Changing GPs' Antibiotic Prescribing for URTI
Author Information
Author(s): Hrisos Susan, Eccles Martin, Johnston Marie, Francis Jill, Kaner Eileen FS, Steen Nick, Grimshaw Jeremy
Primary Institution: Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, UK
Hypothesis
Do the theory-based interventions influence GPs' behavioural intention and/or their simulated behaviour in the management of URTI without prescribing antibiotics?
Conclusion
The study found that GPs' intended management of URTI was significantly influenced by their confidence in managing without antibiotics and the anticipated consequences of doing so.
Supporting Evidence
- Post-intervention questionnaires were returned for 340 out of 397 GPs who responded to the baseline survey.
- Intervention 2 significantly improved GPs' intentions not to prescribe antibiotics.
- GPs who received the Graded Task intervention reported greater self-efficacy.
- Behavioural simulation scores showed a significant reduction in antibiotic prescribing after the interventions.
Takeaway
The study tested two ways to help doctors feel more confident about not giving antibiotics for colds, and one method worked better than the other.
Methodology
A 2 × 2 factorial randomised controlled trial with postal questionnaires to measure GPs' beliefs and behaviours regarding URTI management.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported measures of behaviour.
Limitations
The initial response rate was low at 32%, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were GPs from 13 Primary Care Trusts in the North East region of the UK, with a mean qualification of 19.9 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.41 to 1.38
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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