias, Spain
| | | | - Joaquín Pérez Martín
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Area of Design, Gaming and Multimedia, European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Borek AJ, Anthierens S, Allison R, Mcnulty CAM, Anyanwu PE, Costelloe C, Walker AS, Butler CC, Tonkin-Crine S. Social and Contextual Influences on Antibiotic Prescribing and Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Qualitative Study with Clinical Commissioning Group and General Practice Professionals. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E859. [PMID: 33271843 PMCID: PMC7759918 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic prescribing in England varies considerably between Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and general practices. We aimed to assess social and contextual factors affecting antibiotic prescribing and engagement with antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) initiatives. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 22 CCG professionals and 19 general practice professionals. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Social/contextual influences were grouped into the following four categories: (1) Immediate context, i.e., patients' social characteristics (e.g., deprivation and culture), clinical factors, and practice and clinician characteristics (e.g., "struggling" with staff shortage/turnover) were linked to higher prescribing. (2) Wider context, i.e., pressures on the healthcare system, limited resources, and competing priorities were seen to reduce engagement with AMS. (3) Collaborative and whole system approaches, i.e., communication, multidisciplinary networks, leadership, and teamwork facilitated prioritizing AMS, learning, and consistency. (4) Relativity of appropriate prescribing, i.e., "high" or "appropriate" prescribing was perceived as relative, depending on comparators, and disregarding different contexts, but social norms around antibiotic use among professionals and patients seemed to be changing. Further optimization of antibiotic prescribing would benefit from addressing social/contextual factors and addressing wider health inequalities, not only targeting individual clinicians. Tailoring and adapting to local contexts and constraints, ensuring adequate time and resources for AMS, and collaborative, whole system approaches to promote consistency may help promote AMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J. Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.)
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Rosalie Allison
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester GL1 1DQ, UK; (R.A.); (C.A.M.M.)
| | - Cliodna A. M. Mcnulty
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester GL1 1DQ, UK; (R.A.); (C.A.M.M.)
| | - Philip E. Anyanwu
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK; (P.E.A.); (C.C.)
- School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Ceire Costelloe
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK; (P.E.A.); (C.C.)
| | - Ann Sarah Walker
- National Institute for Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.)
- National Institute for Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.)
- National Institute for Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
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11
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Awareness of Appropriate Antibiotic Use in Primary Care for Influenza-Like Illness: Evidence of Improvement from UK Population-Based Surveys. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9100690. [PMID: 33066092 PMCID: PMC7601947 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) account for a significant portion of inappropriate antibiotic use. Patient expectations for antibiotics for ILI are likely to play a substantial role in ‘unnecessary’ antibiotic consumption. This study aimed to investigate trends in awareness of appropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Three sequential online surveys of independent representative samples of adults in the United Kingdom investigated expectations for, and consumption of, antibiotics for ILI (May/June 2015 (n = 2064); Oct/Nov 2016 (n = 4000); Mar 2017 (n = 4000)). Respondents were asked whether they thought antibiotics were effective for ILI and about their antibiotic use. Proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each question and interactions with respondent characteristics were tested using logistic regression. Over the three surveys, the proportion of respondents who believed antibiotics would “definitely/probably” help an ILI fell from 37% (95% CI 35–39%) to 28% (95% CI 26–29%). Those who would “definitely/probably” visit a doctor in this situation fell from 48% (95% CI 46–50%) to 36% (95% CI 34–37%), while those who would request antibiotics during a consultation fell from 39% (95% CI 37–41%) to 30% (95% CI 29–32%). The percentage of respondents who found the information we provided about AMR “new/surprising” fell from 34% (95% CI 32–36%) to 28% (95% CI 26–31%). Awareness improved more among black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) than white people, with little other evidence of differences in improvements between subgroups. Whilst a degree of selection bias is unavoidable in online survey samples, the results suggest that awareness of AMR and appropriate antibiotic use has recently significantly improved in the United Kingdom, according to a wide range of indicators.
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12
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Guideline Adherence in Antibiotic Prescribing to Patients with Respiratory Diseases in Primary Care: Prevalence and Practice Variation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9090571. [PMID: 32899123 PMCID: PMC7559889 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9090571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) account for a large part of antibiotic prescriptions in primary care. However, guidelines advise restrictive antibiotic prescribing for RTIs. Only in certain circumstances, depending on, e.g., comorbidity, are antibiotics indicated. Most studies on guideline adherence do not account for this. We aimed to assess guideline adherence for antibiotic prescribing for RTIs as well as its variation between general practices (GPs), accounting for patient characteristics. We used data from electronic health records of GPs in the Netherlands. We selected patients who consulted their GP for acute cough, rhinitis, rhinosinusitis or sore throat in 2014. For each disease episode we assessed whether, according to the GP guideline, there was an indication for antibiotics, using the patient's sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity and co-medication. We assessed antibiotic prescribing for episodes with no or an unsure indication according to the guidelines. We analysed 248,896 episodes. Diagnoses with high rates of antibiotic prescribing when there was no indication include acute tonsillitis (57%), strep throat (56%), acute bronchitis (51%) and acute sinusitis (48%). Prescribing rates vary greatly between diagnoses and practices. Reduction of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing remains a key target to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Insight into reasons for guideline non-adherence may guide successful implementation of the variety of interventions already available for GPs and patients.
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13
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Anyanwu PE, Pouwels K, Walker A, Moore M, Majeed A, Hayhoe BWJ, Tonkin-Crine S, Borek A, Hopkins S, Mcleod M, Costelloe C. Investigating the mechanism of impact and differential effect of the Quality Premium scheme on antibiotic prescribing in England: a longitudinal study. BJGP Open 2020; 4:bjgpopen20X101052. [PMID: 32665235 PMCID: PMC7465585 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpopen20x101052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, approximately 73% of antibiotics in England were prescribed from primary care practices. It has been estimated that 9%-23% of antibiotic prescriptions between 2013 and 2015 were inappropriate. Reducing antibiotic prescribing in primary care was included as one of the national priorities in a financial incentive scheme in 2015-2016. AIM To investigate whether the effects of the Quality Premium (QP), which provided performance-related financial incentives to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), could be explained by practice characteristics that contribute to variations in antibiotic prescribing. DESIGN & SETTING Longitudinal monthly prescribing data were analysed for 6251 primary care practices in England from April 2014 to March 2016. METHOD Linear generalised estimating equations models were fitted, examining the effect of the 2015-2016 QP on the number of antibiotic items per specific therapeutic group age-sex related prescribing unit (STAR-PU) prescribed, adjusting for seasonality and months since implementation. Consistency of effects after further adjustment for variations in practice characteristics were also examined, including practice workforce, comorbidities prevalence, prescribing rates of non-antibiotic drugs, and deprivation. RESULTS Antibiotics prescribed in primary care practices in England reduced by -0.172 items per STAR-PU (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.180 to -0.171) after 2015-2016 QP implementation, with slight increases in the months following April 2015 (+0.014 items per STAR-PU; 95% CI = +0.013 to +0.014). Adjusting the model for practice characteristics, the immediate and month-on-month effects following implementation remained consistent, with slight attenuation in immediate reduction from -0.172 to -0.166 items per STAR-PU. In subgroup analysis, the QP effect was significantly greater among the top 20% prescribing practices (interaction p<0.001). Practices with low workforce and those with higher diabetes prevalence had greater reductions in prescribing following 2015-2016 QP compared with other practices (interaction p<0.001). CONCLUSION In high-prescribing practices, those with low workforce and high diabetes prevalence had more reduction following the QP compared with other practices, highlighting the need for targeted support of these practices and appropriate resourcing of primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Emeka Anyanwu
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Koen Pouwels
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Health Economics Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anne Walker
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benedict W J Hayhoe
- Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aleksandra Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan Hopkins
- Healthcare-Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
- Directorate of Infection, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Monsey Mcleod
- Pharmacy Department, Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NIHR Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Céire Costelloe
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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14
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Chaname Pinedo LE, Bruyndonckx R, Catry B, Latour K, Goossens H, Abrams S, Coenen S. Fluoroquinolone resistance in Escherichia coli isolates after exposure to non-fluoroquinolone antibiotics: a retrospective case-control study. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 75:1985-1992. [PMID: 32395754 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether prior exposure to non-fluoroquinolone antibiotics increases the risk of fluoroquinolone resistance in Escherichia coli. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of data collected retrospectively in a case-control study linking microbiological test results (isolated bacteria and their susceptibility) of urine samples routinely collected from primary, secondary and tertiary care patients in Belgium with information on prior antibiotic use at the patient level up to 1 year previously. RESULTS In urine samples from 6125 patients, 7204 E. coli isolates were retrieved [1949 fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates (cases) and 5255 fluoroquinolone-susceptible isolates (controls)]. After adjusting for potential confounders (including fluoroquinolone use) and correcting for multiple testing there were lower odds of fluoroquinolone resistance in E. coli isolates after exposure to cefazolin (OR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.52-0.81; P = 0.00014) and higher odds after exposure to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.23-1.97; P =0.00020) or nitrofurantoin (OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.23-1.84; P =0.000083). A sensitivity analysis excluding samples with antibiotic use during the 6 months prior to the sampling date confirmed the higher odds of fluoroquinolone resistance after exposure to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and nitrofurantoin. CONCLUSIONS Assuming no residual confounding or other biases, this study suggests that exposure to non-fluoroquinolone antibiotics, i.e. trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and nitrofurantoin, might be causally related to fluoroquinolone resistance in E. coli isolates from urinary samples. Future prospective research is needed to confirm non-fluoroquinolone antibiotics as potential drivers of fluoroquinolone resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Boudewijn Catry
- Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Unit, Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katrien Latour
- Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Unit, Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven Abrams
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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15
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Nowakowska M, van Staa T, Mölter A, Ashcroft DM, Tsang JY, White A, Welfare W, Palin V. Antibiotic choice in UK general practice: rates and drivers of potentially inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 74:3371-3378. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
To identify the rates of potentially inappropriate antibiotic choice when prescribing for common infections in UK general practices. To examine the predictors of such prescribing and the clustering effects at the practice level.
Methods
The rates of potentially inappropriate antibiotic choice were estimated using 1 151 105 consultations for sinusitis, otitis media and externa, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and urinary tract infection (UTI), using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Multilevel logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of inappropriate prescribing and to quantify the clustering effect at practice level.
Results
The rates of potentially inappropriate prescriptions were highest for otitis externa (67.3%) and URTI (38.7%) and relatively low for otitis media (3.4%), sinusitis (2.2%), LRTI (1.5%) and UTI in adults (2.3%) and children (0.7%). Amoxicillin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for all respiratory tract infections, except URTI. Amoxicillin accounted for 62.3% of prescriptions for otitis externa and 34.5% of prescriptions for URTI, despite not being recommended for these conditions. A small proportion of the variation in the probability of an inappropriate choice was attributed to the clustering effect at practice level (8% for otitis externa and 23% for sinusitis). Patients with comorbidities were more likely to receive a potentially inappropriate antibiotic for URTI, LRTI and UTI in adults. Patients who received any antibiotic in the 12 months before consultation were more likely to receive a potentially inappropriate antibiotic for all conditions except otitis externa.
Conclusions
Antibiotic prescribing did not always align with prescribing guidelines, especially for URTIs and otitis externa. Future interventions might target optimizing amoxicillin use in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Nowakowska
- NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Centre for Primary Care, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Tjeerd van Staa
- Greater Manchester Connected Health Cities, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Mölter
- Greater Manchester Connected Health Cities, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Greater Manchester Connected Health Cities, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Jung Yin Tsang
- Greater Manchester Connected Health Cities, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew White
- NHS Greater Manchester Shared Service, Ellen House, Waddington Street, Oldham, UK
| | - William Welfare
- Public Health England North West, 3 Piccadilly Place, London Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Victoria Palin
- Greater Manchester Connected Health Cities, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
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16
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Pouwels KB, Muller-Pebody B, Smieszek T, Hopkins S, Robotham JV. Selection and co-selection of antibiotic resistances among Escherichia coli by antibiotic use in primary care: An ecological analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218134. [PMID: 31181106 PMCID: PMC6557515 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The majority of studies that link antibiotic usage and resistance focus on simple associations between the resistance against a specific antibiotic and the use of that specific antibiotic. However, the relationship between antibiotic use and resistance is more complex. Here we evaluate selection and co-selection by assessing which antibiotics, including those mainly prescribed for respiratory tract infections, are associated with increased resistance to various antibiotics among Escherichia coli isolated from urinary samples. Methods Monthly primary care prescribing data were obtained from National Health Service (NHS) Digital. Positive E. coli records from urine samples in English primary care (n = 888,207) between April 2014 and January 2016 were obtained from the Second Generation Surveillance System. Elastic net regularization was used to evaluate associations between prescribing of different antibiotic groups and resistance against amoxicillin, cephalexin, ciprofloxacin, co-amoxiclav and nitrofurantoin at the clinical commissioning group (CCG) level. England is divided into 209 CCGs, with each NHS practice prolonging to one CCG. Results Amoxicillin prescribing (measured in DDD/ 1000 inhabitants / day) was positively associated with amoxicillin (RR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.04) and ciprofloxacin (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.17) resistance. In contrast, nitrofurantoin prescribing was associated with lower levels of resistance to amoxicillin (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.84–0.97). CCGs with higher levels of trimethoprim prescribing also had higher levels of ciprofloxacin resistance (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.10–1.59). Conclusion Amoxicillin, which is mainly (and often unnecessarily) prescribed for respiratory tract infections is associated with increased resistance against various antibiotics among E. coli causing urinary tract infections. Our findings suggest that when predicting the potential impact of interventions on antibiotic resistances it is important to account for use of other antibiotics, including those typically used for other indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen B. Pouwels
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Health Sciences, Global Health, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Berit Muller-Pebody
- Healthcare-Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timo Smieszek
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College School of Public Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Hopkins
- Healthcare-Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at University of Oxford in partnership with Public Health England, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Directorate of Infection, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie V. Robotham
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at University of Oxford in partnership with Public Health England, Oxford, United Kingdom
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gulliford
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Dorota Juszczyk
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
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