Trends in antibiotic prescribing in primary care out-of-hours doctors' services in Ireland.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infections are a common reason for patient consultation in out-of-hours (OOH) doctors' services. Surveillance of antibiotic prescribing in OOH settings is important to develop tailored antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions.

Objectives

To evaluate antibiotic prescribing patterns in OOH services in the Cork Kerry region, Ireland to inform future AMS interventions.

Methods

A retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted of all oral antibiotic prescriptions in OOH doctors' consultations between 1 December 2019 and 31 December 2021 in the region. Data were gathered on age, gender, date and time of consultation, consultation method (in person, remote), antibiotic and its indication. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel v.2018 and SPSS v.28.<

SUBMITTER: Shah M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10854216 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature