Repeatable antibiotic prescriptions: an assessment of patient attitudes, knowledge and advice from health professionals

Previous Australian research has identified that general practice software systems appear to be associated with an increase in repeatable antibiotic prescriptions. Such prescriptions potentially facilitate the use of antibiotics without medical consultation and may be inconsistent with attempts to promote prudent use of antimicrobials.

We sought to assess knowledge and attitudes to antibiotics amongst patients presenting with a repeatable prescription; and the provision of supporting advice from healthcare professionals regarding use of these repeats.

Six community pharmacies across Tasmania invited patients presenting with a repeatable antibiotic prescription to participate in the study. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and return this to the research team in a pre-paid envelope.

Fifty-seven of 244 (23 per cent) surveys were returned. Regarding provision of advice on use of the repeat, 14 (25 per cent) of respondents stated that they were given no advice by the prescriber and 19 (30 per cent) no advice from the pharmacist. Five (9 per cent) were given no advice from either prescriber or pharmacist. One-third of respondents indicated that they would keep the repeat for future use and around three-quarters perceived no major safety concerns with antibiotics.

Further research is needed, however, this small study suggests that provision of information to patients regarding appropriate use of repeatable antibiotic prescriptions is suboptimal. This coupled with existing patient knowledge and attitudes may contribute to inappropriate use of antibiotics.