Impact of a Multifaceted Intervention on Antibiotic Prescribing for Respiratory Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Bjerrum Lars, Munck Anders, Gahrn-Hansen Bente, Hansen Malene Plejdrup, Jarbol Dorte Ejg, Cordoba Gloria, Llor Carl, Cots Josep Maria, Hernández Silvia, López-Valcárcel Beatriz González, Pérez Antonia, Caballero Lidia, von der Heyde Walter, Radzeviciene Ruta, Jurgutis Arnoldas, Reutskiy Anatoliy, Egorova Elena, Strandberg Eva Lena, Ovhed Ingvar, Mölstad Sigvard, Stichele Robert Vander, Benko Ria, Vlahovic-Palcevski Vera, Lionis Christos, Rønning Marit
Primary Institution: University of Copenhagen
Hypothesis
Can a multifaceted intervention reduce antibiotic prescribing rates among general practitioners treating respiratory tract infections?
Conclusion
The intervention led to a significant reduction in antibiotic prescribing rates among general practitioners in several countries.
Supporting Evidence
- GPs significantly reduced antibiotic prescriptions for lower respiratory tract infections in Lithuania by 42%.
- GPs in Russia reduced antibiotic prescriptions for lower respiratory tract infections by 25%.
- Spain saw a 25% reduction in antibiotic prescriptions for lower respiratory tract infections.
- Argentina experienced a 9% reduction in antibiotic prescriptions for lower respiratory tract infections.
- GPs in Lithuania reduced antibiotic prescriptions for upper respiratory tract infections by 20%.
- Russia saw a 15% reduction in antibiotic prescriptions for upper respiratory tract infections.
- Spain experienced a 9% reduction in antibiotic prescriptions for upper respiratory tract infections.
- Argentina had a 5% reduction in antibiotic prescriptions for upper respiratory tract infections.
Takeaway
Doctors in different countries learned how to better decide when to give antibiotics for coughs and colds, and many gave fewer prescriptions afterward.
Methodology
General practitioners registered patients with respiratory tract infections and received feedback and training as part of the intervention.
Potential Biases
GPs who participated may have been more interested in quality improvement, potentially skewing the results.
Limitations
The study's design may not account for external factors influencing antibiotic prescribing, and voluntary participation may bias results.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 440 GPs from six countries, with varying ages and years of experience.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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