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General practitioner prescribing of antibiotics for asthma
1Department of General Practice, Wellington School of Medicine.
Abstract:
Although asthma management guidelines in New Zealand do not advise prescribing antibiotics, almost a quarter of asthma consultations result in a prescription for antibiotics. This study, as part of a repeat audit of asthma care at an after-hours medical centre, describes general practitioners' perspectives on prescribing antibiotics to patients presenting with asthma. The results show that GPs have tended to overestimate the risk of bacterial infection in such patients.
Insights
General practitioners (GPs) in New Zealand often prescribe antibiotics for asthma, despite guidelines advising against it. This study found GPs overestimate the risk of bacterial infection in asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Asthma management guidelines in New Zealand do not recommend antibiotic prescriptions.
- Despite guidelines, approximately 25% of asthma consultations lead to antibiotic prescriptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate general practitioners' (GPs) perspectives on prescribing antibiotics for asthma patients.
- To understand the reasons behind the discrepancy between guidelines and prescribing practices.
Main Methods:
- A repeat audit of asthma care at an after-hours medical centre.
- Qualitative or quantitative data collection on GP prescribing habits and beliefs regarding asthma and antibiotics.
Main Results:
- GPs frequently prescribe antibiotics for asthma consultations.
- A significant tendency for GPs to overestimate the likelihood of bacterial infection in asthma patients was observed.
Conclusions:
- There is a gap between asthma management guidelines and actual prescribing practices by GPs in New Zealand.
- Overestimation of bacterial infection risk by GPs contributes to the overuse of antibiotics in asthma care.