scholarly journals Knowledge, attitudes and intentions to prescribe antibiotics: a structural equation modeling study of primary care institutions in Hubei, China

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenxi Liu ◽  
Chaojie Liu ◽  
Dan Wang ◽  
xinping zhang
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Motivation To Change ◽  
Global Issues ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background Antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious global issues, in which physician's rational prescribing plays critical role. However, the determinants of physician's antibiotic use are still inconclusive, particularly in low- and middle income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to measure physician's knowledge and five important sub-attitudes toward antibiotic prescriptions and their impacts on prescribing. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted on 625 physicians from 67 primary care facilities in Hubei of China. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to test the theoretical framework derived from the theory of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP). The attitudes (5 subscales) and behavioral intentions (3 subscales) were measured using a five-point Likert scale ranging from -2 to +2, with a negative score indicating disapproval and a positive score indicating approval of efforts for reducing antibiotic prescriptions. Results The study participants had a low level of knowledge about antibiotic prescriptions, giving an average of 54.55% correct answers to 11 questions. Although they were generally concerned about antibiotic resistance resulting from over-prescriptions (Mean of Ignorance=1.28, SD=0.43), and were reluctant to be submissive to pressures from consumer demands for antibiotics (Mean of Complacency=1.29, SD=0.65) and the requirements of defensive practice (Mean of Fear=1.11, SD=0.63), there was a lack of motivation to change prescribing practices (Mean of Indifference=-0.29, SD=0.70). In addition, there was strong agreement that other stakeholders should take the responsibility (Mean of Responsibility Avoidance=-1.15, SD=0.45). The SEM results showed that poor knowledge was a significant predictor (p<0.001) of high intentions to prescribe antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections and a less positive attitude toward concerns about antibiotic resistance (ignorance) which was also associated with intentions to prescribe antibiotics. However, knowledge was not connected with the negative attitude toward motivation (indifference), a significant predictor (p<0.001) of intentions to refuse to reduce antibiotic prescriptions. Conclusion Physicians in primary care facilities in Hubei have low levels of knowledge about antibiotic prescriptions. But actions for improving knowledge by itself is not enough to curb over-prescriptions of antibiotics. The lack of motivation of physicians to change prescribing practices needs to be addressed through a systems approach.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes and Intentions to Prescribe Antibiotics: A Structural Equation Modeling Study of Primary Care Institutions in Hubei, China

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (13) ◽  
pp. 2385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenxi Liu ◽  
Chaojie Liu ◽  
Dan Wang ◽  
Xinping Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Motivation To Change ◽  
Attitudes And Practices

The aim of this paper is to measure the knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians toward antibiotic prescriptions and their impacts on antibiotic prescribing. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 625 physicians from 67 primary care facilities in Hubei, China. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to test the theoretical framework derived from the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) theory. Physicians’ knowledge, five sub-types of attitudes, and three sub-types of behavioral intentions towards antibiotic use were measured. Physicians had limited knowledge about antibiotic prescriptions (average 54.55% correct answers to 11 questions). Although they were generally concerned about antibiotic resistance (mean = 1.28, SD = 0.43), and were reluctant to be submissive to pressures from consumer demands for antibiotics (mean = 1.29, SD = 0.65) and the requirements of defensive practice (mean = 1.11, SD = 0.63), there was a lack of motivation to change prescribing practices (mean = −0.29, SD = 0.70) and strong agreement that other stakeholders should take the responsibility (mean = −1.15, SD = 0.45). The SEM results showed that poor knowledge, unawareness of antibiotic resistance, and limited motivation to change contributed to physicians’ high antibiotics prescriptions (p < 0.001). To curb antibiotic over-prescriptions, improving knowledge itself is not enough. The lack of motivation of physicians to change needs to be addressed through a systematic approach.

Stewardship in the primary care and long-term care settings

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Fleming
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Tract Infections

This chapter focuses on stewardship in the primary care and long-term care settings. Antibiotic prescribing in the community accounts for 80% total antibiotic prescribing and approximately 75% of this is for acute respiratory tract infections, many of which are viral. There is also significant variation in prescribing practices that is not explained by differences in presenting patients. These factors suggest that antimicrobial stewardship programmes are necessary. This chapter identifies the components of stewardship that have been successful in influencing antibiotic prescribing in primary care and shares local experiences with practical examples. The lack of UK evidence about antimicrobial stewardship in long-term care facilities is discussed, along with successful interventions from overseas. Challenges within these settings are highlighted, including patient demand, lack of access to microbiological and diagnostic tools, competing targets, time pressures, and clinical uncertainty.

scholarly journals Introducing antimicrobial stewardship to the outpatient clinics of a suburban academic health system

2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis B. Nielsen ◽  
Maressa Santarossa ◽  
Beatrice Probst ◽  
Laurie Labuszewski ◽  
Jenna Lopez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Acute Bronchitis ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Prescribing Practices ◽  
Stewardship Program ◽  
Appropriate Prescribing ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Objective: To establish an antimicrobial stewardship program in the outpatient setting. Design: Prescribers of antimicrobials were asked to complete a survey regarding antimicrobial stewardship. We also monitored their compliance with appropriate prescribing practices, which were shared in monthly quality improvement reports. Setting: The study was performed at Loyola University Health System, an academic teaching healthcare system in a metropolitan suburban environment. Participants: Prescribers of antimicrobials across 19 primary care and 3 immediate- and urgent-care clinics. Methods: The voluntary survey was developed using SurveyMonkeyand was distributed via e-mail. Data were collected anonymously. Rates of compliance with appropriate prescribing practices were abstracted from electronic health records and assessed by 3 metrics: (1) avoidance of antibiotics in adult acute bronchitis and appropriate antibiotic treatment in (2) patients tested for pharyngitis and (3) children with upper respiratory tract infections. Results: Prescribers were highly knowledgeable about what constitutes appropriate prescribing; verified compliance rates were highly concordant with self-reported rates. Nearly all prescribers were concerned about resistance, but fewer than half believed antibiotics were overprescribed in their office. Among respondents, 74% reported intense pressure from patients to prescribe antimicrobials inappropriately. Immediate- and urgent-care prescribers had higher rates of compliance than primary-care prescribers, and the latter group responded well to monthly reports and online educational resources. Conclusions: Intense pressure from patients to prescribe antimicrobials when they are not indicated leads to overprescribing, an effect compounded by the importance of patient satisfaction scores. Compliance reporting improved the number of appropriate antibiotics prescribed in the primary care setting.

scholarly journals A referral aid for smoking cessation interventions in primary care: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniëlle N. Zijlstra ◽  
Jean W.M. Muris ◽  
Catherine Bolman ◽  
J. Mathis Elling ◽  
Vera E.R.A. Knapen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Informed Decision ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Informed Decision Making

Abstract Background: To expedite the use of evidence-based smoking cessation interventions (EBSCIs) in primary care and to thereby increase the number of successful quit attempts, a referral aid was developed. This aid aims to optimize the referral to and use of EBSCIs in primary care and to increase adherence to Dutch guidelines for smoking cessation. Methods: Practice nurses (PNs) will be randomly allocated to an experimental condition or control condition, and will then recruit smoking patients who show a willingness to quit smoking within six months. PNs allocated to the experimental condition will provide smoking cessation guidance in accordance with the referral aid. Patients from both conditions will receive questionnaires at baseline and after six months. Cessation effectiveness will be tested via multilevel logistic regression analyses. Multiple imputations as well as intention to treat analysis will be performed. Intervention appreciation and level of informed decision-making will be compared using analysis of (co)variance. Predictors for appreciation and informed decision-making will be assessed using multiple linear regression analysis and/or structural equation modeling. Finally, a cost-effectiveness study will be conducted. Discussion: This paper describes the study design for the development and evaluation of an information and decision tool to support PNs in their guidance of smoking patients and their referral to EBSCIs. The study aims to provide insight into the (cost) effectiveness of an intervention aimed at expediting the use of EBSCIs in primary care.

scholarly journals Inappropriate Azithromycin Use in Nine Primary-Care Clinics Before and After Implementation of Provider Guidance in the EMR

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s292-s293
Author(s):  
Alexandria May ◽  
Allison Hester ◽  
Kristi Quairoli ◽  
Sheetal Kandiah
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Primary Care Clinics ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Background: According to the CDC Core Elements of Outpatient Stewardship, the first step in optimizing outpatient antibiotic use the identification of high-priority conditions in which antibiotics are commonly used inappropriately. Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial commonly used inappropriately in clinical practice for nonspecific upper respiratory infections (URIs). In 2017, a medication use evaluation at Grady Health System (GHS) revealed that 81.4% of outpatient azithromycin prescriptions were inappropriate. In an attempt to optimize outpatient azithromycin prescribing at GHS, a tool was designed to direct the prescriber toward evidence-based therapy; it was implemented in the electronic medical record (EMR) in January 2019. Objective: We evaluated the effect of this tool on the rate of inappropriate azithromycin prescribing, with the goal of identifying where interventions to improve prescribing are most needed and to measure progress. Methods: This retrospective chart review of adult patients prescribed oral azithromycin was conducted in 9 primary care clinics at GHS between February 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, to compare data with that already collected over a 6-month period in 2017 before implementation of the antibiotic prescribing guidance tool. The primary outcome of this study was the change in the rate of inappropriate azithromycin prescribing before and after guidance tool implementation. Appropriateness was based on GHS internal guidelines and national guidelines. Inappropriate prescriptions were classified as inappropriate indication, unnecessary prescription, excessive or insufficient treatment duration, and/or incorrect drug. Results: Of the 560 azithromycin prescriptions identified during the study period, 263 prescriptions were included in the analysis. Overall, 181 (68.8%) of azithromycin prescriptions were considered inappropriate, representing a 12.4% reduction in the primary composite outcome of inappropriate azithromycin prescriptions. Bronchitis and unspecified upper respiratory tract infections (URI) were the most common indications where azithromycin was considered inappropriate. Attending physicians prescribed more inappropriate azithromycin prescriptions (78.1%) than resident physicians (37.0%) or midlevel providers (37.0%). Also, 76% of azithromycin prescriptions from nonacademic clinics were considered inappropriate, compared with 46% from academic clinics. Conclusions: Implementation of a provider guidance tool in the EMR lead to a reduction in the percentage of inappropriate outpatient azithromycin prescriptions. Future targeted interventions and stewardship initiatives are needed to achieve the stewardship program’s goal of reducing inappropriate outpatient azithromycin prescriptions by 20% by 1 year after implementation.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Prevalence of COVID-19 Among Children and Adolescents While Easing Lockdown Restrictions in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Walter Körner ◽  
Lutz Thorsten Weber
Keyword(s):  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Medical History ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Physical Examinations ◽  
Oropharyngeal Swab ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Time Of Presentation

Abstract Background In Germany, widespread full closures of schools and day care facilities were part of lockdown measures to control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the state of North Rhine-Westphalia closures took place on March 16, 2020 and were gradually eased from end of April 2020 until beginning of June 2020. Objective This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19 among children and adolescents during the reopening period of schools and day care facilities in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It further depicts medical history and results of physical examinations of pediatric patients undergoing a test for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods Testing for SARS-CoV-2 was carried out by a naso- and / or oropharyngeal swab by local pediatricians at the time of presentation. Samples were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Medical history and physical examination results were retrospectively analyzed. Results 525 children and adolescents presented mainly with mild upper respiratory tract infections. Three patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. Their medical history and examination results did not stand out from the other patients. Conclusion A precautious stepwise opening of schools and day care facilities was not associated with the occurrence of a relevant prevalence of COVID-19 among children and adolescents. However, a low general prevalence of COVID-19 at the end of the observation period has to be taken into account. Systematic testing might enable adjusted regulations in favor of full closures, especially in the light of increasing evidence for pediatric patients constituting a low-risk group for COVID-19.

Evaluation of Parental Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Use in Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Turkey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aslınur Albayrak ◽  
Nazmi Mutlu Karakaş ◽  
Bensu Karahalil
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract BackgroundUpper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are common in children. Most URTIs have been shown to be of viral origin. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is one of the main causes of antibiotic resistance. The problem of unnecessary antibiotic use among children is a concern for antibiotic resistance in low- and middle-income developing countries.MethodsOur study is a cross-sectional survey study. It was carried out between 14 December 2020 and 1 April 2021 for parents over 18 years of age with a child under 18 years’ old who applied to the general pediatrics outpatient clinics of Gazi University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Department of Pediatrics.Results554 parents responded to the questionnaire. A total of 15.7% of parents stated to use antibiotics in any child with fever. 37% of parents believed that antibiotics could cure infections caused by viruses. 6.3% of parents declared that they put pressure on pediatricians to prescribe antibiotics. 85.6% of the parents stated that they never gave their children non-prescription antibiotics when they had a high fever. 80.9% of them declared that they never used past antibiotics in the presence of a new infection. Female gender, high level of education, high income level and low number of antibiotics used in the last 1 year were found to be statistically significant with the better knowledge level of the parents (p <0.05).ConclusionAccording to the results of our study of parents' lack of knowledge about antibiotics in Turkey, though generally it shows proper attitude and behavior. It shows that some of the restrictions imposed by the National Action Plan are partially working. However, it is still necessary to continue to inform parents, pediatricians and pharmacists about the use of antibiotics, and to be more sensitive about the prescribing of antibiotics, and if necessary, sanctions should be imposed by the state in order to prevent unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

scholarly journals Nontypable Haemophilus influenzae Septicemia and Urinary Tract Infection Associated with Renal Stone Disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 243-247
Author(s):  
Marianne Stærk ◽  
Sara A. Tolouee ◽  
Jens J. Christensen
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract Infection ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Tract Infection ◽  
Haemophilus Influenzae ◽  
Renal Stone ◽  
Stone Disease ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Renal Stone Disease ◽  
Tract Infections

Introduction: Haemophilus influenzae commonly causes upper respiratory tract infections and has only rarely been reported etiology of urinary tract infections. Since the introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) vaccine, non-typable haemophilus species now cause the majority of invasive disease in Europe. Case Report: We report a case of an adult man with non-typable Haemophilus influenzae septicemia, urinary tract infection and bilateral renal stone disease. The patient presented with right sided flank pain and a CT scan showed bilateral renal stones and a right sided ureteral stone causing obstruction. Results and Discussion: Haemophilus influenzae was identified in blood and urine and despite a tendency of increasing antibiotic resistance among Haemophilus influenzae, our strain was susceptible to all antibiotics tested. Treatment consisted of 3 days of intravenous cefuroxime, insertion of a right sided JJ ureteric stent and 5 days of peroral ciprofloxacin after discharge. Physicians and microbiologists should be aware of Haemophilus influenzae as a possible urinary tract pathogen, especially when urinary tract abnormalities are present, and take the risk of antibiotic resistance into consideration at initial treatment.

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