Antimicrobial Prescribing Patterns in GP Practices in Northern Ireland

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
• Overuse and misuse of antimicrobials accelerate AMR, jeopardizing future treatment efficacy.
• Understanding prescribing patterns is crucial for effective antimicrobial stewardship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate antimicrobial prescribing patterns in Northern Ireland General Practices.
• To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial prescribing and consumption in these practices.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, cross-sectional quantitative study design.
• Utilized open-access Business Services Organisation (BSO) data for analysis.
• Evaluated prescribing patterns of antibacterial drugs in primary care.

Main Results:

• Total antibacterial drug prescription: 3,168.78 kg.
• Most prescribed classes: Penicillins (59.79%), Tetracyclines (10.68%), Macrolides (9.53%).
• Access group antibiotics were most frequent (79.35%), followed by Watch group (20.64%); Reserve group antibiotics were minimal.
• Derry GP Federation had the highest overall prescription volume (10.90%).
• No significant difference in overall prescribing pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic (p > 0.05), but variations in individual drug classes were observed.

Conclusions:

• Northern Ireland GP practices are meeting some World Health Organization (WHO) targets but need further reduction in antimicrobial consumption.
• Antibiotic prescribing rates are declining, with no significant overall change during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Enhanced communication and supportive strategies are essential to improve antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in GP practices across Northern Ireland.