Explaining family physicians’ beliefs about antibiotic prescription

Abstract

BackgroundAntibiotics are among those drugs prescribed abundantly in hospitals due to their high efficiency. However, excessive, non-logical and unnecessary use of antibiotics regardless of physicians’ recommendations is considered as a challenge.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explain family physicians’ beliefs about antibiotic prescription in Ahvaz.MethodsThis study is part of a content-analysis qualitative research conducted in Ahvaz in 2016. Study subjects were selected according to purposive sampling and data collection continued to data saturation. Required data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews with participation of eight subjects. Data analysis was conducted along with conducting interviews using constant comparison analysis, and it continued to the last interview. Strength and accuracy of data were investigated by experts and participants.ResultsFrom data analysis, four major categories were extracted that were composed of 20 subcategories. They were 1) expected outcomes of antibiotics (perceived pros and cons); 2) perceived pressure to follow others’ opinions; 3) the level of access to antibiotics; and 4) individual’s perception for prescription.ConclusionFindings of this study showed that various factors affect physicians’ decisions to prescribe antibiotics and it is emphasized to consider these factors.

Knowledge, Perceptions, and Perspectives of Medical Students Regarding the Use of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance: A Qualitative Research in Galicia, Spain

“…The students claim that they have not been trained in this area. Both the students and other studies have emphasized that the doctor-patient relationship is crucial for proper antibiotic prescription by professionals and their appropriate use by patients [ 9 , 20 , 23 ]. This lack of communication skills often leads to giving in to patient pressure and promotes complacency in prescribing, which has also been observed in pharmacists and primary care physicians [ 9 , 24 , 25 ].…”

Use of antibiotics for patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of upper respiratory tract infections of less than 3 days to an outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Sri Lanka

“…Perceived advantages of antibiotics, pressure from patients and less regulated antibiotic usage were highlighted as reasons for high use of antibiotics by family physicians 11 . Other reported reasons for prescribing antibiotics include diagnostic uncertainty, socio-cultural and economic pressures, concern over malpractice litigation and meeting parental expectations of an antibiotic for their children 12 .…”