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Kurotschka PK, Hemkeppler J, Gierszewski D, Ghirotto L, Gágyor I. General practitioners' decision making managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: a qualitative study. BJGP Open 2024:BJGPO.2023.0224. [PMID: 38423622 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0224] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To be effective, interventions aimed at increasing the appropriateness of antibiotic use in primary care should consider the perspectives of prescribing physicians. AIM To explore the decision making of general practitioners (GPs) when managing uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) in women. DESIGN & SETTING A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 22 GPs in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg (southern Germany). METHOD Verbatim transcripts were analysed through inductive qualitative content analysis. RESULTS We generated the following three main themes: factors facilitating the decision making; factors complicating the decision making; and consultation modalities. According to participants, following evidence-based recommendations makes the prescription decision smoother. GPs' and patients' prior experiences and beliefs guides decisions towards certain antibiotics, even if those experiences and beliefs contradict evidence-based recommendations. Patient expectations and demands also condition antibiotic prescribing, favouring it. Organisational constraints, such as time pressure, the day of the week (for example, before weekends), and a lower cost of antibiotics for patients than alternative treatments favour the decision to prescribe antibiotics. Diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty complicates decision making, as does scepticism towards evidence-based recommendations. Discordance within the patient-doctor relationship contributed to this complexity. Regarding consultation modalities, a more in-depth consultation and shared decision making were seen as helpful in this process. CONCLUSION We identified different factors as intervening against or for a straightforward management decision when dealing with women with uUTIs. They reveal the complexity behind the GPs' decision making. Providing GPs with easy-to-apply guidance while removing economic constraints to allocate sufficient consultation time, and supporting shared decision making may help GPs appropriately manage uUTIs in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Kurotschka
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Hemkeppler
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - David Gierszewski
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Luca Ghirotto
- Qualitative Research Unit, Azienda USL - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Ildikó Gágyor
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
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2
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Acampora M, Paleologo M, Graffigna G, Barello S. Uncovering influential factors in human antibiotic prescribing: a meta-synthesis study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. J Hosp Infect 2024; 144:28-55. [PMID: 38092303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.11.017] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify modifiable determinants (facilitators and barriers) related to the choice of prescribing antibiotics in human medicine across clinical settings. Enhanced management of antibiotics can help slow the spread of resistant bacteria. A qualitative meta-synthesis approach was used, according to Sandelowski and Barroso's method. Included studies were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Findings were extracted and organized to form a qualitative meta-summary. The Theoretical Domains Framework, the Capabilities-Opportunities-Motivation (COM-B) model and the Behaviour Change Wheel were used as a coding matrix for data interpretation. The analysis of 63 included studies revealed barriers and facilitators in 12 of 14 domains specified by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Prescribers' capabilities, motivation and opportunities were found to be the main drivers of antibiotic prescribing behaviour. Knowledge, skills, beliefs, expectations, the influence of patients and colleagues, organizational culture and infrastructure characteristics have a significant impact on prescribing behaviours. A comprehensive inventory of factors related to antibiotic prescribing has been compiled. Interventions to promote appropriate antibiotic prescribing should take a systemic approach rather than focusing solely on individual-level variables. Furthermore, the adoption of co-design approaches for such interventions is desirable to ensure greater applicability and sustainability in the real-world context of organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Acampora
- EngageMinds HUB - Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano e Cremona, Milan and Cremona, Italy; Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M Paleologo
- EngageMinds HUB - Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano e Cremona, Milan and Cremona, Italy; Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - G Graffigna
- EngageMinds HUB - Consumer, Food & Health Engagement Research Center, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano e Cremona, Milan and Cremona, Italy; Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano, Milan, Italy; Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - S Barello
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Lescure DLA, Erdem Ö, Nieboer D, Huijser van Reenen N, Tjon-A-Tsien AML, van Oorschot W, Brouwer R, Vos MC, van der Velden AW, Richardus JH, Voeten HACM. Communication training for general practitioners aimed at improving antibiotic prescribing: a controlled before-after study in multicultural Dutch cities. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1279704. [PMID: 38323031 PMCID: PMC10844435 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1279704] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
IntroductionSuboptimal doctor-patient communication drives inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics. We evaluated a communication intervention for general practitioners (GPs) in multicultural Dutch cities to improve antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections (RTI).MethodsThis was a non-randomized controlled before-after study. The study period was pre-intervention November 2019 – April 2020 and post-intervention November 2021 – April 2022. The intervention consisted of a live training (organized between September and November 2021), an E-learning, and patient material on antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in multiple languages. The primary outcome was the absolute number of prescribed antibiotic courses indicated for RTIs per GP; the secondary outcome was all prescribed antibiotics per GP. We compared the post-intervention differences in the mean number of prescribed antibiotics between the intervention (N = 25) and the control group (N = 110) by using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test, while adjusting for the pre-intervention number of prescribed antibiotics. Additionally, intervention GPs rated the training and their knowledge and skills before the intervention and 3 months thereafter.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of prescribed antibiotics for RTI between the intervention and the control group, nor for mean number of overall prescribed antibiotics. The intervention GPs rated the usefulness of the training for daily practice a 7.3 (on a scale from 1–10) and there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-intervention on four out of nine items related to knowledge and skills.DiscussionThere was no change in GPs prescription behavior between the intervention and control group. However, GPs found the intervention useful and showed some improvement on self-rated knowledge and communication skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique L. A. Lescure
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Özcan Erdem
- Department of Research and Business Intelligence, Municipality of Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Daan Nieboer
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Aimée M. L. Tjon-A-Tsien
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Rob Brouwer
- Health Centre Levinas, Pharmacy Ramleh, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Margreet C. Vos
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alike W. van der Velden
- Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Hendrik Richardus
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hélène A. C. M. Voeten
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Christensen LD, Vestergaard CH, Keizer E, Bech BH, Bro F, Christensen MB, Huibers L. Point-of-care testing and antibiotics prescribing in out-of-hours general practice: a register-based study in Denmark. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:31. [PMID: 38262975 PMCID: PMC10804570 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02264-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care testing may reduce diagnostic uncertainty in case of suspicion of bacterial infection, thereby contributing to prudent antibiotic prescribing. We aimed to study variations in the use of point-of-care tests (C-reactive protein test, rapid streptococcal antigen detection test, and urine dipstick) among general practitioners (GPs) and the potential association between point-of-care testing and antibiotic prescribing in out-of-hours general practice. METHODS We conducted a population-based observational register-based study, based on patient contacts with out-of-hours general practice in the Central Denmark Region in 2014-2017. The tendency of GPs to use point-of-care testing was calculated, and the association between the use of point-of-care testing and antibiotic prescribing was evaluated with the use of binomial regression. RESULTS Out-of-hours general practice conducted 794,220 clinic consultations from 2014 to 2017, of which 16.1% resulted in an antibiotic prescription. The GP variation in the use of point-of-care testing was largest for C-reactive protein tests, with an observed variation (p90/p10 ratio) of 3.0; this means that the GPs in the 90th percentile used C-reactive protein tests three times as often as the GPs in the 10th percentile. The observed variation was 2.1 for rapid streptococcal antigen detection tests and 1.9 for urine dipsticks. The GPs who tended to use more point-of-care tests prescribed significantly more antibiotics than the GPs who tended to use fewer point-of-care tests. The GPs in the upper quintile of the tendency to use C-reactive protein test prescribed 22% more antibiotics than the GPs in the lowest quintile (21% for rapid streptococcal antigen detection tests and 8% for urine dipsticks). Up through the quintiles, this effect exhibited a positive linear dose-response correlation. CONCLUSION The GPs varied in use of point-of-care testing. The GPs who tended to perform more point-of-care testing prescribed more antibiotics compared with the GPs who tended to perform fewer of these tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ellen Keizer
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bodil Hammer Bech
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Flemming Bro
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten Bondo Christensen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Linda Huibers
- Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
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5
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Kasse GE, Humphries J, Cosh SM, Islam MS. Factors contributing to the variation in antibiotic prescribing among primary health care physicians: a systematic review. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:8. [PMID: 38166736 PMCID: PMC10759428 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02223-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance is growing globally. The practice of health professionals when prescribing antibiotics in primary health care settings significantly impacts antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic prescription is a complex process influenced by various internal and external factors. This systematic review aims to summarize the available evidence regarding factors contributing to the variation in antibiotic prescribing among physicians in primary healthcare settings. METHODS This systematic review was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. We included qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies that examined factors influencing prescription practice and variability among primary healthcare physicians. We excluded editorials, opinions, systematic reviews and studies published in languages other than English. We searched studies from electronic databases: PubMed, ProQuest Health and Medicine, Web Science, and Scopus. The quality of the included studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (Version 2018). Narrative synthesis was employed to synthesize the result and incorporate quantitative studies. RESULTS Of the 1816 identified studies, 49 studies spanning 2000-2023 were eligible for review. The factors influencing antibiotic prescription practice and variability were grouped into physician-related, patient-related, and healthcare system-related factors. Clinical guidelines, previous patient experience, physician experience, colleagues' prescribing practice, pharmaceutical pressure, time pressure, and financial considerations were found to be influencing factors of antibiotic prescribing practice. In addition, individual practice patterns, practice volume, and relationship with patients were also other factors for the variability of antibiotic prescription, especially for intra-physician prescription variability. CONCLUSION Antibiotic prescription practice in primary health care is a complex practice, influenced by a combination of different factors and this may account for the variation. To address the factors that influence the variability of antibiotic prescription (intra- and inter-physician), interventions should aim to reduce diagnostic uncertainty and provide continuous medical education and training to promote patient-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gashaw Enbiyale Kasse
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, 2351, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, 196, Ethiopia.
| | - Judy Humphries
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, 2351, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Cosh
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, 2351, Australia
| | - Md Shahidul Islam
- School of Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, 2351, Australia
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Menting SGP, Redican E, Murphy J, Bucholc M. Primary Care Antibiotic Prescribing and Infection-Related Hospitalisation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1685. [PMID: 38136719 PMCID: PMC10740527 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics has been widely recognised as a leading cause of antimicrobial resistance, which in turn has become one of the most significant threats to global health. Given that most antibiotic prescriptions are issued in primary care settings, investigating the associations between primary care prescribing of antibiotics and subsequent infection-related hospitalisations affords a valuable opportunity to understand the long-term health implications of primary care antibiotic intervention. A narrative review of the scientific literature studying associations between primary care antibiotic prescribing and subsequent infection-related hospitalisation was conducted. The Web of Science database was used to retrieve 252 potentially relevant studies, with 23 of these studies included in this review (stratified by patient age and infection type). The majority of studies (n = 18) were published in the United Kingdom, while the remainder were conducted in Germany, Spain, Denmark, New Zealand, and the United States. While some of the reviewed studies demonstrated that appropriate and timely antibiotic prescribing in primary care could help reduce the need for hospitalisation, excessive antibiotic prescribing can lead to antimicrobial resistance, subsequently increasing the risk of infection-related hospitalisation. Few studies reported no association between primary care antibiotic prescriptions and subsequent infection-related hospitalisation. Overall, the disparate results in the extant literature attest to the conflicting factors influencing the decision-making regarding antibiotic prescribing and highlight the necessity of adopting a more patient-focussed perspective in stewardship programmes and the need for increased use of rapid diagnostic testing in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enya Redican
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Jamie Murphy
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Magda Bucholc
- School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT48 7JL, UK
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7
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Stenlund S, Mâsse LC, Stenlund D, Sillanmäki L, Appelt KC, Koivumaa-Honkanen H, Rautava P, Suominen S, Patrick DM. Do Patients' Psychosocial Characteristics Impact Antibiotic Prescription Rates? Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1022. [PMID: 37370341 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research suggests that the characteristics of both patients and physicians can contribute to the overuse of antibiotics. Until now, patients' psychosocial characteristics have not been widely explored as a potential contributor to the overuse of antibiotics. In this study, the relationship between a patient's psychosocial characteristics (self-reported in postal surveys in 2003) and the number of antibiotics they were prescribed (recorded in Finnish national registry data between 2004-2006) were analyzed for 19,300 working-aged Finns. Psychosocial characteristics included life satisfaction, a sense of coherence, perceived stress, hostility, and optimism. In a structural equation model, patients' adverse psychosocial characteristics were not related to increased antibiotic prescriptions in the subsequent three years. However, these characteristics were strongly associated with poor general health status, which in turn was associated with an increased number of subsequent antibiotic prescriptions. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that individuals who used healthcare services more frequently also received more antibiotic prescriptions. The current study does not support the view that patients' adverse psychosocial characteristics are related to an increased number of antibiotic prescriptions. This could encourage physicians to actively discuss treatment options with their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Säde Stenlund
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Research Services, Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Louise C Mâsse
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - David Stenlund
- Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Lauri Sillanmäki
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Research Services, Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirstin C Appelt
- Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
| | - Heli Koivumaa-Honkanen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine (Psychiatry), University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Päivi Rautava
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Research Services, Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Sakari Suominen
- Department of Public Health, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
- Research Services, Turku University Hospital, 20520 Turku, Finland
- School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, 54128 Skövde, Sweden
| | - David M Patrick
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4, Canada
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Poluektova O, Robertson DA, Rafferty A, Cunney R, Lunn PD. A scoping review and behavioural analysis of factors underlying overuse of antimicrobials. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2023; 5:dlad043. [PMID: 37168837 PMCID: PMC10164659 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlad043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overuse of antimicrobials is a challenging global issue that contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Despite widespread awareness of the problem among members of the medical community and various attempts to improve prescription practices, existing antimicrobial stewardship programmes are not always effective. In our view, this may reflect limited understanding of factors that influence prescription of antimicrobials as empirical therapy, implying a need to address the psychological mechanisms behind some of the specific behaviours involved. Objectives To identify factors that influence the antimicrobials prescription as empirical therapy, and to relate these factors to findings from behavioural science. Methods We conducted a scoping review of the literature on the factors underlying antimicrobial prescription decisions, following the protocol designed using PRISMA guidelines. Results and conclusions From a final sample of 90 sources, we identified ten factors important in antimicrobial prescription decisions. In the second stage of our analysis, we grouped them into five final categories: (1) nature of the decision, (2) social influences, (3) individual differences, (4) characteristics of the patient, (5) context. We analyse these categories using a behavioural science perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deirdre A Robertson
- Behavioural Research Unit, The Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, School of Psychology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling Rafferty
- Children’s Health Ireland, Department of Pharmacy, Dublin, Ireland
- University of Birmingham, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Sciences,Birmingham, UK
| | - Robert Cunney
- Children’s Health Ireland, Irish Meningitis and Sepsis Reference Laboratory, Dublin, Ireland
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Microbiology, Dublin, Ireland
- Children’s Health Ireland, Department of Microbiology, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter D Lunn
- Behavioural Research Unit, The Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Department of Economics, Dublin, Ireland
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Hurley R, Jury F, van Staa TP, Palin V, Armitage CJ. Clinician acceptability of an antibiotic prescribing knowledge support system for primary care: a mixed-method evaluation of features and context. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:367. [PMID: 37060063 PMCID: PMC10103677 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09239-4] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overprescribing of antibiotics is a major concern as it contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Research has found highly variable antibiotic prescribing in (UK) primary care, and to support more effective stewardship, the BRIT Project (Building Rapid Interventions to optimise prescribing) is implementing an eHealth Knowledge Support System. This will provide unique individualised analytics information to clinicians and patients at the point of care. The objective of the current study was to gauge the acceptability of the system to prescribing healthcare professionals and highlight factors to maximise intervention uptake. METHODS Two mixed-method co-design workshops were held online with primary care prescribing healthcare professionals (n = 16). Usefulness ratings of example features were collected using online polls and online whiteboards. Verbal discussion and textual comments were analysed thematically using inductive (participant-centred) and deductive perspectives (using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability). RESULTS Hierarchical thematic coding generated three overarching themes relevant to intervention use and development. Clinician concerns (focal issues) were safe prescribing, accessible information, autonomy, avoiding duplication, technical issues and time. Requirements were ease and efficiency of use, integration of systems, patient-centeredness, personalisation, and training. Important features of the system included extraction of pertinent information from patient records (such as antibiotic prescribing history), recommended actions, personalised treatment, risk indicators and electronic patient communication leaflets. Anticipated acceptability and intention to use the knowledge support system was moderate to high. Time was identified as a focal cost/ burden, but this would be outweighed if the system improved patient outcomes and increased prescribing confidence. CONCLUSION Clinicians anticipate that an eHealth knowledge support system will be a useful and acceptable way to optimise antibiotic prescribing at the point of care. The mixed method workshop highlighted issues to assist person-centred eHealth intervention development, such as the value of communicating patient outcomes. Important features were identified including the ability to efficiently extract and summarise pertinent information from the patient records, provide explainable and transparent risk information, and personalised information to support patient communication. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability enabled structured, theoretically sound feedback and creation of a profile to benchmark future evaluations. This may encourage a consistent user-focused approach to guide future eHealth intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Hurley
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Francine Jury
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - 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, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Victoria Palin
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Christopher J Armitage
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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10
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Sun G, Manzanares K, Foley KA, Zhou Y, MacGeorge EL. Antibiotic stewardship with upper respiratory tract infection patients at student health centers: Providers' communication experiences and strategies. Am J Infect Control 2023; 51:154-158. [PMID: 35605753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.05.013] [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: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective provider-patient communication can improve antibiotic stewardship in primary care, but providers find it challenging to discuss antibiotics with patients. This study, focused on college student health centers, examines patients' tactics for obtaining antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections and providers' communication strategies for improving patient understanding and reducing demand. METHODS Health care providers (N = 103) employed at student health centers on large and primarily residential college campuses in the U.S. completed an online survey. RESULTS Providers perceived patients as wanting antibiotics in approximately 50% of upper respiratory tract infection visits and noted multiple patient tactics to obtain them, including reports of prior prescribing, suggested diagnoses, and direct requests. Providers used multiple strategies to manage patient demand, including explanation of the diagnosis, antibiotic utility and risks, and treatment plan. DISCUSSION This study extends prior research indicating that patients exercise a range of influence tactics to obtain antibiotics, and thereby create discomfort for providers. The study also elucidates providers' efforts to counter these influence tactics and steward antibiotics by educating patients. CONCLUSIONS Additional research is needed to specify the most effective ways for providers to respond to patients' influence tactics, including the best approaches to explaining diagnosis, treatment, and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Sun
- MD Program, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Kasey A Foley
- Center for Tobacco Products, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Yanmengqian Zhou
- Communication Arts and Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
| | - Erina L MacGeorge
- Communication Arts and Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA.
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Toska A, Latsou D, Saridi M, Fradelos EC, Vus V, Geitona M. CLINICAL AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICES OF PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PHYSICIANS IN ANTIBIOTICS PRESCRIBING IN GREECE. POLSKI MERKURIUSZ LEKARSKI : ORGAN POLSKIEGO TOWARZYSTWA LEKARSKIEGO 2023; 51:201-206. [PMID: 37589103 DOI: 10.36740/merkur202303103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aim: To evaluate primary health physicians' clinical and behavioral practices towards antibiotics administration in a specific region in Greece. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire in all structures of primary health care (PHC) of the Peloponnese Region. The study was conducted in May-October 2020. RESULTS Results: In total, 306 out of 404 primary healthcare physicians completed the questionnaire (response rate of 75.8%). Our results showed that most of physicians used to prescribing antibiotics empirically in common diseases, except for the prevention of secondary respiratory tract infection. Overall, 66.3% answered that they do not feel diagnostic uncertainty that would lead them to prescribe antibiotics. Approximately 40% of the physicians stated an increase on antibiotics use and patients demand for antibiotic prescribing, however 71.4% "rarely/never" affected by this requirement. 51.9% of the sample used to prescribed brand name antibiotics. Statistically significant differences were found between demographic and professional characteristics, and physicians' clinical and behavioral practices (p≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION Conclusions: Our findings could provide decision makers with information on how to manage antibiotic prescribing in primary health care in the country, focusing mainly on the use of specific diagnostic tests as well as relevant guidelines and protocols for changing prescription behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dimitra Latsou
- UNIVERSITY OF NEAPOLIS, CYPRUS, UNIVERSITY OF PELOPONNESE, CORINTH, GREECE
| | | | | | - Viktor Vus
- NATIONAL ACADEMY OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES OF UKRAINE, KYIV, UKRAINE
| | - Mary Geitona
- UNIVERSITY OF NEAPOLIS, CYPRUS, UNIVERSITY OF PELOPONNESE, CORINTH, GREECE
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Rutkovska I, Linde-Ozola Z, Poplavska E. Role of multidimensional factors in the diagnosis and treatment of tonsillopharyngitis in primary care: a qualitative study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:275. [PMID: 36333657 PMCID: PMC9635145 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01881-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Tonsillopharyngitis is one of the most frequently observed upper respiratory tract infections, for which antibiotics are prescribed in ambulatory care. In most cases, tonsillopharyngitis is benign and self-limiting, mostly a viral condition. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic and treatment process of tonsillopharyngitis by general practitioners and to understand decisions regarding antibiotic prescribing and the factors that shape these practices. Methods/design This was a qualitative interview study in primary care practices in Latvia. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with general practitioners from November 2016 to January 2017. Thematic analysis was applied to identify factors that influence the prescribing practice in a primary care setting in conjunction with a specific context in which the prescriber practices. Results Decisions and practice of general practitioner are not static over time or context; they occur within an environmental setting influenced by individual factors of general practitioners, the health care system, and practice-specific factors that shape the diagnosis and antibiotic prescribing in the tonsillopharyngitis. Interviewed general practitioners rely primarily on their personal experience, perception, and skills acquired in their practice, which are encouraged by the environment, where the necessary tools and resources are not in place to encourage rational prescribing of antibiotics. Conclusions General practitioners’ decision regarding antibiotic prescribing is an unstable concept that differs between prescribers. The health care system could augment the experience of general practitioners through structural changes such as guidelines, availability of antibiotics, and available antibiotics package size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ieva Rutkovska
- grid.17330.360000 0001 2173 9398Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Zane Linde-Ozola
- grid.9845.00000 0001 0775 3222Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Elita Poplavska
- grid.17330.360000 0001 2173 9398Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia ,grid.17330.360000 0001 2173 9398Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
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13
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Van Staa T, Li Y, Gold N, Chadborn T, Welfare W, Palin V, Ashcroft DM, Bircher J. Comparing antibiotic prescribing between clinicians in UK primary care: an analysis in a cohort study of eight different measures of antibiotic prescribing. BMJ Qual Saf 2022; 31:831-838. [PMID: 35241573 PMCID: PMC9606525 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2020-012108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need to reduce antimicrobial uses in humans. Previous studies have found variations in antibiotic (AB) prescribing between practices in primary care. This study assessed variability of AB prescribing between clinicians. METHODS Clinical Practice Research Datalink, which collects electronic health records in primary care, was used to select anonymised clinicians providing 500+ consultations during 2012-2017. Eight measures of AB prescribing were assessed, such as overall and incidental AB prescribing, repeat AB courses and extent of risk-based prescribing. Poisson regression models with random effect for clinicians were fitted. RESULTS 6111 clinicians from 466 general practices were included. Considerable variability between individual clinicians was found for most AB measures. For example, the rate of AB prescribing varied between 77.4 and 350.3 per 1000 consultations; percentage of repeat AB courses within 30 days ranged from 13.1% to 34.3%; predicted patient risk of hospital admission for infection-related complications in those prescribed AB ranged from 0.03% to 0.32% (5th and 95th percentiles). The adjusted relative rate between clinicians in rates of AB prescribing was 5.23. Weak correlation coefficients (<0.5) were found between most AB measures. There was considerable variability in case mix seen by clinicians. The largest potential impact to reduce AB prescribing could be around encouraging risk-based prescribing and addressing repeat issues of ABs. Reduction of repeat AB courses to prescribing habit of median clinician would save 21 813 AB prescriptions per 1000 clinicians per year. CONCLUSIONS The wide variation seen in all measures of AB prescribing and weak correlation between them suggests that a single AB measure, such as prescribing rate, is not sufficient to underpin the optimisation of AB prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjeerd Van Staa
- Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Yan Li
- Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Natalie Gold
- Behavioural Insights and Evaluation, Public Health England, London, UK
- Centre for Philosophy of Natural and Social Science, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, England
- Behavioural Practice, Kantar Public, London, England
| | - Tim Chadborn
- Behavioural Insights and Evaluation, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - William Welfare
- North West Health Protection Team, Public Health England North West, Manchester, UK
| | - Victoria Palin
- Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety and NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Perspectives of Immigrants and Native Dutch on Antibiotic Use: A Qualitative Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11091179. [PMID: 36139959 PMCID: PMC9495072 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11091179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immigrants constitute large proportions of the population in many high-income countries. Knowledge about their perceptions of antibiotics, in comparison to native populations, is limited. We explored these perceptions by organizing nine homogeneous focus group discussions (FGDs) with first-generation immigrant and native Dutch participants (N = 64) from Rotterdam and Utrecht, who were recruited with the assistance of immigrant (community support) organizations. The FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive thematic analyses were performed with the qualitative analysis software Atlas.ti, using open and axial coding. We did not find noteworthy differences between immigrants and native Dutch participants; all participants had an overall reluctant attitude towards antibiotics. Within-group differences were larger than between-group differences. In each FGD there were, for instance, participants who adopted an assertive stance in order to receive antibiotics, who had low antibiotic-related knowledge, or who used antibiotics incorrectly. Native Dutch participants expressed similar difficulties as immigrant participants in the communication with their GP, which mainly related to time constraints. Immigrants who encountered language barriers experienced even greater communicational difficulties and reported that they often feel embarrassed and refrain from asking questions. To stimulate more prudent use of antibiotics, more attention is needed for supportive multilingual patient materials. In addition, GPs need to adjust their information, guidance, and communication for the individual’s needs, regardless of the patient’s migration background.
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Richard C, Lussier MT, Roberge D, Lavoie MÈ, Turner J. Applying a multidimensional approach to understanding clinical conversations: A deprescribing case study in primary care. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2590-2598. [PMID: 35197203 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe and evaluate the contribution of multiple coding approaches applied to a clinical conversation on deprescribing in primary care (PC). METHODS Seven distinct coding approaches were applied to one audiotaped consultation. Only exchanges related to deprescribing a benzodiazepine (BZD) were coded for: content, interaction, arguments, connectors, transitions, orientation towards deprescribing and concordance with a deprescribing algorithm. A discursive map presents the unfolding of the exchanges. RESULTS The deprescribing conversation was broken down into 31 utterances divided into three segments: opening (n = 6), development (n = 16) and closing (n = 9). The family physician dominated the last two segments and most of her utterances were favorable to BZD deprescribing while the patient's utterances were generally unfavorable in the first two segments. The number of distinct codes assigned to utterances varied according to the coding approach. The map illustrates how each utterance can be viewed through different lenses revealing the dynamics and complexity of the deprescribing conversation. CONCLUSION This multidimensional methodological approach with its proposed way of presenting results, either quantitatively or qualitatively, and its map offer a comprehensive evaluation of the deprescribing process in this PC setting. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This novel multidimensional coding approach has potential to be applied to a range of other topics in clinical communications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Richard
- Direction de l'enseignement universitaire et de la recherche, Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de Laval, 1755 René Laënnec, Laval, Québec H7M 3L9, Canada
| | - Marie-Thérèse Lussier
- Direction de l'enseignement universitaire et de la recherche, Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de Laval, 1755 René Laënnec, Laval, Québec H7M 3L9, Canada; Département de médecine de famille et de médecine d'urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, 2900, boul. Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada.
| | - Denis Roberge
- Direction de l'enseignement universitaire et de la recherche, Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de Laval, 1755 René Laënnec, Laval, Québec H7M 3L9, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Lavoie
- Direction de l'enseignement universitaire et de la recherche, Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de Laval, 1755 René Laënnec, Laval, Québec H7M 3L9, Canada
| | - Justin Turner
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada; Centre de recherche Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, 4565, Chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal, Québec H3W 1W5, Canada; Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 318 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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Huibers L, Vestergaard CH, Keizer E, Bech BH, Bro F, Christensen MB. Variation of GP antibiotic prescribing tendency for contacts with out-of-hours primary care in Denmark - a cross-sectional register-based study. Scand J Prim Health Care 2022; 40:227-236. [PMID: 35703579 PMCID: PMC9397449 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2022.2073981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study variation in antibiotic prescribing rates among general practitioners (GP) in out-of-hours (OOH) primary care and to explore GP characteristics associated with these rates. DESIGN Population-based observational registry study using routine data from the OOH primary care registration system on patient contacts and antibiotic prescriptions combined with national register data. SETTING OOH primary care of the Central Denmark Region. SUBJECTS All patient contacts in 2014-2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES GPs' tendency to prescribe antibiotics. Excess variation (not attributable to chance). RESULTS We included 794,220 clinic consultations (16.1% with antibiotics prescription), 281,141 home visits (11.6% antibiotics), and 1,583,919 telephone consultations (5.8% antibiotics). The excess variation in the tendency to prescribe antibiotics was 1.56 for clinic consultations, 1.64 for telephone consultations, and 1.58 for home visits. Some GP characteristics were significantly correlated with a higher tendency to prescribe antibiotics, including 'activity level' (i.e. number of patients seen in the past hour) for clinic and telephone consultations, 'familiarity with OOH care' (i.e. number of OOH shifts in the past 180 days), male sex, and younger age for home visits. Overall, GP characteristics explained little of the antibiotic prescribing variation seen among GPs (Pseudo r2: 0.008-0.025). CONCLUSION Some variation in the GPs' tendency to prescribe antibiotics was found for OOH primary care contacts. Available GP characteristics, such as GPs' activity level and familiarity with OOH care, explained only small parts of this variation. Future research should focus on identifying factors that can explain this variation, as this knowledge could be used for designing interventions.KEY POINTSCurrent awareness:Antibiotic prescribing rates seem to be higher in out-of-hours than in daytime primary care.Most important results:Antibiotic prescribing rates varied significantly among general practitioners after adjustment for contact- and patient-characteristics.This variation remained even after accounting for variation attributable to chance.General practitioners' activity level and familiarity with out-of-hours care were positively associated with their tendency to prescribe antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Huibers
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
- CONTACT Linda Huibers Research Unit for General Practice, Bartholins Alle 2, Aarhus8000, Denmark
| | | | - Ellen Keizer
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bodil Hammer Bech
- Research Unit for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Flemming Bro
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of General Practice, Institute for Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten Bondo Christensen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of General Practice, Institute for Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Wasag DR, Cannings-John R, Hughes K, Ahmed H. Antibiotic dispensing during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of Welsh primary care dispensing data. Fam Pract 2022; 39:420-425. [PMID: 34755180 PMCID: PMC8822399 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid changes in demand and delivery of primary care services that could have led to increases in antibiotic prescribing. OBJECTIVE We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on oral antibiotic dispensing rates in primary care in Wales using longitudinal analysis of monthly oral antibiotic dispensing data from 1 April 2018 to 30 April 2021. METHODS We used All-Wales primary care dispensing data. We examined trends in oral antibiotic dispensing per 1,000 people for Wales and for individual Health Boards. We used interrupted time series analysis to estimate changes in trends pre- and post-April 2020 to assess the impact of the first and subsequent lockdowns. RESULTS Between April 2020 and April 2021, antibiotic dispensing in Wales was lower compared with the same period in 2018 and 2019, with an average monthly decrease of 14.00 dispensed items per 1,000 registered patients (95% confidence interval 19.89-8.11). The overall prepandemic monthly antibiotic dispensing rate ranged from 48.5 to 67.4 antibiotic items per 1,000 registered patients. From the onset of the pandemic, it ranged from 40.3 to 49.07 antibiotic items per 1,000 registered patients. This reduction was primarily driven by narrow-spectrum antibiotics. Statistically significant reductions were also observed for antibiotics commonly dispensed for the treatment of respiratory tract infections. Dispensing of antibiotics primarily used for urinary and skin infections remained stable. CONCLUSIONS Despite complexities of consulting during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary care we found no evidence of an increase in antibiotic dispensing during this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana R Wasag
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Cannings-John
- Centre for Trials Research, College of Biomedical & Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Hughes
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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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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Guideline Adherence of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Could Be Improved among General Practitioners in The Netherlands: A Survey Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11010075. [PMID: 35052953 PMCID: PMC8772807 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a common finding in certain populations. This study assessed general practitioners’ (GPs’) knowledge about ASB and their current clinical practice regarding urine testing. Methods: An online survey was used for GPs in the Netherlands from October to December 2020. Results: In total, 99 surveys were included in the analyses. All GPs strongly agreed with the statements about their knowledge and self-confidence regarding urine diagnostics and treatment of ASB. The median knowledge score was 4 out of 6 (IQR 2 to 6). Most GPs (64 of 92; 70%) followed the guideline for the choice of urine diagnostics and reported appropriate indications for urine testing. However, 71/94 (75.5%) GPs would treat patients for ASB if they have diabetes mellitus. Further, 34 (37%) of 92 participants would inappropriately repeat a urine test after a patient was treated for a urinary tract infection (UTI). One-third of the GPs responded that ASB was insufficiently addressed within the guidelines for UTI. Conclusion: These results indicate that knowledge about ASB could be improved in primary care in the Netherlands, mainly in diabetic patients that have ASB, as well as for follow-up tests after treatment for UTI.
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20
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Rockwell MS, Michaels KC, Epling JW. Does de-implementation of low-value care impact the patient-clinician relationship? A mixed methods study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:37. [PMID: 34991573 PMCID: PMC8733793 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07345-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The importance of reducing low-value care (LVC) is increasingly recognized, but the impact of de-implementation on the patient-clinician relationship is not well understood. This mixed-methods study explored the impact of LVC de-implementation on the patient-clinician relationship. Methods
Adult primary care patients from a large Virginia health system volunteered to participate in a survey (n = 232) or interview (n = 24). Participants completed the Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9) after reading a vignette about a clinician declining to provide a low-value service: antibiotics for acute sinusitis (LVC-antibiotics); screening EKG (LVC-EKG); screening vitamin D test (LVC-vitamin D); or an alternate vignette about a high-value service, and imagining that their own primary care clinician had acted in the same manner. A different sample of participants was asked to imagine that their own primary care clinician did not order LVC-antibiotics or LVC-EKG and then respond to semi-structured interview questions. Outcomes data included participant demographics, PDRQ-9 scores (higher score = greater relationship integrity), and content analysis of transcribed interviews. Differences in PDRQ-9 scores were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Data were integrated for analysis and interpretation. Results Although participants generally agreed with the vignette narrative (not providing LVC), many demonstrated difficulty comprehending the broad concept of LVC and potential harms. The topic triggered memories of negative experiences with healthcare (typically poor-quality care, not necessarily LVC). The most common recommendation for reducing LVC was for patients to take greater responsibility for their own health. Most participants believed that their relationship with their clinician would not be negatively impacted by denial of LVC because they trusted their clinician’s guidance. Participants emphasized that trusted clinicians are those who listen to them, spend time with them, and offer understandable advice. Some felt that not providing LVC would actually increase their trust in their clinician. Similar PDRQ-9 scores were observed for LVC-antibiotics (38.9), LVC-EKG (37.5), and the alternate vignette (36.4), but LVC-vitamin D was associated with a significantly lower score (31.2) (p < 0.05). Conclusions In this vignette-based study, we observed minimal impact of LVC de-implementation on the patient-clinician relationship, although service-specific differences surfaced. Further situation-based research is needed to confirm study findings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07345-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Rockwell
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, 1 Riverside Circle, Suite 102, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA.
| | - Kenan C Michaels
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, 2 Riverside Circle, VA, 24016, Roanoke, USA
| | - John W Epling
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, 1 Riverside Circle, Suite 102, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA
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Wanat M, Santillo M, Borek AJ, Butler CC, Anthierens S, Tonkin-Crine S. OUP accepted manuscript. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2022; 4:dlac026. [PMID: 35321397 PMCID: PMC8935206 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to design appropriate antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes, it is crucial to understand challenges to tackling antibiotic resistance (AMR) specific to each healthcare setting. Antibiotic prescribing in primary care accounts for most prescriptions with a significant proportion considered clinically inappropriate. Qualitative research has a long history in social sciences, but its value and contribution are still contested in medical journals including in the AMR/AMS field. However, through its focus on understanding, meaning making and explaining, qualitative research can offer insights in how to improve AMS efforts in primary care. This paper provides an overview of unique considerations, contributions and challenges related to using qualitative research in AMS to help the AMS community new to qualitative research to utilize its potential most fully. First, we discuss specific considerations for AMS in relation to the stages of conducting a qualitative study, including identifying a research question and choosing a suitable methodology; sampling appropriate participants; planning a recruitment strategy; choosing a method of data collection; and conducting data analysis. These are illustrated with examples of qualitative AMS studies in primary care. Second, we highlight the importance of patient and public involvement throughout all stages of the project and ensuring quality in qualitative AMS research. Finally, drawing on these considerations, we make a further case for the value and contribution of qualitative methodologies in AMS/AMR research while outlining future directions for both AMS and qualitative research, including the need for studies with diverse actors; interdisciplinary collaborations; and complex decisions on methodologies and timelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Wanat
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Corresponding author. E-mail: ; @SKGTonkinCrine, @BorekAleksandra, @MartaSantillo, @marta_wanat, @sibylanthierens, @ChrisColButler
| | - Marta Santillo
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aleksandra J. Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Oxford, UK
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Abstract
Antibiotic use (and misuse) accelerates antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and addressing this complex problem necessitates behaviour change related to infection prevention and management and to antibiotic prescribing and use. As most antibiotic courses are prescribed in primary care, a key focus of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is on changing behaviours outside of hospital. Behavioural science draws on behaviour change theories, techniques and methods developed in health psychology, and can be used to help understand and change behaviours related to AMR/AMS. Qualitative methodologies can be used together with a behavioural science approach to explore influences on behaviour and develop and evaluate behavioural interventions. This paper provides an overview of how the behavioural science approach, together with qualitative methods, can contribute and add value to AMS projects. First, it introduces and explains the relevance of the behavioural science approach to AMR/AMS. Second, it provides an overview of behaviour change ‘tools’: behaviour change theories/models, behavioural determinants and behaviour change techniques. Third, it explains how behavioural methods can be used to: (i) define a clinical problem in behavioural terms and identify behavioural influences; (ii) develop and implement behavioural AMS interventions; and (iii) evaluate them. These are illustrated with examples of using qualitative methods in AMS studies in primary care. Finally, the paper concludes by summarizing the main contributions of taking the behavioural science approach to qualitative AMS research in primary care and discussing the key implications and future directions for research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J. Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Marta Santillo
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marta Wanat
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- 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
| | - 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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Colliers A, Bombeke K, Philips H, Remmen R, Coenen S, Anthierens S. Antibiotic Prescribing and Doctor-Patient Communication During Consultations for Respiratory Tract Infections: A Video Observation Study in Out-of-Hours Primary Care. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:735276. [PMID: 34926492 PMCID: PMC8671733 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.735276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Communication skills can reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, which could help to tackle antibiotic resistance. General practitioners often overestimate patient expectations for an antibiotic. In this study, we describe how general practitioners and patients with respiratory tract infections (RTI) communicate about their problem, including the reason for encounter and ideas, concerns, and expectations (ICE), and how this relates to (non-)antibiotic prescribing in out-of-hours (OOH) primary care. Methods: A qualitative descriptive framework analysis of video-recorded consultations during OOH primary care focusing on doctor-patient communication. Results: We analyzed 77 videos from 19 general practitioners. General practitioners using patient-centered communication skills received more information on the perspective of the patients on the illness period. For some patients, the reason for the encounter was motivated by their belief that a general practitioner (GP) visit will alter the course of their illness. The ideas, concerns, and expectations often remained implicit, but the concerns were expressed by the choice of words, tone of voice, repetition of words, etc. Delayed prescribing was sometimes used to respond to implicit patient expectations for an antibiotic. Patients accepted a non-antibiotic management plan well. Conclusion: Not addressing the ICE of patients, or their reason to consult the GP OOH, could drive assumptions about patient expectations for antibiotics early on and antibiotic prescribing later in the consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Colliers
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Hilde Philips
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Roy Remmen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO)-Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Thompson W, Sandoe J, Pavitt S, Walsh T, Byrne-Davis L. Co-Developing an Antibiotic Stewardship Tool for Dentistry: Shared Decision-Making for Adults with Toothache or Infection. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10111345. [PMID: 34827283 PMCID: PMC8615064 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dentistry is responsible for around 10% of antibiotic prescribing across global healthcare, with up to 80% representing inappropriate use. Facilitating shared decision-making has been shown to optimise antibiotic prescribing (antibiotic stewardship) in primary medical care. Our aim was to co-develop a shared decision-making antibiotic stewardship tool for dentistry. Dentists, patients and other stakeholders prioritised factors to include in the new tool, based on previous research (a systematic review and ethnographic study) about dentists’ decision-making during urgent appointments. Candidate behaviour-change techniques were identified using the Behaviour Change Wheel and selected based on suitability for a shared decision-making approach. A ‘think aloud’ study helped fine-tune the tool design and Crystal Marking ensured clarity of messaging. The resulting paper-based worksheet for use at point-of-care incorporated various behaviour change techniques, such as: ’information about (and salience of) health consequences’, ‘prompts and cues’, ‘restructuring the physical (and social) environment’ and ‘credible sources’. The think aloud study confirmed the tool’s acceptability to dentists and patients, and resulted in the title: ‘Step-by-step guide to fixing your toothache.’ Further testing will be necessary to evaluate its efficacy at safely reducing dental antibiotic prescribing during urgent dental appointments in England and, with translation, to other dental contexts globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Thompson
- Division of Dentistry, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-7837-190-387
| | | | - Sue Pavitt
- School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK;
| | - Tanya Walsh
- Division of Dentistry, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Lucie Byrne-Davis
- Division of Medical Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
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25
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Role of locum GPs in antibiotic prescribing and stewardship: a mixed-methods study. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 72:e118-e127. [PMID: 34990397 PMCID: PMC8763197 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2021.0354] [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: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most antibiotics are prescribed in primary care. Locum or sessional GPs (locums) are perceived as contributing to higher prescribing and may face barriers to engaging with antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). Aim To identify how locums’ antibiotic prescribing compares with other general practice prescribers, and how they perceive their role in antibiotic prescribing and AMS. Design and setting Mixed-methods study in primary care. Method Data on antibiotic prescribing, diagnoses, and patient and prescriber characteristics were extracted from The Health Improvement Network database. A mixed-effects logistic model was used to compare locums’ and other prescribers’ antibiotic prescribing for conditions that do not usually benefit from antibiotics. Nineteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with locums in England and analysed thematically. Results Locums accounted for 11% of consultations analysed. They prescribed antibiotics more often than other GPs and nurse prescribers for acute cough, sore throat, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations, and acute bronchitis. The number of patients receiving antibiotics for these conditions was 4% higher (on absolute scale) when consulting with locums compared with when they consulted with other GPs. Four themes capture the perceived influences on prescribing antibiotics and AMS: antibiotic prescribing as a complex but individual issue, nature and patterns of locum work, relationships between practices and locums, and professional isolation. Conclusion Locums contribute to higher antibiotic prescribing compared with their peers. They experience challenges but also opportunities for contributing to AMS, which should be better addressed. With an increasing proportion of locums in general practice, they have an important role in antibiotic optimisation and AMS.
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Guo H, Hildon ZJL, Loh VWK, Sundram M, Ibrahim MAB, Tang WE, Chow A. Exploring antibiotic prescribing in public and private primary care settings in Singapore: a qualitative analysis informing theory and evidence-based planning for value-driven intervention design. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:205. [PMID: 34654368 PMCID: PMC8519324 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01556-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Singapore's healthcare system presents an ideal context to learn from diverse public and private operational models and funding systems. AIM To explore processes underpinning decision-making for antibiotic prescribing, by considering doctors' experiences in different primary care settings. METHODS Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 doctors working in publicly funded primary care clinics (polyclinics) and 13 general practitioners (GP) working in private practices (solo, small and large). Data were analysed using applied thematic analysis following realist principles, synthesised into a theoretical model, informing solutions to appropriate antibiotic prescribing. RESULTS Given Singapore's lack of national guidelines for antibiotic prescribing in primary care, practices are currently non-standardised. Themes contributing to optimal prescribing related first and foremost to personal valuing of reduction in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which was enabled further by organisational culture creating and sustaining such values, and if patients were convinced of these too. Building trusting patient-doctor relationships, supported by reasonable patient loads among other factors were consistently observed to allow shared decision-making enabling optimal prescribing. Transparency and applying data to inform practice was a minority theme, nevertheless underpinning all levels of optimal care delivery. These themes are synthesised into the VALUE model proposed for guiding interventions to improve antibiotic prescribing practices. These should aim to reinforce intrapersonal Values consistent with prioritising AMR reduction, and Aligning organisational culture to these by leveraging standardised guidelines and interpersonal intervention tools. Such interventions should account for the wider systemic constraints experienced in publicly funded high patient turnover institutions, or private clinics with transactional models of care. Thus, ultimately a focus on Liaison between patient and doctor is crucial. For instance, building in adequate consultation time and props as discussion aids, or quick turnover communication tools in time-constrained settings. Message consistency will ultimately improve trust, helping to enable shared decision-making. Lastly, Use of monitoring data to track and Evaluate antibiotic prescribing using meaningful indicators, that account for the role of shared decision-making can also be leveraged for change. CONCLUSIONS These VALUE dimensions are recommended as potentially transferable to diverse contexts, and the model as implementation tool to be tested empirically and updated accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Guo
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Office of Clinical Epidemiology, Analytics, and Knowledge, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zoe Jane-Lara Hildon
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Victor Weng Keong Loh
- Division of Family Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Meena Sundram
- National University Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Muhamad Alif Bin Ibrahim
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Office of Clinical Epidemiology, Analytics, and Knowledge, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Social and Health Sciences, James Cook University, Singapore Campus, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wern Ee Tang
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Angela Chow
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Office of Clinical Epidemiology, Analytics, and Knowledge, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Lescure D, van der Velden J, Nieboer D, van Oorschot W, Brouwer R, Huijser van Reenen N, Tjon-A-Tsien A, Erdem Ö, Vos M, van der Velden A, Richardus JH, Voeten H. Reducing antibiotic prescribing by enhancing communication of general practitioners with their immigrant patients: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (PARCA study). BMJ Open 2021; 11:e054674. [PMID: 34635534 PMCID: PMC8506856 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in the Netherlands is comparatively low, inappropriate prescription of antibiotics is substantial, mainly for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). General practitioners (GPs) experience pressure from patients with an immigration background to prescribe antibiotics and have difficulty communicating in a culturally sensitive way. Multifaceted interventions including communication skills training for GPs are shown to be most effective in reducing antibiotic prescription. The PARCA study aims to reduce the number of antibiotic prescriptions for RTIs through implementing a culturally sensitive communication intervention for GPs and evaluate it in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). METHODS AND ANALYSIS A non-blinded RCT including 58 GPs (29 for each arm). The intervention consists of: (1) An E-learning with 4 modules of 10-15 min each; (2) A face-to-face training session in (intercultural) communication skills including role plays with a training actor and (3) Availability of informative patient-facing materials that use simple words (A2/B1 level) in multiple languages. The primary outcome measure is the number of dispensed antibiotic courses qualifying for RTIs in primary care, per 1000 registered patients. The secondary outcome measure is the number of all dispensed antibiotic courses, per 1000 registered patients. The intervention arm will receive the training in Autumn 2021, followed by an observation period of 6 winter months for which numbers of antibiotics will be collected for both trial arms. The GPs/practices in the control arm can attend the training after the observation period. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Review Committee of Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam (MEC-2020-0142). The results of the trial will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and will be disseminated through national and international congresses. The project is funded by The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL9450.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Lescure
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Daan Nieboer
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rob Brouwer
- Health Centre Levinas, Pharmacy Ramleh, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Aimée Tjon-A-Tsien
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Özcan Erdem
- Department of Research and Business Intelligence, Municipality of Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet Vos
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alike van der Velden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Hendrik Richardus
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hélène Voeten
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Kurotschka PK, Tiedemann E, Wolf D, Thier N, Forster J, Liese JG, Gagyor I. Management of Common Infections in German Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge and Confidence among General Practitioners and Outpatient Pediatricians. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10091131. [PMID: 34572713 PMCID: PMC8466449 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Outpatient antibiotic use is closely related to antimicrobial resistance and in Germany, almost 70% of antibiotic prescriptions in human health are issued by primary care physicians (PCPs). The aim of this study was to explore PCPs, namely General Practitioners' (GPs) and outpatient pediatricians' (PDs) knowledge of guideline recommendations on rational antimicrobial treatment, the determinants of confidence in treatment decisions and the perceived need for training in this topic in a large sample of PCPs from southern Germany. Out of 3753 reachable PCPs, 1311 completed the survey (overall response rate = 34.9%). Knowledge of guideline recommendations and perceived confidence in making treatment decisions were high in both GPs and PDs. The two highest rated influencing factors on prescribing decisions were reported to be guideline recommendations and own clinical experiences, hence patients' demands and expectations were judged as not influencing treatment decisions. The majority of physicians declared to have attended at least one specific training course on antibiotic use, yet almost all the participating PCPs declared to need more training on this topic. More studies are needed to explore how consultation-related and context-specific factors could influence antibiotic prescriptions in general and pediatric primary care in Germany beyond knowledge. Moreover, efforts should be undertaken to explore the training needs of PCPs in Germany, as this would serve the development of evidence-based educational interventions targeted to the improvement of antibiotic prescribing decisions rather than being focused solely on knowledge of guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Konstantin Kurotschka
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (E.T.); (D.W.); (N.T.); (I.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elena Tiedemann
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (E.T.); (D.W.); (N.T.); (I.G.)
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (E.T.); (D.W.); (N.T.); (I.G.)
| | - Nicola Thier
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (E.T.); (D.W.); (N.T.); (I.G.)
| | - Johannes Forster
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Johannes G. Liese
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Ildiko Gagyor
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (E.T.); (D.W.); (N.T.); (I.G.)
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Pan L, Zhao R, Zhao N, Wei L, Wu Y, Fan H. Determinants associated with doctors' prescribing behaviors in public hospitals in China. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1507:99-107. [PMID: 34476819 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Doctors' prescribing behaviors impact both medical expenses and health resources. This study aims to identify the significant determinants of prescribing behaviors of doctors, which could potentially provide theoretical evidence on how to improve prescribing decisions. A multistage, stratified, cluster, random sampling method was employed in this survey. Data were collected from Jiangsu and Shanxi provinces in China in 2018. A total of 444 doctors in public hospitals completed the self-administered questionnaires. A structural equation model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was adopted for analysis. On the basis of the TPB, we constructed a model of doctors' prescribing behaviors, which explained the subjective and objective reasons for irrational prescribing behavior. Behavioral attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control could positively influence the actual behaviors, of which subjective norms impact prescribing behaviors the most. Employing the TPB helped in identifying determinants of prescribing behaviors from a new perspective. More significant policy changes and government support are required to help improve appropriate prescribing behaviors and ultimately make better prescribing decisions. This study provided a deeper understanding of this complex issue and will inform the development of a theory and evidence-based intervention for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Pan
- The School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Ran Zhao
- The School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Nan Zhao
- The School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Liangmin Wei
- The School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yanling Wu
- The School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Hong Fan
- The School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China.,The School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P.R. China
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Alnasser AHA, Al-Tawfiq JA, Ahmed HAA, Alqithami SMH, Alhaddad ZMA, Rabiah ASM, Albrahim MAA, Al Kalif MSH, Barry M, Temsah MH, Al-Kalaif ZSH, Shahadah RFB, Alharbi KKS, Alnasser AAH. Public knowledge, attitude and practice towards antibiotics use and antimicrobial resistance in Saudi Arabia: A web-based cross-sectional survey. J Public Health Res 2021; 10. [PMID: 34313091 PMCID: PMC8715265 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the general Saudi populations toward antibiotics use. Design and method: A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was conducted from January 1 to May 11, 2020, across five major regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants (aged ≥18 years) were invited through social media to complete an online self-structured questionnaire. All data were analyzed by Statistical Package (SPSS v. 25). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Chi-squared, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation analyses were conducted. Results: Out of 443 participants, the majority (n=309, 69.8%) were females, 294 (64.4%) were married, 176 (39.7%) were 25-34 years of age, 338 (76.3%) were living in the Eastern Province, 313 (70.7%) had college or higher education, 139 (31.4%) were not working, and 163 (36.8%) had a monthly income of USD 800-1330. Overall, most participants demonstrated good knowledge and practice (88% and 85.6%, respectively). However, 76.8%had inadequate attitude score levels towards antibiotics use. Of all the respondents, 74.9% knew that not completing a full course of antibiotics may cause antibiotics resistance, 91.33% did not agree that antibiotics should be accessed without a prescription, and 94.04% will not hand over leftover antibiotics to family members. Factors associated with adequate knowledge were female, medical jobs, and higher income (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our findings revealed that while most participants were aware of antibiotics use and demonstrated good knowledge, good practices, they had negative attitudes towards antibiotics use. Significance for public health Antibiotics are considered the miracle of medicine that can cure patients with infectious diseases. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, few studies described antimicrobial practices. Most of the surveys were limited to certain areas. Therefore, this study assessed general knowledge, practices, and attitudes towards antibiotics use in multiple regions of Saudi Arabia. The findings could be used to assess the level of awareness about antibiotic use and may help policymakers to develop plans, laws, and programs to limit misuse of antibiotics and to preserve the health of the general population of Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hassan A Alnasser
- Department of Laboratory, Dhahran Eye Specialist Hospital, Ministry of Health, Dhahran 31942, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Maryam Ali A Albrahim
- Department of Dentistry, Dammam Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed Sheker H Al Kalif
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mazin Barry
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University and King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohamad-Hani Temsah
- Pediatric Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Khulud Khalid S Alharbi
- College of Applied Medical Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, The Panuska College of Professional Studies, The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, USA.
| | - Aqeela Ali H Alnasser
- Al-Awjam First Secondary School for Girls, Al-Qatif Girls Education Office, General Administration of Education in the Eastern Region, Ministry of Education, Qatif, Saudi Arabia.
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Karasneh RA, Al-Azzam SI, Ababneh M, Al-Azzeh O, Al-Batayneh OB, Muflih SM, Khasawneh M, Khassawneh ARM, Khader YS, Conway BR, Aldeyab MA. Prescribers' Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors on Antibiotics, Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance in Jordan. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070858. [PMID: 34356779 PMCID: PMC8300611 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
More research is needed on the drivers of irrational antibiotic prescribing among healthcare professionals and to ensure effective prescribing and an adequate understanding of the issue of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed at evaluating prescribers’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors about antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing an online questionnaire and included physicians and dentists from all sectors in Jordan. A total of 613 prescribers were included (physicians n = 409, dentists n = 204). Respondents’ knowledge on effective use, unnecessary use or associated side effects of antibiotics was high (>90%), compared with their knowledge on the spread of antibiotic resistance (62.2%). For ease of access to the required guidelines on managing infections, and to materials that advise on prudent antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance, prescribers agreed in 62% and 46.1% of cases, respectively. 28.4% of respondents had prescribed antibiotics when they would have preferred not to do so more than once a day or more than once a week. Among respondents who prescribed antibiotics, 63.4% would never or rarely give out resources on prudent use of antibiotics for infections. The findings are of importance to inform antibiotic stewardships about relevant interventions aimed at changing prescribers’ behaviors and improving antibiotic prescribing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reema A. Karasneh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | - Sayer I. Al-Azzam
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (S.I.A.-A.); (M.A.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Mera Ababneh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (S.I.A.-A.); (M.A.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Ola Al-Azzeh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ola B. Al-Batayneh
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Suhaib M. Muflih
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (S.I.A.-A.); (M.A.); (S.M.M.)
| | - Mohammad Khasawneh
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | | | - Yousef S. Khader
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Barbara R. Conway
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD13DH, UK;
- Institute of Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD13DH, UK
| | - Mamoon A. Aldeyab
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD13DH, UK;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-01484-472825
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Adekanmbi V, Jones H, Farewell D, Francis NA. Antibiotic use and deprivation: an analysis of Welsh primary care antibiotic prescribing data by socioeconomic status. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:2363-2371. [PMID: 32449917 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and antibiotic prescribing, controlling for the presence of common chronic conditions and other potential confounders and variation amongst GP practices and clusters. METHODS This was an electronic cohort study using linked GP and Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) data. The setting was GP practices contributing to the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank 2013-17. The study involved 2.9 million patients nested within 339 GP practices, nested within 67 GP clusters. RESULTS Approximately 9 million oral antibiotics were prescribed between 2013 and 2017. Antibiotic prescribing rates were associated with WIMD quintile, with more deprived populations receiving more antibiotics. This association persisted after controlling for patient demographics, smoking, chronic conditions and clustering by GP practice and cluster, with those in the most deprived quintile receiving 18% more antibiotic prescriptions than those in the least deprived quintile (incidence rate ratio = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.181-1.187). We found substantial unexplained variation in antibiotic prescribing rates between GP practices [intra-cluster correlation (ICC) = 47.31%] and GP clusters (ICC = 12.88%) in the null model, which reduced to ICCs of 3.50% and 0.85% for GP practices and GP clusters, respectively, in the final adjusted model. CONCLUSIONS Antibiotic prescribing in primary care is increased in areas of greater SES deprivation and this is not explained by differences in the presence of common chronic conditions or smoking status. Substantial unexplained variation in prescribing supports the need for ongoing antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Adekanmbi
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4YS, UK
| | - Hywel Jones
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4YS, UK
| | - Daniel Farewell
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4YS, UK
| | - Nick A Francis
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4YS, UK.,Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
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Dormoy J, Vuillemin MO, Rossi S, Boivin JM, Guillet J. Perceptions of Antibiotic Use and Resistance: Are Antibiotics the Dentists' Anxiolytics? Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:735. [PMID: 34204526 PMCID: PMC8235224 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance is a global health crisis. The aim of this study was to explore dentists' perceptions of antibiotic resistance. METHODS A qualitative method was used. Seventeen dentists practising in the Nancy (Lorraine, France) region were surveyed. They were general practitioners or specialised in oral surgery, implantology, or periodontology. The practitioners took part in semi-structured interviews between September 2019 and July 2020. All of the interviews were transcribed in full and analysed thematically. RESULTS Four major themes have been selected: attitudes of the dentists in regard to the guidelines, clinical factors that influence prescriptions, non-clinical factors that influence prescriptions, and the perception of antibiotic resistance. The dentists stated that they were very concerned regarding the public health issue of antibiotic resistance. However, they often prescribe according to their own interests and habits rather than according to the relevant guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Although dentists are generally well aware of antibiotic resistance, they often do not adequately appreciate the link between their prescribing habits and the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. Regular updating of practitioners' knowledge in this regard is necessary, but patients and the general public should also be made more aware of the issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dormoy
- Département de Chirurgie Orale, Faculté d’Odontologie de Lorraine, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France; (J.D.); (M.-O.V.)
| | - Marc-Olivier Vuillemin
- Département de Chirurgie Orale, Faculté d’Odontologie de Lorraine, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France; (J.D.); (M.-O.V.)
| | - Silvia Rossi
- Apemac EA4360, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France;
- École de Santé Publique, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Marc Boivin
- Centre d’Investigation Clinique Plurithématique CIC-P Inserm, CHRU de Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France;
- Département de Médecine Générale, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
- AntibioEst, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Julie Guillet
- Département de Chirurgie Orale, Faculté d’Odontologie de Lorraine, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France; (J.D.); (M.-O.V.)
- AntibioEst, 54000 Nancy, France
- Service d’Odontologie, CHRU de Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France
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Medina-Perucha L, García-Sangenís A, Moragas A, Gálvez-Hernández P, Cots JM, Lanau-Roig A, Borràs A, Amo I, Monfà R, Llor C, Berenguera A. Autonomy, power dynamics and antibiotic use in primary healthcare: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244432. [PMID: 33338078 PMCID: PMC7748265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a global health concern. Although numerous strategies have tried to reduce inadequate antibiotic prescribing, antibiotics are still prescribed in 60% of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) cases in Catalonia (Spain). This study aims to explore service users' experiences of ALRTIs, the quality and access to healthcare services, and health education. Selective purposive sampling was carried out, based on a prior definition of participant characteristics. These were sex, age, ethnicity, date of the last ALRTI, number of ALRTIs in the last year, and treatments received. Participants with a previous diagnosis of ALRTIs were recruited from three primary health care centres in Barcelona and one in Tarragona. Twenty-nine interviews were conducted between April and June 2019. A content thematic analysis was performed. Three themes were identified: 1) risk perceptions and help-seeking; 2) treatment preferences and antibiotic use; and 3) relationship dynamics and communication with healthcare professionals. Accounts of service users' sense of autonomy towards their health and power dynamics within the healthcare system were apparent. Supporting service users to become reliable, subjective and agentic experts of their health and bodies could help them to voice their healthcare agendas. Power structures embedded within healthcare, political and economic institutions should be challenged so that healthcare services can be co-developed (with service users) and based on service users' autonomy and horizontal relationships. Special consideration should be paid to the intersection of social vulnerabilities. A concordance approach to prescribing could be key to improve the responsible use of antibiotics and to contribute to the prevention of AMR in primary healthcare. The marketisation of health, and the increased demands of private healthcare in Spain due to the financial pressures on public healthcare as a consequence of the financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic, are a risk for promoting adequate antibiotic prescribing and use. Trial registration The ISAAC-CAT study has been registered in the NCT registry, ID: NCT03931577.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Medina-Perucha
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana García-Sangenís
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Ana Moragas
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Jaume I Health Centre, Institut Català de la Salut, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Pablo Gálvez-Hernández
- Institut Universitari de Pacients (Patients’ University Institut), Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Toronto, IHPME-BFON Collaborative PhD Specialization Program in Health Services and Policy Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Josep María Cots
- La Marina Health Centre, Institut Català de la Salut, Associació d’Infermeria Familiar i Comunitària de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Lanau-Roig
- La Marina Health Centre, Institut Català de la Salut, Associació d’Infermeria Familiar i Comunitària de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alícia Borràs
- Institut Universitari de Pacients (Patients’ University Institut), Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- Escola Universitària d'Infermeria, Escoles Universitàries Gimbernat, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Isabel Amo
- Institut Universitari de Pacients (Patients’ University Institut), Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramon Monfà
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Carl Llor
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- Via Roma Health Centre, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Berenguera
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
- Departament d'Infermeria, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
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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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Zetts RM, Stoesz A, Garcia AM, Doctor JN, Gerber JS, Linder JA, Hyun DY. Primary care physicians' attitudes and perceptions towards antibiotic resistance and outpatient antibiotic stewardship in the USA: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034983. [PMID: 32665343 PMCID: PMC7365421 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES At least 30% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary. Outpatient antibiotic stewardship is needed to improve prescribing and address the threat of antibiotic resistance. A better understanding of primary care physicians (PCPs) attitudes towards antibiotic prescribing and outpatient antibiotic stewardship is needed to identify barriers to stewardship implementation and help tailor stewardship strategies. The aim of this study was to assess PCPs current attitudes towards antibiotic resistance, inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and the feasibility of outpatient stewardship efforts. DESIGN Eight focus groups with PCPs were conducted by an independent moderator using a moderator guide. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed and coded for major themes using deductive and inductive content analysis methods. SETTING Focus groups were conducted in four US cities: Philadelphia, Birmingham, Chicago and Los Angeles. PARTICIPANTS Two focus groups were conducted in each city-one with family medicine and internal medicine physicians and one with paediatricians. A total of 26 family medicine/internal medicine physicians and 26 paediatricians participated. RESULTS Participants acknowledged that resistance is an important public health issue, but not as important as other pressing problems (eg, obesity, opioids). Many considered resistance to be more of a hospital issue. While participants recognised inappropriate prescribing as a problem in outpatient settings, many felt that the key drivers were non-primary care settings (eg, urgent care clinics, retail clinics) and patient demand. Participants reacted positively to stewardship efforts aimed at educating patients and clinicians. They questioned the validity of antibiotic prescribing metrics. This scepticism was due to a number of factors, including the feasibility of capturing prescribing quality, a belief that physicians will 'game the system' to improve their measures, and dissatisfaction and distrust of quality measurement in general. CONCLUSIONS Stakeholders will need to consider physician attitudes and beliefs about antibiotic stewardship when implementing interventions aimed at improving prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Zetts
- Antibiotic Resistance Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Andrea Stoesz
- Antibiotic Resistance Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Andrea M Garcia
- Health & Science, American Medical Association, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jason N Doctor
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Gerber
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Linder
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David Y Hyun
- Antibiotic Resistance Project, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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