Related Experiment Videos
Is it possible to decrease antibiotic prescribing in primary care? An analysis of outcomes in the management of
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to assess whether it was possible to change clinical practice through the introduction of an evidence-based protocol for the management of sore throats. The impact of the changed clinical practice on patients was also assessed.
Method:
An observational study was carried out comparing management of patients with sore throats in a semi-rural general practice (14 000 patients), before and after the introduction of an evidence-based protocol, using a multidisciplinary approach. All patients over the age of 2 years presenting with sore throats as their chief presenting complaint were included in the study which ran for two 6-month periods: February-July 1997 (n = 435) and February-July 1998 (n = 350). Antibiotic prescribing rates, consultation and reconsultation rates, duration of sore throat, analgesia requirements and satisfaction were assessed.
Results:
Antibiotic prescribing was significantly reduced in period 2 (56% compared with 19%). Consultation rates decreased by 19% in period 2. Median number of days to recovery of sore throats was the same in both groups. Reconsultation rates and dissatisfaction rates were the same in both groups.
Conclusion:
Using a multidisciplinary approach, it is possible to reduce antibiotic prescribing for sore throats significantly without adversely affecting outcome.