GPs' views in five European countries of interventions to promote prudent antibiotic use

Tonkin-Crine, Sarah, Yardley, Lucy, Coenen, Samuel, Fernandez-Vandellos, Patricia, Krawczyk, Jaroslaw, Touboul, Pia, Verheij, Theo and Little, Paul (2011) GPs' views in five European countries of interventions to promote prudent antibiotic use. British Journal of General Practice, 61 (586), 337-338. (doi:10.3399/bjgp11X572445).

Abstract

Background
A variety of interventions have been developed to promote amore prudent use of antibiotics by implementing clinical guidelines. It is not yet clear which aremost acceptable and feasible for implementation across a wide range of
contexts. Previous research has been confined mainly to examining views of individual interventions in a national context.
Aim
To explore GPs’ views and experiences of strategies to promote amore prudent use of antibiotics, across five countries.
Design and setting
Qualitative study using thematic and framework analysis in general practices in Belgium, France, Poland, Spain, and the UK.
Method
Fifty-two semi-structured interviews explored GPs’ views and experiences of strategies aimed at promoting amore prudent use of antibiotics. Interviews were carried out in person or over the telephone, transcribed verbatim, and
translated into English where necessary for analysis.
Results
Themes were remarkably consistent across the countries. GPs had a preference for interventions that allowed discussion and comparison with local colleagues, which helped them to identify how their practice could
improve. Other popular components of interventions included the use of near-patient tests to reduce diagnostic uncertainty, and the involvement of other health professionals to increase their responsibility for prescribing.
Conclusion
The study findings could be used to inform future interventions to improve their acceptability to GPs. Consistency in views across countries indicates the potential for development of an intervention that could be
implemented on a European scale.

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Contributors

Author: Lucy Yardley

Author: Paul Little

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