scholarly journals Awareness of Appropriate Antibiotic Use in Primary Care for Influenza-Like Illness: Evidence of Improvement from UK Population-Based Surveys

Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 690
Author(s):  
Koen B. Pouwels ◽  
Laurence S. J. Roope ◽  
James Buchanan ◽  
Liz Morrell ◽  
Sarah Tonkin-Crine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Antibiotic Consumption ◽  
Population Based ◽  
White People ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Minority Ethnic ◽  
Representative Samples

Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) account for a significant portion of inappropriate antibiotic use. Patient expectations for antibiotics for ILI are likely to play a substantial role in ‘unnecessary’ antibiotic consumption. This study aimed to investigate trends in awareness of appropriate antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Three sequential online surveys of independent representative samples of adults in the United Kingdom investigated expectations for, and consumption of, antibiotics for ILI (May/June 2015 (n = 2064); Oct/Nov 2016 (n = 4000); Mar 2017 (n = 4000)). Respondents were asked whether they thought antibiotics were effective for ILI and about their antibiotic use. Proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each question and interactions with respondent characteristics were tested using logistic regression. Over the three surveys, the proportion of respondents who believed antibiotics would “definitely/probably” help an ILI fell from 37% (95% CI 35–39%) to 28% (95% CI 26–29%). Those who would “definitely/probably” visit a doctor in this situation fell from 48% (95% CI 46–50%) to 36% (95% CI 34–37%), while those who would request antibiotics during a consultation fell from 39% (95% CI 37–41%) to 30% (95% CI 29–32%). The percentage of respondents who found the information we provided about AMR “new/surprising” fell from 34% (95% CI 32–36%) to 28% (95% CI 26–31%). Awareness improved more among black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) than white people, with little other evidence of differences in improvements between subgroups. Whilst a degree of selection bias is unavoidable in online survey samples, the results suggest that awareness of AMR and appropriate antibiotic use has recently significantly improved in the United Kingdom, according to a wide range of indicators.

scholarly journals Reducing demand for antibiotic prescriptions: evidence from an online survey of the general public on the interaction between preferences, beliefs and information, United Kingdom, 2015

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (25) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence S J Roope ◽  
Sarah Tonkin-Crine ◽  
Christopher C Butler ◽  
Derrick Crook ◽  
Tim Peto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Antibiotic Consumption ◽  
Time Preferences ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Information Campaigns ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Paradoxical Consequence

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major public health threat, is strongly associated with human antibiotic consumption. Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) account for substantial inappropriate antibiotic use; patient understanding and expectations probably play an important role. Aim: This study aimed to investigate what drives patient expectations of antibiotics for ILI and particularly whether AMR awareness, risk preferences (attitudes to taking risks with health) or time preferences (the extent to which people prioritise good health today over good health in the future) play a role. Methods: In 2015, a representative online panel survey of 2,064 adults in the United Kingdom was asked about antibiotic use and effectiveness for ILI. Explanatory variables in multivariable regression included AMR awareness, risk and time preferences and covariates. Results: The tendency not to prioritise immediate gain over later reward was independently strongly associated with greater awareness that antibiotics are inappropriate for ILI. Independently, believing antibiotics were effective for ILI and low AMR awareness significantly predicted reported antibiotic use. However, 272 (39%) of those with low AMR awareness said that the AMR information we provided would lead them to ask a doctor for antibiotics more often, significantly more than would do so less often, and in contrast to those with high AMR awareness (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Information campaigns to reduce AMR may risk a paradoxical consequence of actually increasing public demand for antibiotics. Public antibiotic stewardship campaigns should be tested on a small scale before wider adoption.

scholarly journals Research priorities in single-ventricle heart conditions: a United Kingdom national study

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigel E. Drury ◽  
Victoria M. Stoll ◽  
Chris J. Bond ◽  
Akshay J. Patel ◽  
Suzie Hutchinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Single Ventricle ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
National Study ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Fontan Failure

AbstractObjectiveTo bring together stakeholders in the United Kingdom to establish national priorities for research in single-ventricle heart conditions.MethodsThis study comprised two surveys and a workshop. The initial public online survey asked respondents up to three questions they would like answered for research. Responses were classified as unanswered, already answered, or unable to be answered by scientific research. In the follow-up survey, unanswered questions were divided into categories and respondents were asked to rank categories and questions by priority. A stakeholder workshop attended by patients, parents, healthcare professionals, researchers, and charities was held to determine the final list of research priorities.ResultsA total of 128 respondents posed 344 research questions, of which 271 were classified as unanswered, and after removing duplicates, 204 questions remained, which were divided into 20 categories. In the second survey, 56 (49.1%) respondents successfully ranked categories and questions. A total of 39 participants attended the workshop, drawing up a list of 30 research priorities across nine priority categories. The nine priority categories are: Associated co-morbidities; Brain & neurodevelopment; Exercise; Fontan failure; Heart function; Living with a single ventricle heart condition; Management of the well-functioning Fontan circulation; Surgery & perioperative care; and Transplantation, mechanical support & novel therapies.ConclusionsThrough a multi-stage process, we engaged a wide range of interested parties to establish a list of research priorities in single-ventricle heart conditions. This provides a platform for clinicians, researchers, and funders in the United Kingdom and elsewhere to address the most important questions and improve outcomes in these rare but high-impact CHDs.

scholarly journals Understanding the friendship networks of older Black and Minority Ethnic people living in the United Kingdom

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Hayanga ◽  
Dylan Kneale ◽  
Ann Phoenix
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Friendship Networks ◽  
White People ◽  
Family Networks ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Minority Ethnic

Abstract Older Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people living in the United Kingdom (UK) are vulnerable to the experiences of social isolation and loneliness. Despite this, it is widely assumed that they adhere to traditional family practices and living arrangements that protect them from social isolation and loneliness. Such assumptions are problematic and can reify family networks as the main area of research for older BME people to the detriment of friendship networks which are also crucial. However, few researchers have explored this area. With the older BME population increasing at a faster rate than the older white population, further research is needed. Utilising data from Wave 6 of Understanding Society (N = 7,499, 4.3% of whom self-identified as BME), this study explores the ways in which the friendship networks of older BME people differ compared to older white people using logistic regression analyses. After controlling for potential confounding socio-demographic characteristics, older BME people were more likely to report having fewer close friends and fewer friends who live locally, suggesting that their friendship networks may be restricted in quantity and accessibility. Not only do these findings raise important questions about the varying needs of older minority ethnic people who have been largely overlooked in recent government policy, but they also highlight the continuing challenges of using large-scale surveys to research older BME people in the UK.

scholarly journals The United Kingdom Field Epidemiology Training Programme: meeting programme objectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (36) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Dey ◽  
Jeremy Brown ◽  
John Sandars ◽  
Yvonne Young ◽  
Ruth Ruggles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Process Measures ◽  
Field Epidemiology ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Training Programmes

Introduction Most evaluations of field epidemiology training programmes (FETP) are limited to process measures, but stakeholders may need evidence of impact. Objective To ascertain if the United Kingdom (UK) FETP met its objectives to: (i) strengthen capacity and provision of national epidemiology services, (ii) develop a network of highly skilled field epidemiologists with a shared sense of purpose working to common standards and (iii) raise the profile of field epidemiology through embedding it into everyday health protection practice. Methods The evaluation consisted of: (i) focus groups with training site staff, (ii) individual interviews with stakeholders and (iii) an online survey of FETP fellows and graduates. Findings were synthesised and triangulated across the three evaluation components to identify cross-cutting themes and subthemes. Findings Eight focus groups were undertaken with 38 staff, ten stakeholders were interviewed and 28 (76%) graduates and fellows responded to the survey. Three themes emerged: confidence, application and rigour. FETP was perceived to have contributed to the development, directly and indirectly, of a skilled workforce in field epidemiology, increasing stakeholders’ confidence in the service. Graduates applied their learning in practice, collaborating with a wide range of disciplines. Fellows and graduates demonstrated rigour by introducing innovations, supporting service improvements and helping supervisors maintain their skills and share good practice. Conclusion The UK FETP appears to have met its three key objectives, and also had wider organisational impact. FETPs should systematically and prospectively collect information on how they have influenced changes to field epidemiology practice.

scholarly journals Are public service media distinctive from the market? Interpreting the political information environments of BBC and commercial news in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
pp. 026732312110121
Author(s):  
Stephen Cushion
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Television News ◽  
Information Environment ◽  
Political Information ◽  
The Political ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
International Issues ◽  
Market Driven

Public service media face an existential crisis. Many governments are cutting their budgets, while questioning the role and value of public service broadcasting because many citizens now have access to a wide range of media. This raises the question – do public service media supply a distinctive and informative news service compared to market-led media? Drawing on the concept of political information environment, this study makes an intervention into debates by carrying out a comparative content analysis of news produced by UK public service broadcasters and market-driven media across television, radio and online outlets (N = 1065) and interviewing senior editors about the routine selection of news. It found that almost all BBC news and commercial public service media platforms reported more news about politics, public affairs and international issues than entirely market-driven outlets. Online BBC news reported more informative topics than market-based media, which featured more entertainment and celebrity stories. The value of public service media was demonstrated on the United Kingdom’s nightly television news bulletins, which shone a light on the world not often reported, especially BBC News at Ten. Most market-driven media reported through a UK prism, excluding many countries and international issues. Overall, it is argued that the influence of public service media in the United Kingdom helps shape an information environment with informative news. The focus of the study is on UK media, but the conceptual application of intepreting a political information environment is designed to be relevant for scholars internationally. While communication studies have sought to advance more cross-national studies in recent years, this can limit how relevant studies are for debates in national political information environments. This study concludes by recommending more scholarly attention should be paid to theorising national policy dynamics that shape the political information environments of media systems within nations.

scholarly journals Online survey into developing a model for a legal cannabis market in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205032452110349
Author(s):  
Edward James ◽  
Thomas L Robertshaw ◽  
Michael J Pascoe ◽  
Fiona M Chapman ◽  
Andrew D Westwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Regulatory System ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Individual Liberty ◽  
The United Kingdom

Background Despite rescheduling of cannabis to Schedule 2 and amendments to the law permitting legal availability of cannabis for the treatment of medical conditions, access to cannabis for medical use remains challenging for patients in the United Kingdom (UK). Recreational use is widespread despite laws stating users can be sentenced to prison for up to 5 years for possession. Objective The aim of the study was to develop a model for a legal cannabis market in the UK building upon the results of a preceding study in which a UK population sample determined that pharmacies are the most suitable primary legal vendor of cannabis as opposed to regulated shops or the black market. Methods An online survey was developed using Qualtrics software and advertised via the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media accounts and monthly newsletter. Results Three hundred and ninety seven individuals, a majority having used cannabis at least once, consented to participate in the study. The participants concluded that there is enough evidence for cannabis to be prescribed to treat a range of medical conditions. In addition to pharmacies providing cannabis to patients with a prescription, a majority of participants supported cannabis being sold in pharmacies for harm reduction purposes and allowing access to medicinal cannabis in cases where supporting evidence is insufficient to merit a prescription. Participants supported greater integration between dispensing pharmacies and mental health services. Overall, the participants did not oppose a consultation or screening for potential cannabis users prior to obtaining access from licensed vendors. UK participants were supportive of the concept of a cannabis card, which users can present to licensed vendors such as pharmacies, with specific recommendations (such as strains relevant to a patient’s medical condition) being coded into the card. A majority of participants supported the existence of shisha-type bars for the purchase and onsite consumption of cannabis and determined that such vendors should not be part of a pharmacy chain of stores or regulated by pharmacy regulators. The participants generally preferred that laws regarding public consumption are in line with existing smoking legislation. Participants determined that it should be legally permitted to grow cannabis at home for personal medical and non-medical purposes but not to sell for profit. Conclusion The results are suggestive of a regulatory system that medical and non-medical cannabis users can use which aims to maximise therapeutic applications, minimise harms and respect individual liberty.

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