Evaluating the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment of tonsillitis during COVID-19 in the North Wales primary healthcare setting

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of primary care delivery in the NHS. Consultations have largely moved from face-to-face to remote, forcing practitioners to modify the ways in which they deliver care to patients. Aim In this study, we aim to investigate the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in tonsillitis, which is typically guided by clinical findings, during the COVID-19 pandemic Design and Setting: An observational quantitative analysis in the North Wales primary care setting Method: Retrospective review of computer records across five GP centres from March 2020 until end of October 2020. Data was extracted and analysed using chi-square or fisher exact rank and Man-Whitney test. Results Our results have shown no significant difference in antibiotic prescribing behaviour comparing face-to-face and remote consultations. Conclusion Remote consultation is as effective as face-to-face consultation with regards to the assessment of tonsillitis and the appropriateness of antibiotic prescription in primary care.