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Antibiotic and benzodiazepine prescribing by general practice trainees
N A Zwar1, J J Gordon, R W Sanson-Fisher
1Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Training Program, Macquarie Hospital, North Ryde, NSW.
The Medical Journal of Australia
|October 17, 1994
Summary
General practice trainees prescribed fewer antibiotics and benzodiazepines than experienced doctors, often adhering more closely to guidelines. However, both groups sometimes deviated from antibiotic guidelines, and long-term benzodiazepine prescriptions remained common.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Pharmacology
- Medical Education
Background:
- General practice trainees' prescribing habits for antibiotics and benzodiazepines are crucial for evidence-based practice.
- Understanding variations in prescribing between trainees and experienced general practitioners is essential for quality improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prescribing patterns of general practice trainees and experienced general practitioners regarding antibiotics and benzodiazepines.
- To assess adherence to prescribing guidelines for respiratory tract infections and anxiety/sleep disorders.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study involving 46 general practice trainees and 495 experienced general practitioners.
- Analysis of patient demographics, antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections, and benzodiazepine prescribing for anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression.
Main Results:
- Trainees managed younger patients and more acute respiratory infections, with fewer psychological problems compared to experienced practitioners.
- Trainees prescribed antibiotics less frequently for undifferentiated upper respiratory tract infections and showed better adherence to tonsillitis prescribing guidelines.
- Trainees were less likely to prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety or sleep issues.
Conclusions:
- General practice trainees demonstrated more conservative prescribing of antibiotics and benzodiazepines.
- Both trainee and experienced groups occasionally deviated from antibiotic prescribing guidelines.
- Long-term benzodiazepine prescriptions were still prevalent in a significant number of patients.