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Cronberg O, Tyrstrup M, Ekblom K, Hedin K. Factors influencing antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections in primary care - a comparison of physicians with different antibiotic prescribing rates. Scand J Prim Health Care 2024; 42:424-434. [PMID: 38625913 PMCID: PMC11332303 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2024.2332757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a notable decrease in antibiotic prescribing in the last thirty years in Sweden. Little is known about factors influencing antibiotic prescribing over several years. OBJECTIVE To compare primary care physicians who, over time, reduced their antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections with those who remained either high or low prescribers regarding potentially influencing factors. DESIGN AND SETTING A register-based study including all RTI visits in primary care in Region Kronoberg, Sweden 2006-2014. The data were divided into three 3-year periods. SUBJECTS The data comprised all physicians who had diagnosed at least one RTI for each of the three-year periods. The antibiotic prescribing rate adjusted for the patients' sex and age group was calculated for each physician and period, and based on the change between the first and the third period, the physicians were divided into three prescriber groups: The High Prescribing Group, the Decreasing Prescribing Group, and the Low Prescribing Group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES For the three prescriber groups, we compared factors influencing antibiotic prescribing such as the characteristics of the physicians, their use of point-of-care tests, their choice of diagnoses, and whether the patients returned and received antibiotics. RESULTS The High Prescribing Group ordered more point-of-care tests, registered more potential bacterial diagnoses, prescribed antibiotics at lower C-reactive protein levels, and prescribed antibiotics more often despite negative group A Streptococci test than in the Low Prescribing Group. The Decreasing Prescribing Group was between the High Prescribing Group and the Low Prescribing Group regarding these variables. The lower prescription rate in the Low Prescribing Group did not result in more return visits or new antibiotic prescriptions within 30 days. CONCLUSION Point-of-care testing and its interpretation differed between the prescriber groups. Focus on interpreting point-of-care test results could be a way forward in antibiotic stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olof Cronberg
- Växjöhälsan Primary Healthcare Center, Växjö, Sweden
- Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Mia Tyrstrup
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Lundbergsgatan Primary Health Care Centre, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kim Ekblom
- Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Katarina Hedin
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Futurum, Region Jönköping County, Sweden
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Xia H, Li J, Yang X, Zeng Y, Shi L, Li W, Liu X, Yang S, Zhao M, Chen J, Yang L. Effects of pay-for-performance based antimicrobial stewardship on antimicrobial consumption and expenditure: An interrupted time series analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32750. [PMID: 38975216 PMCID: PMC11226823 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the impact of pay-for-performance on antimicrobial consumption and antimicrobial expenditure in a large teaching hospital in Guangzhou, China. Methods We collected data from hospital information system from January 2018 through September 2022 in the inpatient wards. Antimicrobial consumption was evaluated using antibiotic use density (AUD) and antibiotic use rate (AUR). The economic impact of intervention was assessed by antimicrobial expenditure percentage. The data was analyzed using interrupted time series (ITS) analysis. Results Following the implementation of the intervention, immediate decreases in the level of AUD were observed in Department of Hematology Unit 3 (β = -66.93 DDDs/100PD, P = 0.002), Urology (β = -32.80 DDDs/100PD, P < 0.001), Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit 3 (β = -11.44 DDDs/100PD, P = 0.03), Cardiac Surgery (β = -14.30 DDDs/100PD, P = 0.01), ICU, Unit 2 (β = -81.91 DDDs/100PD, P = 0.02) and Cardiothoracic Surgery ICU (β = -41.52 DDDs/100PD, P = 0.05). Long-term downward trends in AUD were also identified in Organ Transplant Unit (β = -1.64 DDDs/100PD, P = 0.02). However, only Urology (β = -6.56 DDDs/100PD, P = 0.02) and Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit 3 (β = -8.50 %, P = 0.01) showed an immediate decrease in AUR, and long-term downward trends in AUR were observed in Pediatric ICU (β = -1.88 %, P = 0.05) and ICU Unit 1 (β = -0.55 %, P = 0.02). Conclusion This study demonstrates that the adoption of pay-for-performance effectively reduces antibiotic consumption in specific departments of a hospital in Guangzhou in the short term. However, it is important to recognize that the long-term impact of such interventions is often limited. Additionally, it should be noted that the overall effectiveness of the intervention across the entire hospital was not significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohai Xia
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Yang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingchao Zeng
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Shi
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shifang Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manzhi Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianping Yang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Obadare TO, Ogundipe TO, Adeyemo AT, Aboderin CM, Abiola DR, Sule NO, Aboderin AO. National health insurance scheme improves access and optimization of antimicrobial use in the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:199-205. [PMID: 38016023 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nigeria instituted the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for universal health coverage. This study compared the NHIS and out-of-pocket (OOP) antibiotic prescribing with the World Health Organization (WHO) optimal values. METHODS A total of 2190 prescription forms from the NHIS and OOP were included in this study conducted at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Nigeria from January 2021 to December 2022 and analysed using WHO drug prescribing guidelines. RESULTS The average number of drugs per encounter was higher in the NHIS prescribing (χ2=58.956, p=0.00) than in OOP prescribing. The percentage of encounters with an antibiotic prescribed is higher in NHIS prescribing (χ2=46.034, p=0.000) than in OOP prescribing. The percentage of parenteral antibiotic prescribing is higher in OOP prescribing (χ2=25.413, p=0.000) than in NHIS prescribing. The percentage of antibiotic prescribed from the National Essential Medicine List is higher in NHIS prescribing (χ2=8.227, p=0.000) as well as the antibiotics prescribed from the Access category of the WHO Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaRe) Classification of antibiotics (χ2=23.946, p=0.000) when compared with OOP prescribing. CONCLUSIONS Prescribing indicators show better performances with NHIS antibiotic prescribing and are closer to the WHO-recommended optimal values than in OPP prescribing. Hence NHIS prescribing can be an easy target for hospital antibiotic stewardship intervention for optimal antibiotic prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temitope O Obadare
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State, P.M.B. 5538 220222, Nigeria
| | - Taiwo O Ogundipe
- Pharmacy Department, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex. Ile-Ife, Osun State, P.M.B. 5538 220222, Nigeria
| | - Adeyemi T Adeyemo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State, P.M.B. 5538 220222, Nigeria
| | - Caleb M Aboderin
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state, P.M.B. 13 220282, Nigeria
| | - Doyin R Abiola
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State, P.M.B. 5538 220222, Nigeria
| | - Naheemot O Sule
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Statistics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, 845 Sherbrooke, H3A 0GA, Canada
| | - Aaron O Aboderin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State, P.M.B. 5538 220222, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, P.M.B. 220282, Nigeria
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Marshall T, Taverner T, Freidoony L. Medicalising diagnoses and treatment preferences: a retrospective cohort study of throat-related consultations in electronic primary care records. BJGP Open 2023; 7:BJGPO.2023.0056. [PMID: 37429635 PMCID: PMC11176689 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0056] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rather than first diagnosing and then deciding on treatment, GPs may intuitively decide on treatment and justify this through choice of diagnosis. AIM To investigate the relationship between choice of a medicalising diagnosis and antibiotic treatment for throat-related consultations. DESIGN & SETTING A retrospective cohort study in a large database of UK electronic primary care records between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2020. METHOD All first throat-related consultations were included, categorised as either pharyngitis/tonsillitis or sore throat. The outcome was any antibiotic prescription on the consultation date. GP-level random effects on prescribing and on diagnosis were estimated in a series of mixed-effects regression models, including age, sex, weekday, month, and clinician characteristics as fixed effects. GPs were grouped into quintiles by antibiotic prescribing propensity, and described the proportion of patients they diagnosed with pharyngitis/tonsillitis or sore throat in each quintile. RESULTS The analysis dataset included 393 590 throat-related consultations with 6881 staff. Diagnosis of pharyngitis/tonsillitis was strongly associated with antibiotic prescribing (adjusted odds ratio = 13.41, 95% confidence interval = 12.8 to 14.04). GP random effect accounted for 18% of variation in prescribing and for 26% of variation in diagnosis. GPs in the lowest quintile of antibiotic prescribing propensity diagnosed pharyngitis/tonsillitis on 31% of occasions, compared with 55% in the highest quintile. CONCLUSION There is substantial variation among GPs in diagnosis and treatment of throat-related problems. Preference for a medicalising diagnosis is associated with a preference for antibiotics, suggesting a common propensity to both diagnose and treat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Marshall
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tom Taverner
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Leila Freidoony
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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5
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Al Shoaraa OA, Qadus S, Naser AY. Medication prescription profile and hospital admission related to medication administration errors in England and Wales: an ecological study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e079932. [PMID: 37984953 PMCID: PMC10660783 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the correlation between prescribing rate of medications and hospital admissions related to medications administration errors in England and Wales during the time from 1999 to 2020. DESIGN An ecological study. SETTING A population-based study using hospital admission data that are publicly available in the UK. Data in this study were extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database in England and the Patient Episode Database in Wales from Wales. The Prescription Cost Analysis database was used to extract the prescription data. PARTICIPANTS Patients who were hospitalised all National Health Service (NHS) trusts and any independent sector funded by NHS trusts. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Hospitalisation rates related to medication administration errors and its associated prescriptions. RESULTS The annual rate of hospital admissions related to medication administration errors increased by 32.0% (from 184.21 (95% CI 183.0 to 185.4) in 1999 to 243.18 (95% CI 241.9 to 244.4) in 2020 per 100 000 persons. The most common three indications of hospital admissions were T39 (non-opioid analgesics, antipyretics and antirheumatics), T43 (psychotropic drugs), T42 (antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic and antiparkinsonism drugs). The age group 15-59 years had the highest number of hospital admissions (83.4%). Women contributed to 59.1% of the total number of hospital admissions. Admission rate among men increased by 16.7%. Among women, the admission rate increased by 44.6%. CONCLUSION Admission rates due to medication administration errors increased markedly in the past decade. This increase was correlated with an increase in the prescription rate of several therapeutic classes. Patients taking non-opioid analgesics, antipyretics and antirheumatics, psychiatric medications, antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic and antiparkinsonism drugs should have their recommended (and administered) doses closely monitored. They should be followed up on a regular basis to ensure that they are taking their medications as prescribed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oudai Amjad Al Shoaraa
- Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, Isra University Faculty of Pharmacy, Amman, Jordan
| | - Sami Qadus
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Madaba, Madaba, Jordan
| | - Abdallah Y Naser
- Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
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Glover RE, Mays NB, Fraser A. Do you see the problem? Visualising a generalised 'complex local system' of antibiotic prescribing across the United Kingdom using qualitative interview data. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 33:459-471. [PMID: 38013783 PMCID: PMC10388844 DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2023.2210743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is often referred to as a complex problem embedded in a complex system. Despite this insight, interventions in AMR, and in particular in antibiotic prescribing, tend to be narrowly focused on the behaviour of individual prescribers using the tools of performance monitoring and management rather than attempting to bring about more systemic change. In this paper, we aim to elucidate the nature of the local antibiotic prescribing 'system' based on 71 semi-structured interviews undertaken in six local areas across the United Kingdom (UK). We applied complex systems theory and systems mapping methods to our qualitative data to deepen our understanding of the interactions among antibiotic prescribing interventions and the wider health system. We found that a complex and interacting set of proximal and distal factors can have unpredictable effects in different local systems in the UK. Ultimately, enacting performance management-based interventions in the absence of in-depth contextual understandings about other pressures prescribers face is a recipe for temporary solutions, waning intervention effectiveness, and unintended consequences. We hope our insights will enable policy makers and academics to devise and evaluate interventions in future in a manner that better reflects and responds to the dynamics of complex local prescribing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Glover
- Policy Innovation Research Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nicholas B. Mays
- Policy Innovation Research Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alec Fraser
- Public Services Management and Organisation, Kings College London, London, UK
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7
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Stenehjem E, Wallin A, Willis P, Kumar N, Seibert AM, Buckel WR, Stanfield V, Brunisholz KD, Fino N, Samore MH, Srivastava R, Hicks LA, Hersh AL. Implementation of an Antibiotic Stewardship Initiative in a Large Urgent Care Network. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2313011. [PMID: 37166794 PMCID: PMC10176123 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Urgent Care (UC) encounters result in more inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions than other outpatient setting. Few stewardship interventions have focused on UC. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of an antibiotic stewardship initiative to reduce antibiotic prescribing for respiratory conditions in a UC network. Design, Setting, and Participants This quality improvement study conducted in a UC network with 38 UC clinics and 1 telemedicine clinic included 493 724 total UC encounters. The study compared the antibiotic prescribing rates of all UC clinicians who encountered respiratory conditions for a 12-month baseline period (July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019) with an intervention period (July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020). A sustainability period (July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021) was added post hoc. Interventions Stewardship interventions included (1) education for clinicians and patients, (2) electronic health record (EHR) tools, (3) a transparent clinician benchmarking dashboard, and (4) media. Occurring independently but concurrent with the interventions, a stewardship measure was introduced by UC leadership into the quality measures, including a financial incentive. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the percentage of UC encounters with an antibiotic prescription for a respiratory condition. Secondary outcomes included antibiotic prescribing when antibiotics were not indicated (tier 3 encounters) and first-line antibiotics for acute otitis media, sinusitis, and pharyngitis. Interrupted time series with binomial generalized estimating equations were used to compare periods. Results The baseline period included 207 047 UC encounters for respiratory conditions (56.8% female; mean [SD] age, 30.0 [21.4] years; 92.0% White race); the intervention period included 183 893 UC encounters (56.4% female; mean [SD] age, 30.7 [20.8] years; 91.2% White race). Antibiotic prescribing for respiratory conditions decreased from 47.8% (baseline) to 33.3% (intervention). During the initial intervention month, a 22% reduction in antibiotic prescribing occurred (odds ratio [OR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71-0.86). Antibiotic prescriptions decreased by 5% monthly during the intervention (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.94-0.96). Antibiotic prescribing for tier 3 encounters decreased by 47% (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.44-63), and first-line antibiotic prescriptions increased by 18% (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.09-1.29) during the initial intervention month. Antibiotic prescriptions for tier 3 encounters decreased by an additional 4% each month (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98), whereas first-line antibiotic prescriptions did not change (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.01). Antibiotic prescribing for respiratory conditions remained stable in the sustainability period. Conclusions and relevance The findings of this quality improvement study indicated that a UC antibiotic stewardship initiative was associated with decreased antibiotic prescribing for respiratory conditions. This study provides a model for UC antibiotic stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Stenehjem
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Anthony Wallin
- Intermountain Urgent Care, Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Park Willis
- Intermountain Urgent Care, Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Office of Research, Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Allan M. Seibert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Whitney R. Buckel
- System Pharmacy Services, Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Valoree Stanfield
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Nora Fino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Matthew H. Samore
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Rajendu Srivastava
- Intermountain Health Delivery Institute, Intermountain Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Inpatient Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Lauri A. Hicks
- Office of Antibiotic Stewardship, Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Adam L. Hersh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
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Blair PS, Young G, Clement C, Dixon P, Seume P, Ingram J, Taylor J, Cabral C, Lucas PJ, Beech E, Horwood J, Gulliford M, Francis NA, Creavin S, Lane JA, Bevan S, Hay AD. Multi-faceted intervention to improve management of antibiotics for children presenting to primary care with acute cough and respiratory tract infection (CHICO): efficient cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ 2023; 381:e072488. [PMID: 37100446 PMCID: PMC10131137 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-072488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether an easy-to-use multifaceted intervention for children presenting to primary care with respiratory tract infections would reduce antibiotic dispensing, without increasing hospital admissions for respiratory tract infection. DESIGN Two arm randomised controlled trial clustered by general practice, using routine outcome data, with qualitative and economic evaluations. SETTING English primary care practices using the EMIS electronic medical record system. PARTICIPANTS Children aged 0-9 years presenting with respiratory tract infection at 294 general practices, before and during the covid-19 pandemic. INTERVENTION Elicitation of parental concerns during consultation; a clinician focused prognostic algorithm to identify children at very low, normal, or elevated 30 day risk of hospital admission accompanied by antibiotic prescribing guidance; and a leaflet for carers including safety netting advice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rate of dispensed amoxicillin and macrolide antibiotics (superiority comparison) and hospital admissions for respiratory tract infection (non-inferiority comparison) for children aged 0-9 years over 12 months (same age practice list size as denominator). RESULTS Of 310 practices needed, 294 (95%) were randomised (144 intervention and 150 controls) representing 5% of all registered 0-9 year olds in England. Of these, 12 (4%) subsequently withdrew (six owing to the pandemic). Median intervention use per practice was 70 (by a median of 9 clinicians). No evidence was found that antibiotic dispensing differed between intervention practices (155 (95% confidence interval 138 to 174) items/year/1000 children) and control practices (157 (140 to 176) items/year/1000 children) (rate ratio 1.011, 95% confidence interval 0.992 to 1.029; P=0.25). Pre-specified subgroup analyses suggested reduced dispensing in intervention practices with fewer prescribing nurses, in single site (compared with multisite) practices, and in practices located in areas of lower socioeconomic deprivation, which may warrant future investigation. Pre-specified sensitivity analysis suggested reduced dispensing among older children in the intervention arm (P=0.03). A post hoc sensitivity analysis suggested less dispensing in intervention practices before the pandemic (rate ratio 0.967, 0.946 to 0.989; P=0.003). The rate of hospital admission for respiratory tract infections in the intervention practices (13 (95% confidence interval 10 to 18) admissions/1000 children) was non-inferior compared with control practices (15 (12 to 20) admissions/1000 children) (rate ratio 0.952, 0.905 to 1.003). CONCLUSIONS This multifaceted antibiotic stewardship intervention for children with respiratory tract infections did not reduce overall antibiotic dispensing or increase respiratory tract infection related hospital admissions. Evidence suggested that in some subgroups and situations (for example, under non-pandemic conditions) the intervention slightly reduced prescribing rates but not in a clinically relevant way. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN11405239ISRCTN registry ISRCTN11405239.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Blair
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Grace Young
- Bristol Trials Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Clare Clement
- Bristol Trials Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - P Dixon
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Penny Seume
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jenny Ingram
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jodi Taylor
- Bristol Trials Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Christie Cabral
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Jeremy Horwood
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Martin Gulliford
- King's College London, School of Population and Life Course Sciences London, UKPrimary Care Research Centre, School of Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Sam Creavin
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Janet A Lane
- Bristol Trials Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Scott Bevan
- Bristol Trials Centre, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alistair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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9
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Decline in oral antimicrobial prescription in the outpatient setting after nationwide implementation of financial incentives and provider education: An interrupted time-series analysis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023; 44:253-259. [PMID: 35382915 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2022.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the impact of nationwide outpatient antimicrobial stewardship interventions in the form of financial incentives for providers and provider education when antimicrobials are deemed unnecessary for uncomplicated respiratory infections and acute diarrhea. METHODS We collected data from a large claims database from April 2013 through March 2020 and performed a quasi-experimental, interrupted time-series analysis. The outcome of interest was oral antimicrobial prescription rate defined as the number of monthly antimicrobial prescriptions divided by the number of outpatient visits each month. We examined the effects of financial incentive to providers (ie, targeted prescriptions for those aged ≤2 years) and provider education (ie, targeted prescriptions for those aged ≥6 years) on the overall antimicrobial prescription rates and how these interventions affected different age groups before and after their implementation. RESULTS In total, 21,647,080 oral antimicrobials were prescribed to 2,920,381 unique outpatients during the study period. At baseline, prescription rates for all age groups followed a downward trend throughout the study period. Immediately after the financial incentive implementation, substantial reductions in prescription rates were observed among only those aged 0-2 years (-47.5 prescriptions per 1,000 clinic visits each month; 95% confidence interval, -77.3 to -17.6; P = .003), whereas provider education immediately reduced prescription rates in all age groups uniformly. These interventions did not affect the long-term trend for any age group. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the nationwide implementation of financial incentives and provider education had an immediate effect on the antimicrobial prescription but no long-term effect.
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Skow M, Fossum GH, Høye S, Straand J, Emilsson L, Brænd AM. Antibiotic treatment of respiratory tract infections in adults in Norwegian general practice. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2023; 5:dlac135. [PMID: 36632357 PMCID: PMC9825809 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To analyse the prevalence of respiratory tract infection (RTI) episodes with and without antibiotic prescriptions in adult patients in Norwegian general practice during the period 2012-2019. Methods Observational study linking data from the Norwegian Control and Payment for Health Reimbursements Database and the Norwegian Prescription Database. Episodes of acute RTIs in patients aged 18 years or older were identified and linked to antibiotic prescriptions dispensed within 7 days after diagnosis. We analysed annual infection rates and antibiotic prescription rates and antibiotics prescribed for the different RTI conditions. Results RTI episode rate per 1000 inhabitants was 312 in 2012 and 277 in 2019, but showed no linear trend of change during the study period (P = 0.205). Antibiotic prescription rate decreased from 37% of RTI episodes in 2012 to 23% in 2019 (P < 0.001). The reduction in prescribing was most pronounced for episodes coded with ICPC-2 symptom diagnoses, as well as upper RTIs, influenza, acute bronchitis and sinusitis. Prescriptions for phenoxymethylpenicillin decreased from 178 746 in 2012 to 143 095 in 2019, but increased as proportion of total antibiotic prescriptions from 40% in 2012 to 53% in 2019 (P < 0.001). Conclusions This study demonstrates stable RTI episode rates and reduced antibiotic prescription rates for RTIs for adults in Norwegian general practice 2012-2019. We also observed a shift towards relatively more use of phenoxymethylpenicillin and less broad-spectrum antibiotics. These changes are in line with the aims of the Norwegian strategy against antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guro H Fossum
- Department of General Practice, The Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Department of General Practice, General Practice Research Unit (AFE), Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigurd Høye
- Department of General Practice, The Antibiotic Centre for Primary Care, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørund Straand
- Department of General Practice, General Practice Research Unit (AFE), Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Tell D, Tyrstrup M, Edlund C, Rystedt K, Skoog Ståhlgren G, Sundvall PD, Hedin K. Clinical course of pharyngotonsillitis with group A streptococcus treated with different penicillin V strategies, divided in groups of Centor Score 3 and 4: a prospective study in primary care. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:840. [DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07830-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Sore throat is a common reason for prescribing antibiotics in primary care, and 10 days of treatment is recommended for patients with pharyngotonsillitis with group A streptococcus (GAS). Our group recently showed that penicillin V (PcV) four times daily for 5 days was non-inferior in clinical outcome to PcV three times daily for 10 days. This study compares duration, intensity of symptoms, and side effects in patients with a Centor Score (CS) of 3 or 4 respectively, after treatment with PcV for 5 or 10 days and evaluates whether all patients with pharyngotonsillitis with a CS of 3 or 4 should be treated for 5 days or if severity of symptoms or CS suggest a longer treatment period.
Method
Data on symptoms and recovery from patient diaries from 433 patients included in a RCT comparing PcV 800 mg × 4 for 5 days or PcV 1 g × 3 for 10 days was used. Patients six years and older with CS-3 or CS-4 and positive rapid antigen detection test for GAS-infection were grouped based on CS and randomized treatment. Comparisons for categorical variables were made with Pearson’s chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test. Continuous variables were compared with the Mann–Whitney U test.
Results
Patients with CS-3 as well as patients with CS-4 who received PcV 800 mg × 4 for 5 days self-reported that they recovered earlier compared to patients with CS-3 or CS-4 who received treatment with PcV 1 g × 3 for 10 days. In addition, the throat pain as single symptom was relieved 1 day earlier in patients with CS-4 and 5 days of treatment compared to patients with CS-4 and 10 days of treatment. No differences in side effects between the groups were found.
Conclusion
Intense treatment with PcV four times a day for 5 days seems clinically beneficial and strengthens the suggestion that the 4-dose regimen with 800 mg PcV for 5 days may be the future treatment strategy for GAS positive pharyngotonsillitis irrespectively of CS-3 or CS-4.
Trail registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02712307 (3 April 2016).
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12
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Ingvarsson S, Hasson H, von Thiele Schwarz U, Nilsen P, Powell BJ, Lindberg C, Augustsson H. Strategies for de-implementation of low-value care-a scoping review. Implement Sci 2022; 17:73. [PMID: 36303219 PMCID: PMC9615304 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-022-01247-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of low-value care (LVC) is a persistent problem that calls for knowledge about strategies for de-implementation. However, studies are dispersed across many clinical fields, and there is no overview of strategies that can be used to support the de-implementation of LVC. The extent to which strategies used for implementation are also used in de-implementing LVC is unknown. The aim of this scoping review is to (1) identify strategies for the de-implementation of LVC described in the scientific literature and (2) compare de-implementation strategies to implementation strategies as specified in the Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change (ERIC) and strategies added by Perry et al. Method A scoping review was conducted according to recommendations outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. Four scientific databases were searched, relevant articles were snowball searched, and the journal Implementation Science was searched manually for peer-reviewed journal articles in English. Articles were included if they were empirical studies of strategies designed to reduce the use of LVC. Two reviewers conducted all abstract and full-text reviews, and conflicting decisions were discussed until consensus was reached. Data were charted using a piloted data-charting form. The strategies were first coded inductively and then mapped onto the ERIC compilation of implementation strategies. Results The scoping review identified a total of 71 unique de-implementation strategies described in the literature. Of these, 62 strategies could be mapped onto ERIC strategies, and four strategies onto one added category. Half (50%) of the 73 ERIC implementation strategies were used for de-implementation purposes. Five identified de-implementation strategies could not be mapped onto any of the existing strategies in ERIC. Conclusions Similar strategies are used for de-implementation and implementation. However, only a half of the implementation strategies included in the ERIC compilation were represented in the de-implementation studies, which may imply that some strategies are being underused or that they are not applicable for de-implementation purposes. The strategies assess and redesign workflow (a strategy previously suggested to be added to ERIC), accountability tool, and communication tool (unique new strategies for de-implementation) could complement the existing ERIC compilation when used for de-implementation purposes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13012-022-01247-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ingvarsson
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska, Sweden.
| | - Henna Hasson
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska, Sweden.,Unit for implementation and evaluation, Center for Epidemiology and Community Medicine (CES), Stockholm Region, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrica von Thiele Schwarz
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska, Sweden.,School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Per Nilsen
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Public Health, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Byron J Powell
- Center for Mental Health Services Research, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for Dissemination and Implementation, Institute for Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Clara Lindberg
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska, Sweden
| | - Hanna Augustsson
- Procome Research Group, Medical Management Centre, Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska, Sweden.,Unit for implementation and evaluation, Center for Epidemiology and Community Medicine (CES), Stockholm Region, Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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Hughes G, Cunney R, Mockler D, Talento AF, Leary AO, Bergin C. The use of complexity theory to inform antimicrobial stewardship: a scoping review. J Hosp Infect 2022:S0195-6701(22)00191-8. [PMID: 35716862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complexity theory has previously been used as a conceptual lens in human healthcare research. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is an inherently complex healthcare intervention; however, the extent to which complexity has been operationalized in AMS is currently unclear. AIM To investigate if, and how, complexity theory has been used to inform AMS in human healthcare. METHODS Scoping review methodology. Empirical research or policy specifically referencing complexity in relation to AMS were considered in any human healthcare setting and geographical location. Databases searched were: Cinahl, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, PsycInfo, Scopus and Web of Science from inception to June 2020. Grey literature and other databases searched: EVIPNet, Google, Mednar, Proquest Theses, and the World Health Organization library of national antimicrobial resistance action plans. Non-English language articles were excluded. RESULTS Of 612 records retrieved, 8 articles were included. Heterogeneity in study design and geographical location were noted. Three interventional studies evaluated AMS in hospital (n = 2) and long-term care (n = 1) settings. Remaining studies were non-interventional and proposed AMS strategies conceptualized through complexity theory. The importance of close engagement between researchers or policy administrators and the target population was emphasized in all studies, as a means of ensuring AMS relevance and success. CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of AMS research informed by complexity theory, and no policy documents could be located using complexity as a guiding theory. Mixed methods, informed by complexity theory, is a potentially suitable strategy to develop, implement and evaluate AMS as a complex intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry Hughes
- Infectious diseases, St. James's Hospital Dublin Ireland; School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Robert Cunney
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Clinical Microbiology, Children's Health Ireland, Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Alida Fe Talento
- Clinical Microbiology, Children's Health Ireland, Temple Street, Dublin, Ireland; Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling O' Leary
- National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, St. James's Hospital Dublin, Ireland; School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm Bergin
- Infectious diseases, St. James's Hospital Dublin Ireland; School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Coope C, Schneider A, Zhang T, Kadetz P, Feng R, Lambert H, Wang D, Oliver I, Michie S, Cabral C. Identifying key influences on antibiotic use in China: a systematic scoping review and narrative synthesis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056348. [PMID: 35338063 PMCID: PMC8961142 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The inappropriate use of antibiotics is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance. In China, antibiotic prescribing and consumption exceed recommended levels and are relatively high internationally. Understanding the influences on antibiotic use is essential to informing effective evidence-based interventions. We conducted a scoping review to obtain an overview of empirical research about key behavioural, cultural, economic and social influences on antibiotic use in China. METHODS Searches were conducted in Econlit, Medline, PsycINFO, Social Science citation index and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for the period 2003 to early 2018. All study types were eligible including observational and intervention, qualitative and quantitative designs based in community and clinical settings. Two authors independently screened studies for inclusion. A data extraction form was developed incorporating details on study design, behaviour related to antibiotic use, influences on behaviour and information on effect (intervention studies only). RESULTS Intervention studies increased markedly from 2014, and largely focused on the impact of national policy and practice directives on antibiotic use in secondary and tertiary healthcare contexts in China. Most studies used pragmatic designs, such as before and after comparisons. Influences on antibiotic use clustered under four themes: antibiotic prescribing; adherence to antibiotics; self-medicating behaviour and over-the-counter sale of antibiotics. Many studies highlighted the use of antibiotics without a prescription for common infections, which was facilitated by availability of left-over medicines and procurement from local pharmacies. CONCLUSIONS Interventions aimed at modifying antibiotic prescribing behaviour show evidence of positive impact, but further research using more robust research designs, such as randomised trials, and incorporating process evaluations is required to better assess outcomes. The effect of national policy at the primary healthcare level needs to be evaluated and further exploration of the influences on antibiotic self-medicating is required to develop interventions that tackle this behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Coope
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Annegret Schneider
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol Medical School, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Kadetz
- Queen Margaret University, Institute for Global Health and Development, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rui Feng
- Library, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Helen Lambert
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - DeBin Wang
- School of Health Services Management, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Isabel Oliver
- Field Service, National Infection Service, Public Health England National Infection Service, Salisbury, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christie Cabral
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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15
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Basu S, Copana R, Morales R, Anugulruengkitt S, Puthanakit T, Maramba-Lazarte C, Williams P, Musembi J, Boga M, Issack M, Hokororo A, Falade AG, Trehan I, Molyneux E, Arscott-Mills T, Alemayehu T, Bryant PA. Keeping It Real: Antibiotic Use Problems and Stewardship Solutions in Low- and Middle-income Countries. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:S18-S25. [PMID: 35134036 PMCID: PMC8815843 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat and there is an urgent need to manage antibiotic use to slow its development. However, antimicrobial stewardship interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have been limited in terms of their resourcing, feasibility and effectiveness in the face of greater challenges in child mortality. We sought to gather together examples of antibiotic use problems faced by clinicians in LMIC, many of which are unique to these settings, and real-world antimicrobial stewardship solutions identified, with the goal of learning broader lessons that might be applicable across LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurav Basu
- From the Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Raul Copana
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, San Simon University, Cochabamba, Bolivia
- Intensive Care Unit, Manuel A. Villarroel Childrens Hospotal, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Ronaldo Morales
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suvaporn Anugulruengkitt
- Department of Pediatrics and
- Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanyawee Puthanakit
- Department of Pediatrics and
- Center of Excellence for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Cecilia Maramba-Lazarte
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (INTROP), Department of Pediatrics, University of the Philippines College of Medicine-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of the Philippines, College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Phoebe Williams
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme), Department of Paediatrics, Kilifi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Musembi
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mwanamvua Boga
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mohammad Issack
- Bacteriology Department, Central Health Laboratory, Victoria Hospital, Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius
| | - Adolfine Hokororo
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences-Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Adegoke G. Falade
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Indi Trehan
- Departments of Pediatrics, Global Health, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elizabeth Molyneux
- Paediatric and Child Health Department, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Tinsae Alemayehu
- American Medical Center, and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Department of Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Penelope A. Bryant
- Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Medical Lead, Hospital-in-the-Home, The Royal Children’s Hospital
- Group Leader and Clinician-Scientist Fellow, Clinical Paediatrics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Monmaturapoj T, Scott J, Smith P, Watson MC. What influences the implementation and sustainability of antibiotic stewardship programmes in hospitals? A qualitative study of antibiotic pharmacists' perspectives across South West England. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2022; 29:e46-e51. [PMID: 33789988 PMCID: PMC8899653 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2020-002540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antibiotic stewardship programmes (ASPs) are needed at every hospital as they can improve antibiotic use and address antibiotic resistance. Pharmacists are key agents and specialists in these programmes. This study explored antibiotic pharmacists' perceptions of factors that influence the implementation and sustainability of hospital-based ASPs. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with hospital antibiotic pharmacists face-to-face or by telephone. NVivo V.12 software was used to collate and organise the data grouped within codes. Thematic analysis was undertaken using inductive and deductive approaches to produce overarching themes. RESULTS Thirteen pharmacists from 13 hospitals were interviewed. Four main themes were identified: (1) 'organisational culture' which highlighted the importance of strong local clinical leadership to help achieve organisational buy-in and address resistance among physicians or clinical hierarchies; (2) 'national influences' including networks, guidance and incentive schemes which were considered to be a driver to bring about changes across organisation; (3) 'continuous monitoring with feedback ASP data, preferably through direct communication' to demonstrate the impact of the programmes which then facilitated ongoing support from local leadership and improved engagement across organisation; and (4) 'resources' which indicated the need of information technology and dedicated personnel with protected time to support ASP activities. CONCLUSIONS Interventions and strategies should operate at different levels-individual, team, organisational and national-to help implement and sustain ASPs in hospital. This is also the first study to identify and highlight the importance of national initiatives in contributing to the implementation and sustainability of hospital-based ASPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny Scott
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Paula Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Margaret C Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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17
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Andrews A, Bou-Antoun S, Guy R, Brown CS, Hopkins S, Gerver S. Respiratory antibacterial prescribing in primary care and the COVID-19 pandemic in England, winter season 2020-21. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:799-802. [PMID: 34897486 PMCID: PMC9383059 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibacterial prescribing for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) accounts for almost half of all prescribing in primary care. Nearly a quarter of antibacterial prescribing in primary care is estimated to be inappropriate, the greatest being for RTIs. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the provision of healthcare services and impacted the levels of antibacterials prescribed. OBJECTIVES To describe the changes in community antibacterial prescribing for RTIs in winter 2020-21 in England. METHODS RTI antibacterial prescribing was measured in prescription items/1000 population for primary care from January 2014 and in DDDs/1000 population/day for the totality of RTI prescribing [combined with Accident & Emergency (A&E) in secondary care], from January 2016 to February 2021. Trends were assessed using negative binomial regression and seasonally adjusted interrupted time-series analysis. RESULTS Antibacterials prescribed for RTIs reduced by a further 12.4% per season compared with pre-COVID (P < 0.001). In winter 2020-21, RTI prescriptions almost halved compared with the previous winter in 2019-20 (P < 0.001). The trend observed for total RTI prescribing (primary care with A&E) was similar to that observed in the community alone. CONCLUSIONS During COVID-19, RTI prescribing reduced in the community and the expected rise in winter was not seen in 2020-21. We found no evidence that RTI prescribing shifted from primary care to A&E in secondary care. The most likely explanation is a decrease in RTIs and presentations to primary care associated with national prevention measures for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Andrews
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London NW9 5EQ, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at the University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Sabine Bou-Antoun
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London NW9 5EQ, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Rebecca Guy
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Colin S Brown
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London NW9 5EQ, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Susan Hopkins
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London NW9 5EQ, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at the University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Sarah Gerver
- HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division, UK Health Security Agency, London NW9 5EQ, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at the University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance at Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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18
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Devine P, O’Kane M, Bucholc M. Trends, Variation, and Factors Influencing Antibiotic Prescribing: A Longitudinal Study in Primary Care Using a Multilevel Modelling Approach. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 11:antibiotics11010017. [PMID: 35052894 PMCID: PMC8772723 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has become one of the greatest threats to global health. Over 80% of antibiotics are prescribed in primary care, with many prescriptions considered to be issued inappropriately. The aim of this study was to examine the association between prescribing rates and demographic, practice, geographic, and socioeconomic characteristics using a multilevel modelling approach. Antibiotic prescribing data by 320 GP surgeries in Northern Ireland were obtained from Business Services Organisation for the years 2014–2020. A linear mixed-effects model was used to identify factors influencing antibiotic prescribing rates. Overall, the number of antibacterial prescriptions decreased by 26.2%, from 1,564,707 items in 2014 to 1,155,323 items in 2020. Lower levels of antibiotic prescribing were associated with urban practices (p < 0.001) and practices in less deprived areas (p = 0.005). The overall decrease in antibacterial drug prescriptions over time was larger in less deprived areas (p = 0.03). Higher prescribing rates were linked to GP practices located in areas with a higher percentage of the population aged ≥65 (p < 0.001) and <15 years (p < 0.001). There were also significant regional differences in antibiotic prescribing. We advocate that any future antibiotic prescribing targets should account for local factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Devine
- School of Computing, Engineering & Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry BT48 7JL, UK;
| | - Maurice O’Kane
- Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Western Health and Social Care Trust, Derry BT47 6SB, UK;
| | - Magda Bucholc
- School of Computing, Engineering & Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry BT48 7JL, UK;
- Correspondence:
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Muller-Pebody B, Sinnathamby MA, Warburton F, Rooney G, Andrews N, Whitaker H, Henderson KL, Tsang C, Hopkins S, Pebody RG. Impact of the childhood influenza vaccine programme on antibiotic prescribing rates in primary care in England. Vaccine 2021; 39:6622-6627. [PMID: 34627625 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.09.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines are a key part of the global strategy to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) since prevention of infection should reduce antibiotic use. England commenced national rollout of a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) programme for children aged 2-3 years together with a series of geographically discrete pilot areas for primary school age children in 2013 extending to older children in subsequent seasons. We investigated vaccine programme impact on community antibiotic prescribing rates. Antibiotic prescribing incidence rates for respiratory (RTI) and urinary tract infections (UTI; controls) were calculated at general practice (GP) level by age category (children<=10 years/adults) and season for LAIV pilot and non-pilot areas between 2013/14 and 2015/16. To estimate the LAIV (primary school age children only) intervention effect, a random effects model was fitted. A multivariable random-effects Poisson regression investigated the association of antibiotic prescribing rates in children with LAIV uptake (2-3-year-olds only) at GP practice level. RTI antibiotic prescribing rates for children <=10 years and adults showed clear seasonal trends and were lower in LAIV-pilot and non-pilot areas after the introduction of the LAIV programme in 2013. The reductions for RTI prescriptions (children) were similar (within 3%) in all areas, which coincided with the start the UK AMR strategy. Antibiotic prescribing was significantly (p < 0.0001) related to LAIV uptake in 2-3-year-olds with antibiotic prescribing reduced by 2.7% (95% CI: 2.1% to 3.4%) for every 10% increase in uptake. We found no evidence the LAIV programme for primary school age children resulted in reductions in RTI antibiotic prescribing, however we detected a significant inverse association between increased vaccine uptake in pre-school age children and antibiotic prescribing at GP level. The temporal association of reduced RTI and UTI antibiotic prescribing with the launch of the UK's AMR Strategy in 2013 highlights the importance of a multifaceted approach to tackle AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Muller-Pebody
- Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE), London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary A Sinnathamby
- Immunisation and Countermeasures, National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE), London, United Kingdom.
| | - Fiona Warburton
- Statistics and Modelling Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE), London, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Rooney
- Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE), London, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Andrews
- Statistics and Modelling Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE), London, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Whitaker
- Statistics and Modelling Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE), London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine L Henderson
- Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE), London, United Kingdom
| | - Camille Tsang
- Immunisation and Countermeasures, National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE), London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Hopkins
- Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE), London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard G Pebody
- Immunisation and Countermeasures, National Infection Service, Public Health England (PHE), London, United Kingdom
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20
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Yoshikawa Y, Feldhaus I, Özçelik E, Hashiguchi TCO, Cecchini M. Financial strategies targeting healthcare providers to promote the prudent use of antibiotics: a systematic review of the evidence. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2021; 58:106446. [PMID: 34610457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2021.106446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Improving prudent use of antibiotics is one way to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effects of financial strategies targeting healthcare providers on the prudent use of antibiotics. A systematic review of the literature was conducted searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases, and the grey literature. Search terms related to antibacterial agents, drug resistance, financial strategies, and healthcare providers and/or prescribers. Twenty-two articles were included in the review, reporting on capitation and salary reimbursement, cost containment interventions, pay-for-performance initiatives, penalties, and a one-off bonus payment. There was substantial variation in the reported outcomes describing prescribing behaviours, including proportion of patients prescribed antibiotics, antibiotic prescriptions per patient, and number of cases treated with recommended antibiotic therapy. All financial strategies were associated with improvements in the appropriate prescription of antibiotics in the short-term, although the magnitude of observed effects varied across financial strategies. Financial penalties were associated with the greatest decreases in inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, followed by capitation models and pay-for-performance schemes that paid bonuses upon achievement of performance targets. However, the risk of bias across studies must be noted. Findings point to the viability of financial strategies to promote the prudent use of antibiotics. Measuring the downstream impact of prescriber behaviour changes is key to estimating the true value of such interventions to tackle AMR. Research efforts should continue to build the evidence on causal mechanisms driving provider prescribing patterns for antibiotics and the long-term impact on antibiotic prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yoshikawa
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Isabelle Feldhaus
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2 Rue André Pascal, Paris, France.
| | - Ece Özçelik
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2 Rue André Pascal, Paris, France
| | | | - Michele Cecchini
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2 Rue André Pascal, Paris, France
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21
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Effect of antibiotic stewardship interventions in primary care on antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli bacteraemia in England (2013-18): a quasi-experimental, ecological, data linkage study. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:1689-1700. [PMID: 34363774 PMCID: PMC8612938 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00069-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health concern, driven by overuse of antibiotics. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a national antimicrobial stewardship intervention, the National Health Service (NHS) England Quality Premium implemented in 2015–16, on broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing and Escherichia coli bacteraemia resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics in England. Methods In this quasi-experimental, ecological, data linkage study, we used longitudinal data on bacteraemia for patients registered with a general practitioner in the English National Health Service and patients with E coli bacteraemia notified to the national mandatory surveillance programme between Jan 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2018. We linked these data to data on antimicrobial susceptibility testing of E coli from Public Health England's Second-Generation Surveillance System. We did an ecological analysis using interrupted time-series analyses and generalised estimating equations to estimate the change in broad-spectrum antibiotics prescribing over time and the change in the proportion of E coli bacteraemia cases for which the causative bacteria were resistant to each antibiotic individually or to at least one of five broad-spectrum antibiotics (co-amoxiclav, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, ofloxacin), after implementation of the NHS England Quality Premium intervention in April, 2015. Findings Before implementation of the Quality Premium, the rate of antibiotic prescribing for all five broad-spectrum antibiotics was increasing at rate of 0·2% per month (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1·002 [95% CI 1·000–1·004], p=0·046). After implementation of the Quality Premium, an immediate reduction in total broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing rate was observed (IRR 0·867 [95% CI 0·837–0·898], p<0·0001). This effect was sustained until the end of the study period; a 57% reduction in rate of antibiotic prescribing was observed compared with the counterfactual situation (ie, had the Quality Premium not been implemented). In the same period, the rate of resistance to at least one broad-spectrum antibiotic increased at rate of 0·1% per month (IRR 1·001 [95% CI 0·999–1·003], p=0·346). On implementation of the Quality Premium, an immediate reduction in resistance rate to at least one broad-spectrum antibiotic was observed (IRR 0·947 [95% CI 0·918–0·977], p=0·0007). Although this effect was also sustained until the end of the study period, with a 12·03% reduction in resistance rate compared with the counterfactual situation, the overall trend remained on an upward trajectory. On examination of the long-term effect following implementation of the Quality Premium, there was an increase in the number of isolates resistant to at least one of the five broad-spectrum antibiotics tested (IRR 1·002 [1·000–1·003]; p=0·047). Interpretation Although interventions targeting antibiotic use can result in changes in resistance over a short period, they might be insufficient alone to curtail antimicrobial resistance. Funding National Institute for Health Research, Economic and Social Research Council, Rosetrees Trust, and The Stoneygate Trust.
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22
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Borek AJ, Anthierens S, Allison R, McNulty CAM, Lecky DM, Costelloe C, Holmes A, Butler CC, Walker AS, Tonkin-Crine S. How did a Quality Premium financial incentive influence antibiotic prescribing in primary care? Views of Clinical Commissioning Group and general practice professionals. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:2681-2688. [PMID: 32573692 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Quality Premium (QP) was introduced for Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England to optimize antibiotic prescribing, but it remains unclear how it was implemented. OBJECTIVES To understand responses to the QP and how it was perceived to influence antibiotic prescribing. METHODS Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 22 CCG and 19 general practice professionals. Interviews were analysed thematically. RESULTS The findings were organized into four categories. (i) Communication: this was perceived as unstructured and infrequent, and CCG professionals were unsure whether they received QP funding. (ii) Implementation: this was influenced by available local resources and competing priorities, with multifaceted and tailored strategies seen as most helpful for engaging general practices. Many antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategies were implemented independently from the QP, motivated by quality improvement. (iii) Mechanisms: the QP raised the priority of AMS nationally and locally, and provided prescribing targets to aim for and benchmark against, but money was not seen as reinvested into AMS. (iv) Impact and sustainability: the QP was perceived as successful, but targets were considered challenging for a minority of CCGs and practices due to contextual factors (e.g. deprivation, understaffing). CCG professionals were concerned with potential discontinuation of the QP and prescribing rates levelling off. CONCLUSIONS CCG and practice professionals expressed positive views of the QP and associated prescribing targets and feedback. The QP helped influence change mainly by raising the priority of AMS and defining change targets rather than providing additional funding. To maximize impact, behavioural mechanisms of financial incentives should be considered pre-implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Rosalie Allison
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | | | - Donna M Lecky
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester, UK
| | - Ceire Costelloe
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alison Holmes
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A Sarah Walker
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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23
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Delory T, Jeanmougin P, Lariven S, Aubert JP, Peiffer-Smadja N, Boëlle PY, Bouvet E, Lescure FX, Le Bel J. A computerized decision support system (CDSS) for antibiotic prescription in primary care-Antibioclic: implementation, adoption and sustainable use in the era of extended antimicrobial resistance. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:2353-2362. [PMID: 32357226 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the implementation and use of a computerized decision support system (CDSS) for antibiotic prescription in primary care in France (Antibioclic). The CDSS targets 37 infectious diseases and has been freely available on a website since 2011. METHODS Description and implementation of the architecture of a CDSS for antibiotic prescription in general practice. Analysis of the queries made between 2012 and 2018 on the CDSS by GPs. Analysis of two cross-sectional studies of users in 2014 and 2019. RESULTS The number of queries increased from a median of 796/day [IQR, 578-989] in 2012 to 11 125/day [5592-12 505] in 2018. Unique users increased from 414/day [245-494] in 2012 to 5365/day [2891-5769] in 2018. Time taken to make a query was 2 min [1.9-2.1]. Among 3 542 347 queries in 2018, 78% were for adults. Six situations accounted for ≥50% of queries: cystitis; acute otitis media; acute sinusitis; community-acquired pneumonia; sore throat; and pyelonephritis. Queries concerned pathologies for which antibiotic prescription was necessary (64%), was conditional on additional clinical steps (34%) or was not recommended (2%). Most users (81%) were GPs, with median age of 38 years [31-52] and 58% were female. Among the 4016 GPs who responded to the surveys, the vast majority (96%) reported using the CDSS during the consultation, with 24% systematically using Antibioclic to initiate an antibiotic course and 93% having followed the CDSS recommendation for the latest prescription. Most GPs were comfortable using the CDSS in front of a patient. CONCLUSIONS Antibioclic has been adopted and is widely used in primary care in France. Its interoperability could allow its adaptation and implementation in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Delory
- Antibioclic steering committee, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, F75012 Paris, France.,AP-HP, Bichat hospital, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Paris, France.,Hôpital Annecy-Genevois (CHANGE), Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et l'Innovation, 1 avenue de l'hôpital, 74370 Epagny-Metz-Tessy, France
| | - Pauline Jeanmougin
- Antibioclic steering committee, Paris, France.,Department of General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Sylvie Lariven
- Antibioclic steering committee, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Bichat hospital, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Paris, France
| | | | - Nathan Peiffer-Smadja
- AP-HP, Bichat hospital, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Paris, France.,UMR 1137, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France.,Paris Diderot University Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Boëlle
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, F75012 Paris, France.,AP-HP, Saint Antoine hospital, Public Health unit, Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Bouvet
- Antibioclic steering committee, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Bichat hospital, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Paris, France.,Paris Diderot University Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,French National Authority for Health (HAS), Paris, France
| | - François-Xavier Lescure
- Antibioclic steering committee, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Bichat hospital, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Paris, France.,UMR 1137, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France.,Paris Diderot University Paris 7, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Josselin Le Bel
- Antibioclic steering committee, Paris, France.,UMR 1137, INSERM, IAME, Paris, France.,Department of General Practice, Université Paris Diderot, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
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24
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Patel SV, Pulcini C, Demirjian A, van Hecke O. Rapid diagnostic tests for common infection syndromes: less haste, more speed. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:2028-2030. [PMID: 32417902 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid diagnostic tests, which accurately distinguish bacterial from viral infections, are being heralded as the solution to antibiotic overuse, which is a key driver of antimicrobial resistance. We have concerns that this approach is oversimplistic. Rapid diagnostic tests are complex interventions, with clinical context, patient flow, access and timing affecting their impact. There is little robust evidence that they reduce antibiotic prescribing in real-world settings. We suggest that prior to introducing these costly tests, emphasis should be placed on optimizing the implementation of efficient evidence-based antimicrobial stewardship interventions, such as increasing the use of proven automated clinical infection syndrome prediction tools by clinicians, supporting patients to self-care by providing them with high-quality safety-netting resources, providing front-line clinicians with individual prescribing data to facilitate peer benchmarking and setting specific and purposeful antibiotic prescribing targets to improve the quality of antimicrobial prescribing. The stakes are high and time is running out; let's start by getting the basics right.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Patel
- Department of Paediatric Immunology & Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.,NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - C Pulcini
- Université de Lorraine, EA, 4360 APEMAC, Nancy, France.,CHRU de Nancy, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Nancy, France
| | - A Demirjian
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.,Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections & Antimicrobial Resistance, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - O van Hecke
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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25
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Estrela M, Roque F, Silva TM, Zapata-Cachafeiro M, Figueiras A, Herdeiro MT. Validation of the eHealthResp online course for pharmacists and physicians: A Delphi method approach. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111739. [PMID: 34020245 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FRAMEWORK The inappropriate use of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections is dispersed worldwide, thus being a strong contributor to antibiotic resistances. As the use of educational interventions among health practitioners is shown to have an impact on judicious antibiotic use, an online course (eHealthResp) has been developed, especially targeted to pharmacists and physicians. Thus, the main goal of this study is to validate the contents of the online course eHealthResp. METHODS This two-round Delphi study involved the recruitment of a multidisciplinary panel (n = 19), to which the questionnaires of the first round were sent. After the first round, a report summing up the results has been forwarded to the panel, along with a new, reformulated version of the questionnaire. RESULTS After the two rounds of the Delphi process, consensus was evaluated. Six clinical cases and fifty-one treatments obtained minor consensus [60-75%] or full consensus (≥75%). The question on antibiotic practice has obtained a consensus >90% on both rounds. CONCLUSIONS The validation of the contents based on experts' consensus has been an essential approach to improve eHealthResp's online course, as valuable feedback has been provided by the panel on both rounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Estrela
- iBiMED - Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Fátima Roque
- Research Unit for Inland Development, Guarda Polytechnic Institute (UDI-IPG), Guarda, Portugal; Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tânia Magalhães Silva
- iBiMED - Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maruxa Zapata-Cachafeiro
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15702 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adolfo Figueiras
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15702 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health - CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Herdeiro
- iBiMED - Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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26
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Seume P, Bevan S, Young G, Ingram J, Clement C, Cabral C, Lucas PJ, Beech E, Taylor J, Horwood J, Dixon P, Gulliford MC, Francis N, Creavin ST, Lane A, Hay AD, Blair PS. Protocol for an 'efficient design' cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate a complex intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing for CHIldren presenting to primary care with acute COugh and respiratory tract infection: the CHICO study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041769. [PMID: 33782018 PMCID: PMC8009213 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children are common and present major resource implications for primary care. Unnecessary use of antibiotics is associated with the development and proliferation of antimicrobial resistance. In 2016, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)-funded 'TARGET' programme developed a prognostic algorithm to identify children with acute cough and RTI at very low risk of 30-day hospitalisation and unlikely to need antibiotics. The intervention includes: (1) explicit elicitation of parental concerns, (2) the results of the prognostic algorithm accompanied by prescribing guidance and (3) provision of a printout for carers including safety netting advice. The CHIldren's COugh feasibility study suggested differential recruitment of healthier patients in control practices. This phase III 'efficiently designed' trial uses routinely collected data at the practice level, thus avoiding individual patient consent. The aim is to assess whether embedding a multifaceted intervention into general practitioner (GP) practice Information Technology (IT) systems will result in reductions of antibiotic prescribing without impacting on hospital attendance for RTI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The coprimary outcomes are (1) practice rate of dispensed amoxicillin and macrolide antibiotics, (2) hospital admission rate for RTI using routinely collected data by Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). Data will be collected for children aged 0-9 years registered at 310 practices (155 intervention, 155 usual care) over a 12-month period. Recruitment and randomisation of practices (using the Egton Medical Information Systems web data management system) is conducted via each CCG stratified for children registered and baseline dispensing rates of each practice. Secondary outcomes will explore intervention effect modifiers. Qualitative interviews will explore intervention usage. The economic evaluation will be limited to a between-arm comparison in a cost-consequence analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Research ethics approval was given by London-Camden and Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee (ref:18/LO/0345). This manuscript refers to protocol V.4.0. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN11405239.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny Seume
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Scott Bevan
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Grace Young
- Bristol Trials Centre (Bristol Randomised Trial Collaboration), Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol, Avon, UK
| | - Jenny Ingram
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Clare Clement
- Bristol Trials Centre (Bristol Randomised Trial Collaboration), Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol, Avon, UK
| | - Christie Cabral
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Elizabeth Beech
- Regional Antimicrobial Stewardship Lead South West Region, NHS Improvement, London, UK
| | - Jodi Taylor
- Bristol Trials Centre (Bristol Randomised Trial Collaboration), Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol, Avon, UK
| | - Jeremy Horwood
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Padraig Dixon
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Nick Francis
- School of Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Sam T Creavin
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Athene Lane
- Bristol Trials Centre (Bristol Randomised Trial Collaboration), Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, University of Bristol, Bristol, Avon, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter S Blair
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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27
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Guidance impact on primary care prescribing rates of simple analgesia: an interrupted time series analysis in England. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:e201-e208. [PMID: 33619051 PMCID: PMC7906621 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp20x714101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2018, NHS England published guidance for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to encourage implementation of policy to reduce primary care prescriptions of over-the-counter medications, including simple analgesia. AIM To investigate the impact of guidance publication on prescribing rates of simple analgesia (oral paracetamol, oral ibuprofen, and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) in primary care; CCG guidance implementation intentions; and whether the guidance has created health inequality based on socioeconomic status. DESIGN AND SETTING Interrupted time series analysis of primary care prescribing data in England. METHOD Practice-level prescribing data from January 2015 to March 2019 were obtained from NHS Digital. Interrupted time series analyses were used to assess the association of guidance publication with prescribing rates. The association between practice-level prescribing rates and Index of Multiple Deprivation scores before and after publication was quantified using multivariable Poisson regression. Freedom of information requests were submitted to all CCGs. RESULTS There was a statistically significant 4.4% reduction in prescribing of simple analgesia following guidance publication (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.96, 95% CI = 0.92 to 0.99, P = 0.027), adjusting for underlying time trend and seasonality. There was considerable diversity across CCGs in whether or how they chose to implement the guidance. Practice-level prescribing rates were greater in more deprived areas. CONCLUSION Guidance publication was associated with a small reduction in the prescribing rates of simple analgesia across England, without evidence of creating additional health inequality. Careful implementation by CCGs would be required to optimise cost saving to the NHS.
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28
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Zhu N, Aylin P, Rawson T, Gilchrist M, Majeed A, Holmes A. Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on primary care antibiotic prescribing in North West London across two epidemic waves. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:S1198-743X(21)00082-3. [PMID: 33601010 PMCID: PMC7884225 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the impact of COVID-19 and national pandemic response on primary care antibiotic prescribing in London. METHODS Individual prescribing records between 2015 and 2020 for 2 million residents in north west London were analysed. Prescribing records were linked to SARS-CoV-2 test results. Prescribing volumes, in total, and stratified by patient characteristics, antibiotic class and AWaRe classification, were investigated. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to detect measurable change in the trend of prescribing volume since the national lockdown in March 2020, immediately before the first COVID-19 peak in London. RESULTS Records covering 366 059 patients, 730 001 antibiotic items and 848 201 SARS-CoV-2 tests between January and November 2020 were analysed. Before March 2020, there was a background downward trend (decreasing by 584 items/month) in primary care antibiotic prescribing. This reduction rate accelerated to 3504 items/month from March 2020. This rate of decrease was sustained beyond the initial peak, continuing into winter and the second peak. Despite an overall reduction in prescribing volume, co-amoxiclav, a broad-spectrum "Access" antibiotic, prescribing rose by 70.1% in patients aged 50 and older from February to April. Commonly prescribed antibiotics within 14 days of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test were amoxicillin (863/2474, 34.9%) and doxycycline (678/2474, 27.4%). This aligned with national guidelines on management of community pneumonia of unclear cause. The proportion of "Watch" antibiotics used decreased during the peak in COVID-19. DISCUSSION A sustained reduction in community antibiotic prescribing has been observed since the first lockdown. Investigation of community-onset infectious diseases and potential unintended consequences of reduced prescribing is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Zhu
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Aylin
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy Rawson
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK; Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, South Kensington, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mark Gilchrist
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK; Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, South Kensington, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alison Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK; Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, South Kensington, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
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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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Zhu NJ, McLeod M, McNulty CAM, Lecky DM, Holmes AH, Ahmad R. Trends in Antibiotic Prescribing in Out-of-Hours Primary Care in England from January 2016 to June 2020 to Understand Behaviours during the First Wave of COVID-19. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:32. [PMID: 33401408 PMCID: PMC7824631 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the trend of antibiotic prescribing in out-of-hours (OOH) general practices (GP) before and during England's first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analysed practice-level prescribing records between January 2016 to June 2020 to report the trends for the total prescribing volume, prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics and key agents included in the national Quality Premium. We performed a time-series analysis to detect measurable changes in the prescribing volume associated with COVID-19. Before COVID-19, the total prescribing volume and the percentage of broad-spectrum antibiotics continued to decrease in-hours (IH). The prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics was higher in OOH (OOH: 10.1%, IH: 8.7%), but a consistent decrease in the trimethoprim-to-nitrofurantoin ratio was observed OOH. The OOH antibiotic prescribing volume diverged from the historical trend in March 2020 and started to decrease by 5088 items per month. Broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing started to increase in OOH and IH. In OOH, co-amoxiclav and doxycycline peaked in March to May in 2020, which was out of sync with seasonality peaks (Winter) in previous years. While this increase might be explained by the implementation of the national guideline to use co-amoxiclav and doxycycline to manage pneumonia in the community during COVID-19, further investigation is required to see whether the observed reduction in OOH antibiotic prescribing persists and how this reduction might influence antimicrobial resistance and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina J. Zhu
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (N.J.Z.); (M.M.); (A.H.H.)
| | - Monsey McLeod
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (N.J.Z.); (M.M.); (A.H.H.)
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Pharmacy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0NN, UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Cliodna A. M. McNulty
- Primary Care Unit, Public Health England, Gloucestershire GL1 1DQ, UK; (C.A.M.M.); (D.M.L.)
| | - Donna M. Lecky
- Primary Care Unit, Public Health England, Gloucestershire GL1 1DQ, UK; (C.A.M.M.); (D.M.L.)
| | - Alison H. Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (N.J.Z.); (M.M.); (A.H.H.)
- Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Raheelah Ahmad
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (N.J.Z.); (M.M.); (A.H.H.)
- Division of Health Services Research and Management, School of Health Sciences, University of London, London EC1V 0HB, UK
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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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Dickson EM, Zambon M, Pebody R, de Lusignan S, Elliot AJ, Ellis J, Lackenby A, Smith G, McMenamin J. Do point-of-care tests (POCTs) offer a new paradigm for the management of patients with influenza? Euro Surveill 2020; 25:1900420. [PMID: 33153522 PMCID: PMC7645971 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.44.1900420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of point-of-care tests (POCTs) has presented new opportunities for the management of patients presenting to healthcare providers with acute respiratory symptoms. This Perspective article is based on the experiences of national infection teams/those managing acute respiratory infections across the United Kingdom in terms of the challenges and opportunities that this may present for public health. This Perspective article was conceived and written pre-coronavirus disease (COVID-19), however the principles we outline here for influenza can also be translated to COVID-19 and some key points are made throughout the article. The greatest challenge for intergrating POCTs into non-traditional environments is the capture of data and samples for surveillance purposes which provides information for public health action. However, POCTs together with measures outlined in this article, offer a new paradigm for the management and public health surveillance of patients with influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Dickson
- European Programme for Public Health Microbiology (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
- Health Protection Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Zambon
- Reference Microbiology, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Pebody
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alex J Elliot
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Service, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Ellis
- Reference Microbiology, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angie Lackenby
- Reference Microbiology, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Smith
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Service, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jim McMenamin
- Health Protection Scotland, Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Impact of national guidelines for antimicrobial stewardship to reduce antibiotic use in upper respiratory tract infection and gastroenteritis. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2020; 42:280-286. [DOI: 10.1017/ice.2020.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjective:To examine whether the issue and dissemination of national guidelines in the Manual of Antimicrobial Stewardship had an impact on reducing antibiotic use for acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) and gastroenteritis.Method:An interrupted time-series analysis was performed using a large nationwide database from June 2016 to June 2018. Outpatients with ARTI or gastroenteritis aged ≥6 years were identified. The outcome measures were any antibiotic use and broad-spectrum antibiotic use. The season-adjusted changes in the rate of antibiotic prescriptions for 2 periods before and after the guideline issue date were examined.Results:There were 13,177,735 patients with ARTI and 300,565 patients with gastroenteritis during the study period. Among patients with ARTI, there was a significant downward trend in antibiotic use during the 2-year study period (−0.06% per week; 95% CI, −0.07% to −0.04%). However, there was no significant change in trends of antibiotic use between the pre-issue period and post-issue period (trend difference, −0.01% per week; 95% CI, −0.10% to 0.07%). Similarly, for patients with gastroenteritis, there was no significant change in the trends of antibiotic use between the pre-issue period and post-issue period (trend difference, −0.02% per week; 95% CI, −0.04% to 0.01%). Similar associations were observed in analyses for broad-spectrum antibiotic use.Conclusions:Despite the issue of national guidelines to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics, there were no significant changes in trends of antibiotic use for outpatients with ARTI or gastroenteritis between the pre-issue and post-issue periods.
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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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Balinskaite V, Johnson AP, Holmes A, Aylin P. The Impact of a National Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on Antibiotic Prescribing in Primary Care: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:227-232. [PMID: 30339190 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Quality Premium was introduced in 2015 to financially reward local commissioners of healthcare in England for targeted reductions in antibiotic prescribing in primary care. METHODS We used a national antibiotic prescribing dataset from April 2013 until February 2017 to examine the number of antibiotic items prescribed, the total number of antibiotic items prescribed per STAR-PU (specific therapeutic group age/sex-related prescribing units), the number of broad-spectrum antibiotic items prescribed, and broad-spectrum antibiotic items prescribed, expressed as a percentage of the total number of antibiotic items. To evaluate the impact of the Quality Premium on antibiotic prescribing, we used a segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series data. RESULTS During the study period, over 140 million antibiotic items were prescribed in primary care. Following the introduction of the Quality Premium, antibiotic items prescribed decreased by 8.2%, representing 5933563 fewer antibiotic items prescribed during the 23 post-intervention months, as compared with the expected numbers based on the trend in the pre-intervention period. After adjusting for the age and sex distribution in the population, the segmented regression model also showed a significant relative decrease in antibiotic items prescribed per STAR-PU. A similar effect was found for broad-spectrum antibiotics (comprising 10.1% of total antibiotic prescribing), with an 18.9% reduction in prescribing. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the introduction of financial incentives for local commissioners of healthcare to improve the quality of prescribing was associated with a significant reduction in both total and broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing in primary care in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Balinskaite
- Dr Foster Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan P Johnson
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Aylin
- Dr Foster Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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Improving Antimicrobial Use in Adult Outpatient Clinics: the New Frontier for Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11908-020-00722-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Anyanwu PE, Borek AJ, Tonkin-Crine S, Beech E, Costelloe C. Conceptualising the Integration of Strategies by Clinical Commissioning Groups in England towards the Antibiotic Prescribing Targets for the Quality Premium Financial Incentive Scheme: A Short Report. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9020044. [PMID: 31979209 PMCID: PMC7167865 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9020044] [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: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In order to tackle the public health threat of antimicrobial resistance, improvement in antibiotic prescribing in primary care was included as one of the priorities of the Quality Premium (QP) financial incentive scheme for Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England. This paper briefly reports the outcome of a workshop exploring the experiences of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) leads within CCGs in selecting and adopting strategies to help achieve the QP antibiotic targets. Methods: We conducted a thematic analysis of the notes on discussions and observations from the workshop to identify key themes. Results: Practice visits, needs assessment, peer feedback and audits were identified as strategies integrated in increasing engagement with practices towards the QP antibiotic targets. The conceptual model developed by AMS leads demonstrated possible pathways for the impact of the QP on antibiotic prescribing. Participants raised a concern that the constant targeting of high prescribing practices for AMS interventions might lead to disengagement by these practices. Most of the participants suggested that the effect of the QP might be less about the financial incentive and more about having national targets and guidelines that promote antibiotic prudency. Conclusions: Our results suggest that national targets, rather than financial incentives are key for engaging stakeholders in quality improvement in antibiotic prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Emeka Anyanwu
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Aleksandra J. Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (A.J.B.); (S.T.-C.)
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (A.J.B.); (S.T.-C.)
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Elizabeth Beech
- NHS Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS Improvements London, London BA2 5RP, UK;
| | - Céire Costelloe
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK;
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van der Zande MM, Dembinsky M, Aresi G, van Staa TP. General practitioners' accounts of negotiating antibiotic prescribing decisions with patients: a qualitative study on what influences antibiotic prescribing in low, medium and high prescribing practices. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2019; 20:172. [PMID: 31823739 PMCID: PMC6905031 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-019-1065-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is high on the UK public health policy agenda, and poses challenges to patient safety and the provision of health services. Widespread prescribing of antibiotics is thought to increase AMR, and mostly takes place in primary medical care. However, prescribing rates vary substantially between general practices. The aim of this study was to understand contextual factors related to general practitioners' (GPs) antibiotic prescribing behaviour in low, high, and around the mean (medium) prescribing primary care practices. METHODS Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 GPs working in North-West England. Participants were purposively sampled from practices with low, medium, and high antibiotic prescribing rates adjusted for the number and characteristics of patients registered in a practice. The interviews were analysed thematically. RESULTS This study found that optimizing antibiotic prescribing creates tensions for GPs, particularly in doctor-patient communication during a consultation. GPs balanced patient expectations and their own decision-making in their communication. When not prescribing antibiotics, GPs reported the need for supportive mechanisms, such as regular practice meetings, within the practice, and in the wider healthcare system (e.g. longer consultation times). In low prescribing practices, GPs reported that increasing dialogue with colleagues, having consistent patterns of prescribing within the practice, supportive practice policies, and enough resources such as consultation time were important supports when not prescribing antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS Insight into GPs' negotiations with patient and public health demands, and consistent and supportive practice-level policies can help support prudent antibiotic prescribing among primary care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke M van der Zande
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Vaughan House, Portsmouth Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Population Health Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Melanie Dembinsky
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Vaughan House, Portsmouth Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Health Sciences & Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Giovanni Aresi
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Vaughan House, Portsmouth Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Psychology Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Tjeerd P van Staa
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Vaughan House, Portsmouth Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Kimura Y, Fukuda H, Hayakawa K, Ide S, Ota M, Saito S, Ishikane M, Kusama Y, Matsunaga N, Ohmagari N. Longitudinal trends of and factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for non-bacterial acute respiratory tract infection in Japan: A retrospective claims database study, 2012-2017. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223835. [PMID: 31618258 PMCID: PMC6795458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a cause of antimicrobial resistance. Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTI) are common diseases for those antibiotics are most likely prescribed in outpatient setting. Objectives To clarify factors associated with antibiotic prescribing for non-bacterial acute respiratory tract infections (NB-ARTI) and identify targets for reducing inappropriate prescribing for NB-ARTI in Japan. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study using longitudinal claims data between April 2012 and June 2017. We assessed the rate of and factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in outpatient settings for all NB-ARTI consultations included in the database. Results The mean monthly antibiotic prescribing rate per 100 NB-ARTI consultations during the study period was 31.65. The monthly antibiotic prescribing rate per 100 NB-ARTI consultations decreased by 19.2% from April 2012 to June 2017. Adolescents (13–18 years) and adults of working age (19–29 and 30–39 years) were more likely prescribed antibiotics compared with elderly patients ≥ 60 years (aOR: 1.493 [95%CI: 1.482–1.503], 1.585 [95%CI: 1.575–1.595], and 1.507 [95%CI: 1.498–1.516], respectively). Outpatient clinics registered as internal medicine or ear, nose, and throat specialty were more likely to prescribe antibiotics than those of paediatric specialty or other specialties. Among health facility type, clinics without beds (aOR 2.123 [95%CI: 2.113–2.133]) and clinics with beds (aOR: 1.752 [95%CI: 1.7371–1.767]) prescribed significantly more antibiotics for NB-ARTI than outpatient departments inside general hospitals. Conclusions Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for NB-ARTI is common in Japan. Although the antibiotic prescribing rate has decreased, further interventions are required to promote antimicrobial stewardship (ASP). Education and awareness for adults and promotion of ASP among physicians in clinics without beds are key drivers to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kimura
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhisa Fukuda
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Health Care Administration and Management, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kayoko Hayakawa
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ide
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ota
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Saito
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ishikane
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Kusama
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Matsunaga
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Ohmagari
- AMR Clinical Reference Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Skoog Ståhlgren G, Tyrstrup M, Edlund C, Giske CG, Mölstad S, Norman C, Rystedt K, Sundvall PD, Hedin K. Penicillin V four times daily for five days versus three times daily for 10 days in patients with pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci: randomised controlled, open label, non-inferiority study. BMJ 2019; 367:l5337. [PMID: 31585944 PMCID: PMC6776830 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l5337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether total exposure to penicillin V can be reduced while maintaining adequate clinical efficacy when treating pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci. DESIGN Open label, randomised controlled non-inferiority study. SETTING 17 primary healthcare centres in Sweden between September 2015 and February 2018. PARTICIPANTS Patients aged 6 years and over with pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci and three or four Centor criteria (fever ≥38.5°C, tender lymph nodes, coatings of the tonsils, and absence of cough). INTERVENTIONS Penicillin V 800 mg four times daily for five days (total 16 g) compared with the current recommended dose of 1000 mg three times daily for 10 days (total 30 g). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was clinical cure five to seven days after the end of antibiotic treatment. The non-inferiority margin was prespecified to 10 percentage points. Secondary outcomes were bacteriological eradication, time to relief of symptoms, frequency of relapses, complications and new tonsillitis, and patterns of adverse events. RESULTS Patients (n=433) were randomly allocated to the five day (n=215) or 10 day (n=218) regimen. Clinical cure in the per protocol population was 89.6% (n=181/202) in the five day group and 93.3% (n=182/195) in the 10 day group (95% confidence interval -9.7 to 2.2). Bacteriological eradication was 80.4% (n=156/194) in the five day group and 90.7% (n=165/182) in the 10 day group. Eight and seven patients had relapses, no patients and four patients had complications, and six and 13 patients had new tonsillitis in the five day and 10 day groups, respectively. Time to relief of symptoms was shorter in the five day group. Adverse events were mainly diarrhoea, nausea, and vulvovaginal disorders; the 10 day group had higher incidence and longer duration of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Penicillin V four times daily for five days was non-inferior in clinical outcome to penicillin V three times daily for 10 days in patients with pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci. The number of relapses and complications did not differ between the two intervention groups. Five day treatment with penicillin V four times daily might be an alternative to the currently recommended 10 day regimen. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2015-001752-30; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02712307.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunilla Skoog Ståhlgren
- Unit for Antibiotics and Infection Control, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, SE 171 82 Solna, Sweden
| | - Mia Tyrstrup
- Lundbergsgatan Primary Health Care Centre, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Edlund
- Unit for Antibiotics and Infection Control, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, SE 171 82 Solna, Sweden
| | - Christian G Giske
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sigvard Mölstad
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Karin Rystedt
- Närhälsan Södra Ryd Primary Health Care Center, Skövde, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine/Primary Health Care, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Pär-Daniel Sundvall
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine/Primary Health Care, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Research and Development Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, R & D Center Södra Älvsborg, Borås, Sweden
| | - Katarina Hedin
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Futurum, Region Jönköping County and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Anderson M, Schulze K, Cassini A, Plachouras D, Mossialos E. A governance framework for development and assessment of national action plans on antimicrobial resistance. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 19:e371-e384. [PMID: 31588040 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30415-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Strengthening governance is an essential strategy to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at all levels: global, national, regional, and local. To date, no systematic approach to governance of national action plans on AMR exists. To address this issue, we aimed to develop the first governance framework to offer guidance for both the development and assessment of national action plans on AMR. We reviewed health system governance framework reviews to inform the basic structure of our framework, international guidance documents from WHO, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, and the European Commission, and sought the input of 25 experts from international organisations, government ministries, policy institutes, and academic institutions to develop and refine our framework. The framework consists of 18 domains with 52 indicators that are contained within three governance areas: policy design, implementation tools, and monitoring and evaluation. To consider the dynamic nature of AMR, the framework is conceptualised as a cyclical process, which is responsive to the context and allows for continuous improvement and adaptation of national action plans on AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Anderson
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.
| | - Kai Schulze
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Elias Mossialos
- Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
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Machowska A, Sparrentoft J, Dhakaita SK, StålsbyLundborg C, Sharma M. Perioperative antibiotic prescribing in surgery departments of two private sector hospitals in Madhya Pradesh, India. Perioper Med (Lond) 2019; 8:10. [PMID: 31523421 PMCID: PMC6734588 DOI: 10.1186/s13741-019-0121-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-dose perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) is recommended for clean, non-infectious surgeries to prevent surgical site infections. However, the common practice of unindicated use and prolonged use of antibiotics contributes to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance (ABR). The present study explores the perioperative use of antibiotics among inpatients with surgical indications at surgery departments of a teaching (TH) and a non-teaching (NTH) tertiary care hospital in Madhya Pradesh, India. METHODS Data was collected manually for all inpatients for 3 years (April 2008-August 2011). Patients with non-infectious surgical indications were selected for detailed analysis at the diagnosis group level. RESULTS Out of 12,434 enrolled inpatients (TH 6171 and NTH 6263), the majority (> 85%) received antibiotics. None of the inpatients received the recommended single-dose PAP. The average duration of antibiotic treatment was significantly longer at the TH compared to the NTH (9.5 vs 4.4 days, p < 0.001). Based on the study aim, 5984 patients were classified in four diagnosis groups: upper or lower urinary tract surgery indications (UUTSI and LUTSI), and routine or emergency abdominal surgery indications (RASI and EASI). In both hospitals, quinolones were the most prescribed antibiotics for UUTSI (TH 70%, NTH 37%) and LUTSI (TH 70%, NTH 61%) antibiotic. In the TH, aminoglycosides (TH 32%) were commonly prescribed for RASI and imidazole derivatives (75%) for EASI. In the NTH, cephalosporins (39%) and imidazole derivatives (56%) were the most prescribed in RASI and EASI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS High prescribing of antibiotics in all four selected diagnoses groups was observed at both hospitals. In spite of the recommended single-dose PAP, antibiotics were mainly prescribed for longer durations. The unrecommended use of antibiotics is a risk factor for the development of AMR. Improving the quality of antibiotic prescribing by a stewardship program focusing on the development and implementation of local prescribing guidelines is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Machowska
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Global Health - Health Systems and Policy, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonatan Sparrentoft
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Global Health - Health Systems and Policy, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shyam Kumar Dhakaita
- Department of Surgery, Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College, Surasa, Ujjain, 456006 India
| | - Cecilia StålsbyLundborg
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Global Health - Health Systems and Policy, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Megha Sharma
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Global Health - Health Systems and Policy, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pharmacology, Ruxmaniben Deepchand Gardi Medical College, Surasa, Ujjain, 456006 India
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Anyanwu PE, Tonkin-Crine S, Borek A, Costelloe C. Investigating the mechanism of impact of the Quality Premium initiative on antibiotic prescribing in primary care practices in England: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030093. [PMID: 31481371 PMCID: PMC6731864 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The persistent development and spread of resistance to antibiotics remain an important public health concern in the UK and globally. About 74% of antibiotics prescribed in England in 2016 was in primary care. The Quality Premium (QP) initiative that rewards Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) financially based on the quality of specific health services commissioned is one of the National Health Service (NHS) England interventions to reduce antimicrobial resistance through reduced prescribing. Emerging evidence suggests a reduction in antibiotic prescribing in primary care practices in the UK following QP initiative. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of impact of this high-cost health-system level intervention on antibiotic prescribing in primary care practices in England. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study will constitute secondary analyses of antibiotic prescribing data for almost all primary care practices in England from the NHS England Antibiotic Quality Premium Monitoring Dashboard and OpenPrescribing covering the period 2013 to 2018. The primary outcome is the number of antibiotic items per Specific Therapeutic group Age-sex Related Prescribing Unit (STAR-PU) prescribed monthly in each practice or CCG. We will first conduct an interrupted time series using ordinary least square regression method to examine whether antibiotic prescribing rate in England has changed over time, and how such changes, if any, are associated with QP implementation. Single and sequential multiple-mediator models using a unified approach for the natural direct and indirect effects will be conducted to investigate the relationship between QP initiative, the potential mediators and antibiotic prescribing rate with adjustment for practice and CCG characteristics. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study will use secondary data that are anonymised and obtained from studies that have either undergone ethical review or generated data from routine collection systems. Multiple channels will be used in disseminating the findings from this study to academic and non-academic audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Emeka Anyanwu
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aleksandra Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ceire Costelloe
- Global Digital Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Rowe TA, Linder JA. Novel approaches to decrease inappropriate ambulatory antibiotic use. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2019; 17:511-521. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1635455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A. Rowe
- General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University of Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Linder
- General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University of Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Knowledge, Attitudes and Intentions to Prescribe Antibiotics: A Structural Equation Modeling Study of Primary Care Institutions in Hubei, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16132385. [PMID: 31284381 PMCID: PMC6651188 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to measure the knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians toward antibiotic prescriptions and their impacts on antibiotic prescribing. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 625 physicians from 67 primary care facilities in Hubei, China. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to test the theoretical framework derived from the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) theory. Physicians’ knowledge, five sub-types of attitudes, and three sub-types of behavioral intentions towards antibiotic use were measured. Physicians had limited knowledge about antibiotic prescriptions (average 54.55% correct answers to 11 questions). Although they were generally concerned about antibiotic resistance (mean = 1.28, SD = 0.43), and were reluctant to be submissive to pressures from consumer demands for antibiotics (mean = 1.29, SD = 0.65) and the requirements of defensive practice (mean = 1.11, SD = 0.63), there was a lack of motivation to change prescribing practices (mean = −0.29, SD = 0.70) and strong agreement that other stakeholders should take the responsibility (mean = −1.15, SD = 0.45). The SEM results showed that poor knowledge, unawareness of antibiotic resistance, and limited motivation to change contributed to physicians’ high antibiotics prescriptions (p < 0.001). To curb antibiotic over-prescriptions, improving knowledge itself is not enough. The lack of motivation of physicians to change needs to be addressed through a systematic approach.
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Rogers Van Katwyk S, Grimshaw JM, Nkangu M, Nagi R, Mendelson M, Taljaard M, Hoffman SJ. Government policy interventions to reduce human antimicrobial use: A systematic review and evidence map. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002819. [PMID: 31185011 PMCID: PMC6559631 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing political attention to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) offers a rare opportunity for achieving meaningful action. Many governments have developed national AMR action plans, but most have not yet implemented policy interventions to reduce antimicrobial overuse. A systematic evidence map can support governments in making evidence-informed decisions about implementing programs to reduce AMR, by identifying, describing, and assessing the full range of evaluated government policy options to reduce antimicrobial use in humans. METHODS AND FINDINGS Seven databases were searched from inception to January 28, 2019, (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PAIS Index, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and PubMed). We identified studies that (1) clearly described a government policy intervention aimed at reducing human antimicrobial use, and (2) applied a quantitative design to measure the impact. We found 69 unique evaluations of government policy interventions carried out across 4 of the 6 WHO regions. These evaluations included randomized controlled trials (n = 4), non-randomized controlled trials (n = 3), controlled before-and-after designs (n = 7), interrupted time series designs (n = 25), uncontrolled before-and-after designs (n = 18), descriptive designs (n = 10), and cohort designs (n = 2). From these we identified 17 unique policy options for governments to reduce the human use of antimicrobials. Many studies evaluated public awareness campaigns (n = 17) and antimicrobial guidelines (n = 13); however, others offered different policy options such as professional regulation, restricted reimbursement, pay for performance, and prescription requirements. Identifying these policies can inform the development of future policies and evaluations in different contexts and health systems. Limitations of our study include the possible omission of unpublished initiatives, and that policies not evaluated with respect to antimicrobial use have not been captured in this review. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge this is the first study to provide policy makers with synthesized evidence on specific government policy interventions addressing AMR. In the future, governments should ensure that AMR policy interventions are evaluated using rigorous study designs and that study results are published. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42017067514.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Rogers Van Katwyk
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Global Strategy Lab, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, Faculty of Health and Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy M. Grimshaw
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miriam Nkangu
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ranjana Nagi
- Global Strategy Lab, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, Faculty of Health and Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc Mendelson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Monica Taljaard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven J. Hoffman
- Global Strategy Lab, Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, Faculty of Health and Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, and McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Global Health & Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Gharbi M, Drysdale JH, Lishman H, Goudie R, Molokhia M, Johnson AP, Holmes AH, Aylin P. Antibiotic management of urinary tract infection in elderly patients in primary care and its association with bloodstream infections and all cause mortality: population based cohort study. BMJ 2019; 364:l525. [PMID: 30814048 PMCID: PMC6391656 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infection (UTI) and severe adverse outcomes in elderly patients in primary care. DESIGN Retrospective population based cohort study. SETTING Clinical Practice Research Datalink (2007-15) primary care records linked to hospital episode statistics and death records in England. PARTICIPANTS 157 264 adults aged 65 years or older presenting to a general practitioner with at least one diagnosis of suspected or confirmed lower UTI from November 2007 to May 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Bloodstream infection, hospital admission, and all cause mortality within 60 days after the index UTI diagnosis. RESULTS Among 312 896 UTI episodes (157 264 unique patients), 7.2% (n=22 534) did not have a record of antibiotics being prescribed and 6.2% (n=19 292) showed a delay in antibiotic prescribing. 1539 episodes of bloodstream infection (0.5%) were recorded within 60 days after the initial UTI. The rate of bloodstream infection was significantly higher among those patients not prescribed an antibiotic (2.9%; n=647) and those recorded as revisiting the general practitioner within seven days of the initial consultation for an antibiotic prescription compared with those given a prescription for an antibiotic at the initial consultation (2.2% v 0.2%; P=0.001). After adjustment for covariates, patients were significantly more likely to experience a bloodstream infection in the deferred antibiotics group (adjusted odds ratio 7.12, 95% confidence interval 6.22 to 8.14) and no antibiotics group (8.08, 7.12 to 9.16) compared with the immediate antibiotics group. The number needed to harm (NNH) for occurrence of bloodstream infection was lower (greater risk) for the no antibiotics group (NNH=37) than for the deferred antibiotics group (NNH=51) compared with the immediate antibiotics group. The rate of hospital admissions was about double among cases with no antibiotics (27.0%) and deferred antibiotics (26.8%) compared with those prescribed immediate antibiotics (14.8%; P=0.001). The risk of all cause mortality was significantly higher with deferred antibiotics and no antibiotics than with immediate antibiotics at any time during the 60 days follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.27 and 2.18, 2.04 to 2.33, respectively). Men older than 85 years were particularly at risk for both bloodstream infection and 60 day all cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS In elderly patients with a diagnosis of UTI in primary care, no antibiotics and deferred antibiotics were associated with a significant increase in bloodstream infection and all cause mortality compared with immediate antibiotics. In the context of an increase of Escherichia coli bloodstream infections in England, early initiation of recommended first line antibiotics for UTI in the older population is advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Gharbi
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Hannah Lishman
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rosalind Goudie
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mariam Molokhia
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health Sciences, King's College, London, UK
| | - Alan P Johnson
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Alison H Holmes
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Aylin
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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