General practitioners’ perceptions of delayed antibiotic prescription for respiratory tract infections: A phenomenographic study

English version

Autoři: Erika A. Saliba-Gustafsson ^aff001; Marta Röing ^aff002; Michael A. Borg ^aff003; Senia Rosales-Klintz ^aff001; Cecilia Stålsby Lundborg ^aff001
Působiště autorů: Department of Global Public Health, Health Systems and Policy: Improving Use of Medicines, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ^aff001; Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Health Services Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden ^aff002; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta ^aff003; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta ^aff004; Unit of Surveillance and Response Support, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Solna, Sweden ^aff005
Vyšlo v časopise: PLoS ONE 14(11)
Kategorie: Research Article
prolekare.web.journal.doi_sk: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225506

Souhrn

Background

Antibiotic use is a major driver of antibiotic resistance. Although delayed antibiotic prescription is a recommended strategy to reduce antibiotic use, practices vary; it appears less commonly used in southern European countries where antibiotic consumption is highest. Despite these variations, few qualitative studies have explored general practitioners’ perceptions of delayed antibiotic prescription. We therefore aimed to explore and describe the perceptions of delayed antibiotic prescription for respiratory tract infections among general practitioners in Malta.

Methods

This qualitative phenomenographic study was conducted in Malta. A semi-structured interview guide was developed in English, pilot tested and revised accordingly. Interview topics included views on antibiotic resistance, antibiotic use and delayed antibiotic prescription for respiratory tract infections, and barriers and facilitators to antibiotic prescription. Individual, face-to-face interviews were held in 2014 with a quota sample of 20 general practitioners and transcribed verbatim. Data were subsequently analysed using a phenomenographic approach.

Findings

General practitioners perceived delayed antibiotic prescription in five qualitatively different ways: (A) “The Service Provider”–maintaining a good general practitioner-patient relationship to retain patients and avoid doctor-shopping, (B) “The Uncertainty Avoider”–reaching a compromise and providing treatment just in case, (C) “The Comforter”–providing the patient comfort and reassurance, (D) “The Conscientious Practitioner”–empowering and educating patients, and limiting antibiotic use, and (E) “The Holder of Professional Power”–retaining general practitioner responsibility by employing a wait-and-see approach. Although general practitioners were largely positive towards delayed antibiotic prescription, not all supported the strategy; some preferred a wait-and-see approach with follow-up. Many delayed antibiotic prescription users selectively practiced delayed prescription with patients they trusted or who they believed had a certain level of knowledge and understanding. They also preferred a patient-led approach with a one to three day delay; post-dating delayed antibiotic prescriptions was uncommon.

Conclusions

In this study we have shown that general practitioners hold varying perceptions about delayed antibiotic prescription and that there is variation in the way delayed antibiotic prescription is employed in Malta. Whilst delayed antibiotic prescription is utilised in Malta, not all general practitioners support the strategy, and motivations and practices differ. In high consumption settings, formal and standardised implementation of delayed antibiotic prescription could help curb antibiotic overuse. Diagnosis-specific delayed antibiotic prescription recommendations should also be incorporated into guidelines. Finally, further investigation into patients’ and pharmacists’ views on delayed antibiotic prescription is required.

Trial registration number

NCT03218930

Klíčová slova:

Europe – General practitioners – Patients – Antibiotics – Qualitative studies – Health education and awareness – Pharmacists – Antibiotic resistance

Zdroje

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