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Alternative approaches to managing respiratory tract infections: a survey of public perceptions
Alex Moore1, Rebecca Cannings-John2, Christopher C Butler3
1School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Background:
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a common reason for people to consult in primary care, and contribute to antibiotic overuse and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Alternative approaches to supporting patients with RTIs may help, but it is important to understand public perceptions about these approaches before they are widely implemented.
Aim:
To describe public perceptions regarding finger-prick testing, back-up antibiotic prescriptions (BUPs), and alternatives to traditional consultations for RTIs, and identify factors associated with favouring these approaches.
Design & Setting:
Online national survey (HealthWise Wales) with linked primary care health record data.
Method:
Survey item response distributions were described. Associations between responses about consultation alternatives, BUP, and finger-prick point-of-care testing (POCT), and potential explanatory variables, were explored using logistic regression.
Results:
A total of 8752 participants completed the survey between 2016 and 2018. The survey found 76.7% (n = 3807/4,966) and 71.2% (n = 3529/4,953) of responders with valid responses were in favour of being able to consult with a pharmacist or nurse in their GP surgery, or with a community pharmacist, respectively. It also showed 92.8% (n = 8034/8659) of responders indicated they would be happy to have a finger-prick test to guide antibiotic prescribing, and 31.8% (n = 2746/8646) indicated they would like to be given a BUP if their clinician thought immediate antibiotics were not required. In addition, 47.4% (n = 2342/4944) and 42.3% (n = 2095/4949) were in favour of having video and email consultations, respectively. Characteristics associated with different response options were identified.
Conclusion:
Consulting with pharmacists, using electronic communication tools, and finger-prick testing are widely acceptable approaches. BUP was described as acceptable less often, and is likely to require greater information and support when used.
Insights
Public acceptance of alternative respiratory tract infection (RTI) consultations, including pharmacist-led care and finger-prick testing, is high. Back-up antibiotic prescriptions (BUPs) are less favored, indicating a need for more patient education and support.
Area of Science:
- Public health
- Infectious disease management
- Primary care innovation
Background:
- Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a significant driver of primary care visits and contribute to antibiotic overuse and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
- Understanding public perceptions of alternative management strategies is crucial before widespread implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess public perceptions of finger-prick testing, back-up antibiotic prescriptions (BUPs), and alternative consultation methods for RTIs.
- To identify factors influencing public favorability towards these approaches.
Main Methods:
- An online national survey (HealthWise Wales) was conducted, linking participant data with primary care health records.
- Survey responses regarding acceptance of different consultation alternatives, BUPs, and finger-prick point-of-care testing (POCT) were analyzed.
- Logistic regression was used to explore associations between responses and explanatory variables.
Main Results:
- High favorability was observed for consulting with pharmacists (76.7%) or nurses (71.2%) in GP surgeries, and community pharmacists.
- Over 92% of responders supported finger-prick testing to guide antibiotic prescribing, while 31.8% desired BUPs.
- Video (47.4%) and email (42.3%) consultations also showed considerable public support.
Conclusions:
- Consultations with pharmacists, electronic communication tools, and finger-prick testing are widely accepted by the public for managing RTIs.
- Back-up antibiotic prescriptions (BUPs) were less frequently favored, suggesting a need for enhanced patient information and support strategies.
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