An examination of trends in antibiotic prescribing in primary care and the association with area-level deprivation in England.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Internationally, there are growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance. This has resulted in increased scrutiny of antibiotic prescribing trends - particularly in primary care where the majority of prescribing occurs. In England, antibiotic prescribing targets are set nationally but little is known about the local context of antibiotic prescribing. This study aimed to examine trends in antibiotic prescribing (including broad-spectrum), and the association with area-level deprivation and region in England.

Methods

Antibiotic prescribing data by GP surgery in England were obtained from NHS Business Service Authority for the years 2014-2018. These data were matched with the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2015 at the Lower Layer Super Output Area level Lower

SUBMITTER: Thomson K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7397662 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature