Risks of use and non-use of antibiotics in primary care: qualitative study of prescribers' views.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance has led to increasing efforts to reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics in primary care, but potential hazards from bacterial infection continue to cause concern. This study investigated how primary care prescribers perceive risk and safety concerns associated with reduced antibiotic prescribing.

Methods

Qualitative study using semistructured interviews conducted with primary care prescribers from 10 general practices in an urban area and a shire town in England. A thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

Thirty participants were recruited, including twenty-three general practitioners, five nurses and two pharmacists. Three main themes were identified: risk assessment, balancing treatment risks and negotiating decisions

SUBMITTER: Boiko O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7574941 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature