| Author/Editor | Little, Paul; Kersnik, Janko; Švab, Igor | |
| Title | Effects of internet-based training on antibiotic prescribingrates for acute respiratory-tract infections | |
| Type | članek | |
| Vol. and No. | Letnik 382, št. 9899 | |
| Publication year | 2013 | |
| Volume | str. 1175-1182 | |
| ISSN | 0140-6736 - Lancet | |
| Language | eng | |
| Abstract | Background High-volume prescribing of antibiotics in primary care is a major driver of antibiotic resistance. Education of physicians and patients can lower prescribing levels, but it frequently relies on highly trained staff . We assessed whether internet-based training methods could alter prescribing practices in multiple health-care systems. Methods After a baseline audit in October to December, 2010, primary-care practices in six European countries were cluster randomised to usual care, training in the use of a C-reactive protein (CRP) test at point of care, in enhanced communication skills, or in both CRP and enhanced communication. Patients were recruited from February toMay, 2011. This trial is registered, number ISRCTN99871214. Results The baseline audit, done in 259 practices, provided data for 6771 patients with lower-respiratory-tract infections(3742 [553%]) and upper-respiratory-tract infections (1416 [209%]), of whom 5355 (791%) were prescribed antibiotics. After randomisation, 246 practices were included and 4264 patients were recruited. The antibiotic prescribing rate was lower with CRP training than without (33% vs 48%, adjusted risk ratio 054, 95% CI 042069) and with enhanced-communication training than without (36% vs 45%, 069, 054087). The combined intervention was associated with the greatest reduction in prescribing rate (CRP risk ratio 053, 95% CI 036074, p<00001; enhanced communication 068, 050089, p=0003; combined 038, 025055, p<00001).Interpretation Internet training achieved important reductions in antibiotic prescribing for respiratory-tract infections across language and cultural boundaries. | |
| Keywords | acute infections antibiotic prescribing rates akutna infekcija antibiotik predpisane mere |