Point-of-care testing and antibiotics prescribing in out-of-hours general practice: a register-based study in Denmark.

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 an

SUBMITTER: Christensen LD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10804570 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature