Developing Interventions to Help Doctors Manage Infections Without Antibiotics
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
Can theory-based interventions effectively promote GP management of upper respiratory tract infections without prescribing antibiotics?
Conclusion
It is feasible to systematically develop theoretically-based interventions to change professional practice.
Supporting Evidence
- Antibiotics have limited effectiveness in managing upper respiratory tract infections.
- Psychological models of behaviour change can predict healthcare professionals' clinical behaviour.
- Two interventions were designed targeting self-efficacy and anticipated consequences.
Takeaway
The study created two methods to help doctors treat throat infections without using antibiotics, showing that it's possible to change how they work.
Methodology
The interventions were developed using a systematic, empirically informed approach that included selecting theoretical frameworks and mapping target antecedents to evidence-based behaviour change techniques.
Limitations
The choice of target constructs was limited to those which predicted both simulated and actual prescribing behaviour.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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