Antibiotic prescribing pattern in primary care practice in Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya

Abstract

studies from developed countries and countries in this region. It is imperative that these results be shared with relevant stakeholders and a multimodal strategy is developed to improve these rates.

Compliance to Guidelines in Prescribing Empirical Antibiotics for Individuals with Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection in a Primary Health Facility of Ghana, 2019–2021

“…Our study findings have useful implications for clinical practice in primary care settings. First, the use of empirical antibiotics in a high proportion (90%) of patients diagnosed with uncomplicated UTI at the KBPFMD is similar to studies from other LMICs [22,23,39]. This use of empirical antibiotics is justifiable as they are effective and form the mainstay of treatment in facilities with poor access to free CDST services [6,7].…”

“…Previous studies reported poor knowledge about STGs among physicians in primary care settings and non-availability of the recommended drugs as primary reasons for low adherence in choosing the right antibiotic [22,23,39,41]. In contrast, treating physicians at KBPFMD are exposed to STGs during teaching-learning activities for postgraduate students (residents), as it is a satellite center of a teaching hospital.…”

“…Fourth, six out of ten (60%) patients had been prescribed the empirical antibiotic at a dose, frequency, and duration in line with the STGs. Though there are no standard benchmarks or targets, the 60% adherence to STGs in prescribing an empirical antibiotic for uncomplicated UTIs is commendable as it is higher than that found in many LMICs and some high-income countries (HICs) [20,22,23,39,41,42]. However, there is scope for improvement as some HICs, such as Switzerland, have achieved >85% adherence to treatment guidelines for the management of uncomplicated UTIs [48].…”