scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Prescribing Patterns of First-Line Antibiotics in English Primary Care: A Longitudinal Analysis of National Prescribing Dataset

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 591
Author(s):  
Alisha Zubair Hussain ◽  
Vibhu Paudyal ◽  
Muhammad Abdul Hadi
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Clinical Excellence ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
First Line ◽  
Government Data ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on public access to health services. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on commonly prescribed first-line antibiotics in English primary care. A secondary analysis of publicly available government data pertaining to primary care prescribing was conducted. A list of twenty first-line antibiotics used to treat common infections was developed following the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. All primary care prescription and cost data pertaining to commonly prescribed first-line antibiotics in England between March and September of 2018–2020 were extracted and adjusted for inflation. Analysis suggests prescribing of antibiotics significantly reduced by 15.99% (p = 0.018) and 13.5% (p = 0.002) between March and September 2020 compared with same time period for 2018 and 2019, respectively. The most noticeable decrease in 2020 was noticed for prescribing for meningitis (−62.3%; p = 0.002) followed by respiratory tract infections (−39.13%; p = 0.035), in terms of indications. These results are suggestive of reduced transmission of infections in the community due to national lockdowns, social distancing and hygiene practices. In addition, the impact of reduced face-to-face consultations in general practices needs to be investigated as a potential reason for reduced prescribing. The pandemic also offers an opportunity to rationalize antibiotics use in the community.

scholarly journals Prescribing trends of gabapentin, pregabalin, and oxycodone: a secondary analysis of primary care prescribing patterns in England

BJGP Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. bjgpopen19X101662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katlyn Green ◽  
Nora Cooke O'Dowd ◽  
Hilary Watt ◽  
Azeem Majeed ◽  
Richard J Pinder
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Prescribing Trends ◽  
General Practices ◽  
Iatrogenic Harm ◽  
Government Data ◽  
Unwarranted Variation ◽  
Very High

BackgroundThe risk of iatrogenic harm from the use and misuse of prescription drugs such as gabapentin, pregabalin, and oxycodone is substantial. In recent years, deaths associated with these drugs in England have increased.AimTo characterise general practice prescribing trends for gabapentin, pregabalin, and oxycodone — termed dependence forming medicines (DFM) — in England and describe potential drivers of unwarranted variation (that is, very high prescribing).Design & settingThis study is a retrospective secondary analysis of open source, publicly available government data from various sources pertaining to primary care demographics and prescriptions.MethodThis study used 5 consecutive years (April 2013–March 2018) of aggregate data to investigate longitudinal trends of prescribing and variation in prescribing trends at practice and clinical commissioning group (CCG) level.ResultsAnnual prescriptions of gabapentin, pregabalin, and oxycodone increased each year over the period. Variation in prescribing trends was associated with GP practice deprivation quintile, where the most deprived GP practices prescribed 313% (P<0.001) and 238% (P<0.001) greater volumes of gabapentin and pregabalin per person respectively, than practices in the least deprived quintile. The highest prescribing CCGs of each of these drugs were predominantly in northern and eastern regions of England.ConclusionSubstantial increases in gabapentin, pregabalin, and oxycodone prescriptions are concerning and will increase iatrogenic harm from drug-related morbidity and mortality. More research is needed to understand the large variation in prescribing between general practices, and to develop and implement interventions to reduce unwarranted variation and increase the appropriateness of prescribing of these drugs.

The Impact of Primary Care Providers’ Bias on Depression Screening for Lesbian Women

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110660
Author(s):  
Shuying Sha ◽  
Mollie Aleshire
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Depression Screening ◽  
Lesbian Women ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Explicit Bias ◽  
Implicit And Explicit ◽  
The Impact

Primary care providers’ (PCPs) implicit and explicit bias can adversely affect health outcomes of lesbian women including their mental health. Practice guidelines recommend universal screening for depression in primary care settings, yet the guidelines often are not followed. The intersection of PCPs’ implicit and explicit bias toward lesbian women may lead to even lower screening and diagnosis of depression in the lesbian population than in the general population. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the relationship between PCPs’ implicit and explicit bias toward lesbian women and their recommendations for depression screening in this population. PCPs ( n = 195) in Kentucky completed a survey that included bias measures and screening recommendations for a simulated lesbian patient. Bivariate inferential statistical tests were conducted to compare the implicit and explicit bias scores of PCPs who recommended depression screening and those who did not. PCPs who recommended depression screening demonstrated more positive explicit attitudes toward lesbian women ( p < .05) and their implicit bias scores were marginally lower than the providers who did not recommend depression screening (p = .068). Implications for practice: Depression screening rates may be even lower for lesbian women due to implicit and explicit bias toward this population. Training to increase providers’ awareness of bias and its harm is the first step to improve primary care for lesbian women. Policies must protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

scholarly journals Implications of remote monitoring Technology in Optimizing Traditional Self-Monitoring of blood glucose in adults with T2DM in primary care

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex R. Montero ◽  
David Toro-Tobon ◽  
Kelly Gann ◽  
Carine M. Nassar ◽  
Gretchen A. Youssef ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Remote Monitoring ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Blood Glucose Monitoring ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) has been shown to reduce hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C). Accordingly, guidelines recommend SMBG up to 4–10 times daily for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on insulin. For persons not on insulin, recommendations are equivocal. Newer technology-enabled blood glucose monitoring (BGM) devices can facilitate remote monitoring of glycemic data. New evidence generated by remote BGM may help to guide best practices for frequency and timing of finger-stick blood glucose (FSBG) monitoring in uncontrolled T2DM patients managed in primary care settings. This study aims to evaluate the impact of SMBG utility and frequency on glycemic outcomes using a novel BGM system which auto-transfers near real-time FSBG data to a cloud-based dashboard using cellular networks. Methods Secondary analysis of the intervention arm of a comparative non-randomized trial with propensity-matched chart controls. Adults with T2DM and HbA1C > 9% receiving care in five primary care practices in a healthcare system participated in a 3-month diabetes boot camp (DBC) using telemedicine and a novel BGM to support comprehensive diabetes care management. The primary independent variable was frequency of FSBG. Secondary outcomes included frequency of FSBG by insulin status, distribution of FSBG checks by time of day, and hypoglycemia rates. Results 48,111 FSBGs were transmitted by 359 DBC completers. Participants performed 1.5 FSBG checks/day; with 1.6 checks/day for those on basal/bolus insulin. Higher FSBG frequency was associated with greater improvement in HbA1C independent of insulin treatment status (p = 0.0003). FSBG frequency was higher in patients treated with insulin (p = 0.003). FSBG checks were most common pre-breakfast and post-dinner. Hypoglycemia was rare (1.2% < 70 mg/dL). Conclusions Adults with uncontrolled T2DM achieved significant HbA1C improvement performing just 1.5 FSBGs daily during a technology-enabled diabetes care intervention. Among the 40% taking insulin, this improvement was achieved with a lower FSBG frequency than guidelines recommend. For those not on insulin, despite a lower frequency of FSBG, they achieved a greater reduction in A1C compared to patients on insulin. Low frequency FSBG monitoring pre-breakfast and post-dinner can potentially support optimization of glycemic control regardless of insulin status in the primary care setting. Trial registration Trial registration number:NCT02925312 (10/19/2016).

scholarly journals Burden of disease in children with respiratory tract infections in primary care: diary-based cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 723-729
Author(s):  
M J C Schot ◽  
A R J Dekker ◽  
C H van Werkhoven ◽  
A W van der Velden ◽  
J W L Cals ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Respiratory Tract ◽  
Family Life ◽  
Burden Of Disease ◽  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Disturbed Sleep ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a common reason for children to consult in general practice. Antibiotics are often prescribed, in part due to miscommunication between parents and GPs. The duration of specific respiratory symptoms has been widely studied. Less is known about illness-related symptoms and the impact of these symptoms on family life, including parental production loss. Better understanding of the natural course of illness-related symptoms in RTI in children and impact on family life may improve GP–parent communication during RTI consultations. Objective To describe the general impact of RTI on children and parents regarding illness-related symptoms, absenteeism from childcare, school and work, use of health care facilities, and the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Methods Prospectively collected diary data from two randomized clinical trials in children with RTI in primary care (n = 149). Duration of symptoms was analysed using survival analysis. Results Disturbed sleep, decreased intake of food and/or fluid, feeling ill and/or disturbance at play or other daily activities are very common during RTI episodes, with disturbed sleep lasting longest. Fifty-two percent of the children were absent for one or more days from childcare or school, and 28% of mothers and 20% of fathers reported absence from work the first week after GP consultation. Re-consultation occurred in 48% of the children. OTC medication was given frequently, particularly paracetamol and nasal sprays. Conclusion Appreciation of, and communication about the general burden of disease on children and their parents, may improve understanding between GPs and parents consulting with their child.

scholarly journals Antibiotic Use Among Hospitalized Children and Neonates in China: Results From Quarterly Point Prevalence Surveys in 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chu-ning Wang ◽  
Jianning Tong ◽  
Bin Yi ◽  
Benedikt D. Huttner ◽  
Yibing Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Point Prevalence ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Hospitalized Children ◽  
Prevalence Survey ◽  
Common Diagnosis ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a significant clinical problem in pediatric practice in China. Surveillance of antibiotic use is one of the cornerstones to assess the quality of antibiotic use and plan and assess the impact of antibiotic stewardship interventions.Methods: We carried out quarterly point prevalence surveys referring to WHO Methodology of Point Prevalence Survey in 16 Chinese general and children’s hospitals in 2019 to assess antibiotic use in pediatric inpatients based on the WHO AWaRe metrics and to detect potential problem areas. Data were retrieved via the hospital information systems on the second Monday of March, June, September and December. Antibiotic prescribing patterns were analyzed across and within diagnostic conditions and ward types according to WHO AWaRe metrics and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification.Results: A total of 22,327 hospitalized children were sampled, of which 14,757 (66.1%) were prescribed ≥1 antibiotic. Among the 3,936 sampled neonates (≤1 month), 59.2% (n = 2,331) were prescribed ≥1 antibiotic. A high percentage of combination antibiotic therapy was observed in PICUs (78.5%), pediatric medical wards (68.1%) and surgical wards (65.2%). For hospitalized children prescribed ≥1 antibiotic, the most common diagnosis on admission were lower respiratory tract infections (43.2%, n = 6,379). WHO Watch group antibiotics accounted for 70.4% of prescriptions (n = 12,915). The most prescribed antibiotic ATC classes were third-generation cephalosporins (41.9%, n = 7,679), followed by penicillins/β-lactamase inhibitors (16.1%, n = 2,962), macrolides (12.1%, n = 2,214) and carbapenems (7.7%, n = 1,331).Conclusion: Based on these data, overuse of broad-spectrum Watch group antibiotics is common in Chinese pediatric inpatients. Specific interventions in the context of the national antimicrobial stewardship framework should aim to reduce the use of Watch antibiotics and routine surveillance of antibiotic use using WHO AWaRe metrics should be implemented.

scholarly journals Time trend of prevalence and susceptibility to nitrofurantoin of urinary MDR Escherichia coli from outpatients

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (11) ◽  
pp. 3264-3267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Bruyndonckx ◽  
Katrien Latour ◽  
Glory Abong Atud ◽  
Patrick Dubovy ◽  
Stijn Jaspers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Time Trend ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Estimating Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
First Line ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Amoxicillin Clavulanate ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Objectives To assess the time trend of the prevalence of urinary MDR Escherichia coli in Belgian outpatients (2005 versus 2011–12), the antibiotic susceptibility of urinary MDR E. coli, and the time trend of non-susceptibility to nitrofurantoin, i.e. first-line treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), of urinary MDR E. coli (2005 versus 2011–12). Methods In this secondary analysis of a multicentre study, which collected a convenience sample of voluntary participating laboratories (15 and 8 in 2005 and 2011–12, respectively), we analysed antimicrobial susceptibilities (ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, cefalotin, ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) of urinary E. coli. MDR was defined as resistance to three or more of these agents. The prevalence of MDR E. coli and its non-susceptibility to nitrofurantoin was compared between 2005 and 2011–12 using a generalized estimating equation model. Results MDR status could be determined for 9704 and 12512 urinary E. coli isolates from 7911 and 9441 patients in 2005 and 2011–12, respectively, with most patients being women (79% in both study periods). The prevalence of MDR increased from 28.4% (2758/9704) in 2005 to 34.3% (4286/12512) in 2011–12 (adjusted OR 1.305; 95% CI 1.220–1.397). Within the MDR isolates, the prevalence of nitrofurantoin non-susceptibility decreased from 23.2% (623/2684) in 2005 to 10.7% (455/4253) in 2011–12 (adjusted OR 0.424; 95% CI 0.363–0.494). Conclusions Despite a high prevalence of MDR E. coli in urinary samples from Belgian outpatients, nitrofurantoin could still be recommended as first-line empirical treatment in uncomplicated UTIs.

scholarly journals Common infections, mental health problems and healthcare use in people with inflammatory bowel disease: a cohort study protocol

2020 ◽  
pp. ebmental-2020-300167
Author(s):  
Peter Irving ◽  
Kevin Barrett ◽  
Daniel Tang ◽  
Monica Nijher ◽  
Simon de Lusignan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Healthcare Use ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Common Infections

IntroductionPeople with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of pneumonia and herpes zoster, yet other common infection types have not been explored. Anxiety and depression are more prevalent in IBD; however, the impact of these conditions on primary care healthcare use in IBD is not known.Methods and analysisWe will perform two retrospective studies using a large English population-based primary care cohort to compare the following outcomes in people with IBD and matched controls: incident infections (Study 1) and prevalent mental health problems and healthcare use, overall and in those with and without mental health problems (Study 2). All adults registered with general practices contributing to Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre database between 1 January 2014 and 1 January 2019 are eligible. Infection outcomes comprise the incidence of common infections (upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, influenza and influenza-like illnesses, skin infections, herpes simplex and herpes zoster infections, genital infections, urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal infections) and any viral infection. Mental health and healthcare use outcomes are: prevalence of depressive episodes; anxiety episodes; recurrent depression; rates of primary care and emergency secondary care visits; primary-care issued sick notes (reflecting time off work). Analyses will be adjusted for sociodemographic factors recorded in the primary care record.DiscussionThese studies will quantify the infection risk in IBD, the excess burden of anxiety and depression in a population-based IBD cohort, and the impact of mental health conditions on healthcare use and time off work. Greater understanding and awareness of infection risk and common mental health issues will benefit people with IBD and healthcare practitioners and will guide policy makers as allocation of resource may be guided by the real-world information produced by these studies.Trial registration numberNCT03836612.

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