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Supper I, Gratadour J, François M, Jaafari N, Boussageon R. A critical appraisal of acute sore throat guidelines using the AGREE II instrument: a scoping review. Fam Pract 2024; 41:223-233. [PMID: 37318355 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflicting international guidelines exist on the management of sore throat by antibiotics. OBJECTIVES To assess with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE) instrument the quality of guidelines for uncomplicated acute group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) sore-throat. To make a sensitivity analysis restricted to guidelines with a rigour of development score higher than 60% and to describe their recommendations on scores, tests, and antibiotic therapy, including their justification. METHODS A guideline literature review of acute GABHS sore throat, published between January 2000 and December 2019 in primary care and secondary care. The PubMed database, the Canadian Medical Association Infobase on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the International Network Guidelines were used. The quality of guidelines was assessed using the AGREE II instrument. The guidelines were classified into 2 categories: high-quality guidelines had to rate >60% for the rigour of development score, the others were classified as low-quality guidelines. RESULTS Significant heterogeneity between the 15 guidelines concerned the scores of the 6 assessment domains. Among them, 6 guidelines presented a score above 60% with regards to the rigor of development domain and used a systematic literature search method, citing meta-analyses of recent randomised clinical trials. Most of the 6 high-quality guidelines no longer recommended the systematic use of diagnostic scores and tests, nor antibiotic therapy to prevent acute rheumatic fever or loco-regional complications, except for high-risk patients. CONCLUSION Major discrepancies emphasise the need for only high-quality guidelines, based on adequately assessed evidence. Restricted antibiotic prescriptions to severe cases or high-risk patients would avoid antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irène Supper
- Department of General Practice, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- UCBL, CNRS, UMR 5558, LBBE, EMET, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Maison de Santé Universitaire du pôle de santé des Etats-Unis, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Johanna Gratadour
- Department of General Practice, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Mathilde François
- Universite Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines UFR des sciences de la sante Simone Veil, General Practice, Guyancourt, France
- Centre de recherche en Epidemiologie et Sante des Populations, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Nemat Jaafari
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Rémy Boussageon
- Department of General Practice, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- UCBL, CNRS, UMR 5558, LBBE, EMET, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Maison de Santé Universitaire du pôle de santé des Etats-Unis, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
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Jacob T, Leshno M, Carmel-Neidermann NN, Kampel L, Warshavsky A, Mansour J, Assadi N, Muhanna N, Horowitz G. Antibiotics or Tonsillectomy for Adult Recurrent Tonsillitis: Analyzing the Lesser of Two Evils. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:2153-2161. [PMID: 37937815 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the best timing for surgical intervention for adults with recurrent tonsillitis (RT). METHODS A Markov model was constructed using variables and ranges based upon a literature review. A 1-way sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the number of yearly bouts at which each algorithm (antibiotics or tonsillectomy) would be favored. A Monte-Carlo probabilistic sensitivity analysis was calculated for gains and cost. Model outcomes were measured with quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) for tonsillectomy versus repeat antibiotic treatment. RESULTS Patients expected to sustain a single annual tonsillitis event will have a negative QALY of 0.02 if treated with surgery and those with 2 annual events will have a QALY gain from undergoing tonsillectomy of 0.01, 3 events = 0.03, 4 events = 0.05, 5 events = 0.07, 6 events = 0.09, 7 events = 0.1, and 8 events = 0.11. These gains became meaningful only after 2 years of recurrent bouts. The average cost of tonsillectomy was 3,238 USD, and the overall average cost of RT was 7,069 USD (an incremental cost of 3,831 USD). The ICER of tonsillectomy over antibiotic treatment for 1 QALY gain was 44,741 USD. CONCLUSION Adult patients who sustain more than 3 annual bouts of tonsillitis over a period of at least 2 years will gain QALY after tonsillectomy. These gains increase proportionally to the number of yearly events and perennial episodes. The incremental costs of tonsillectomy fail to meet the NICE guidelines but are within other acceptable reference ranges. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 134:2153-2161, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Jacob
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Moshe Leshno
- The 'Coller' School of Management, Tel-Aviv University, Both Affiliated to the Tel-Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Narin Nard Carmel-Neidermann
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Liyona Kampel
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Anton Warshavsky
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Joubran Mansour
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Nidal Assadi
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Nidal Muhanna
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Gilad Horowitz
- The Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Schachtel B, Shephard A, Schachtel E, Shea T, Smith A, Tselenti E. Evidence of the Efficacy of Flurbiprofen 8.75 mg Lozenges for Patients Receiving Antibiotics for Laboratory-Confirmed Streptococcal Pharyngitis. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2023; 102:NP609-NP617. [PMID: 34261371 DOI: 10.1177/01455613211025754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenges for patients with laboratory-confirmed streptococcal pharyngitis both before and concomitant with antibiotics. METHODS This post hoc analysis comprised adult participants from 2 earlier randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluating the analgesic efficacy of flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenges in acute pharyngitis. Throat swabs were obtained to diagnose streptococcal infection. Prior to and 2 hours after each dose of study medication (flurbiprofen or placebo lozenges), patients rated 3 symptoms of acute pharyngitis (sore throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and swollen throat) using visual analogue scales. Appropriate antibiotic treatment was initiated when culture results were reported. Mean changes in each pharyngeal symptom were compared over the immediate 24 hours before and during the initial 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. RESULTS Twenty-four patients provided both preantibiotic and concomitant antibiotic efficacy outcomes. Relief of throat pain was 93% greater in the flurbiprofen group than in the placebo group before antibiotic coadministration and 84% greater than placebo during antibiotic administration (both P < .05). Relief of difficulty swallowing was 71% greater in the flurbiprofen group than in the placebo before antibiotic administration (P = .16) and 107% greater during concomitant antibiotic administration (P = .04). Relief of the sensation of throat swelling was 295% greater with flurbiprofen than placebo before antibiotic administration (P = .008) and 70% greater during concomitant antibiotic administration (P = .06). For placebo-treated patients, relief from throat pain and difficulty swallowing were similar before and during antibiotic treatment (P > .05), indicating no benefit with antibiotic administration for these symptoms. No treatment-related discontinuations or serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS Irrespective of antibiotic use, flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenges provide well-tolerated, effective relief of pharyngeal symptoms in patients with streptococcal infection. In the 24 hours after administration, antibiotics provide no relief of throat pain or difficulty swallowing beyond the topical demulcent effects of placebo lozenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Schachtel
- Schachtel Research Associates, Inc, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adrian Shephard
- Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare International Ltd, Slough, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tim Shea
- Reckitt Benckiser Health LLC, NJ, USA
| | - Adam Smith
- Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Ltd, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Evi Tselenti
- Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Ltd, Hull, United Kingdom
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Menting SGP, Redican E, Murphy J, Bucholc M. Primary Care Antibiotic Prescribing and Infection-Related Hospitalisation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1685. [PMID: 38136719 PMCID: PMC10740527 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics has been widely recognised as a leading cause of antimicrobial resistance, which in turn has become one of the most significant threats to global health. Given that most antibiotic prescriptions are issued in primary care settings, investigating the associations between primary care prescribing of antibiotics and subsequent infection-related hospitalisations affords a valuable opportunity to understand the long-term health implications of primary care antibiotic intervention. A narrative review of the scientific literature studying associations between primary care antibiotic prescribing and subsequent infection-related hospitalisation was conducted. The Web of Science database was used to retrieve 252 potentially relevant studies, with 23 of these studies included in this review (stratified by patient age and infection type). The majority of studies (n = 18) were published in the United Kingdom, while the remainder were conducted in Germany, Spain, Denmark, New Zealand, and the United States. While some of the reviewed studies demonstrated that appropriate and timely antibiotic prescribing in primary care could help reduce the need for hospitalisation, excessive antibiotic prescribing can lead to antimicrobial resistance, subsequently increasing the risk of infection-related hospitalisation. Few studies reported no association between primary care antibiotic prescriptions and subsequent infection-related hospitalisation. Overall, the disparate results in the extant literature attest to the conflicting factors influencing the decision-making regarding antibiotic prescribing and highlight the necessity of adopting a more patient-focussed perspective in stewardship programmes and the need for increased use of rapid diagnostic testing in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enya Redican
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Jamie Murphy
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Magda Bucholc
- School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry-Londonderry BT48 7JL, UK
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Boateng I, Stuart B, Becque T, Barrett B, Bostock J, Bruyndonckx R, Carr-Knox L, Ciccone EJ, Coenen S, Ebell M, Gillespie D, Hayward G, Hedin K, Hood K, Lau TMM, Little P, Merenstein D, Mulogo E, Ordóñez-Mena J, Muir P, Samuel K, Shaikh N, Tonner S, van der Velden AW, Verheij T, Wang K, Hay AD, Francis N. Using microbiological data to improve the use of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections: A protocol for an individual patient data meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294845. [PMID: 38011202 PMCID: PMC10681295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to antibiotics is rising and threatens future antibiotic effectiveness. 'Antibiotic targeting' ensures patients who may benefit from antibiotics receive them, while being safely withheld from those who may not. Point-of-care tests may assist with antibiotic targeting by allowing primary care clinicians to establish if symptomatic patients have a viral, bacterial, combined, or no infection. However, because organisms can be harmlessly carried, it is important to know if the presence of the virus/bacteria is related to the illness for which the patient is being assessed. One way to do this is to look for associations with more severe/prolonged symptoms and test results. Previous research to answer this question for acute respiratory tract infections has given conflicting results with studies has not having enough participants to provide statistical confidence. AIM To undertake a synthesis of IPD from both randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies of respiratory tract infections (RTI) in order to investigate the prognostic value of microbiological data in addition to, or instead of, clinical symptoms and signs. METHODS A systematic search of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Medline and Ovid Embase will be carried out for studies of acute respiratory infection in primary care settings. The outcomes of interest are duration of disease, severity of disease, repeated consultation with new/worsening illness and complications requiring hospitalisation. Authors of eligible studies will be contacted to provide anonymised individual participant data. The data will be harmonised and aggregated. Multilevel regression analysis will be conducted to determine key outcome measures for different potential pathogens and whether these offer any additional information on prognosis beyond clinical symptoms and signs. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42023376769.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Boateng
- Primary Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evaluation and Methods, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Taeko Becque
- Primary Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Bruce Barrett
- Dept of Family Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Bostock
- Primary Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Bruyndonckx
- Data Science Institute, I-BioStat, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Lucy Carr-Knox
- Centre for Evaluation and Methods, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J. Ciccone
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mark Ebell
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David Gillespie
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Gail Hayward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Katarina Hedin
- Futurum, Region Jönköping County, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kerenza Hood
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Tin Man Mandy Lau
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Dan Merenstein
- Dept of Family Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Edgar Mulogo
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jose Ordóñez-Mena
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Muir
- UK Health Security Agency South West Regional Laboratory, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty Samuel
- Primary Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nader Shaikh
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Sharon Tonner
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alike W. van der Velden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Verheij
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kay Wang
- Primary Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair D. Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Francis
- Primary Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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6
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Little P, Francis NA, Stuart B, O'Reilly G, Thompson N, Becque T, Hay AD, Wang K, Sharland M, Harnden A, Yao G, Raftery J, Zhu S, Little J, Hookham C, Rowley K, Euden J, Harman K, Coenen S, Read RC, Woods C, Butler CC, Faust SN, Leydon G, Wan M, Hood K, Whitehurst J, Richards-Hall S, Smith P, Thomas M, Moore M, Verheij T. Antibiotics for lower respiratory tract infection in children presenting in primary care: ARTIC-PC RCT. Health Technol Assess 2023; 27:1-90. [PMID: 37436003 DOI: 10.3310/dgbv3199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for children with uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections, but there is little randomised evidence to support the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating these infections, either overall or relating to key clinical subgroups in which antibiotic prescribing is common (chest signs; fever; physician rating of unwell; sputum/rattly chest; shortness of breath). Objectives To estimate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of amoxicillin for uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections in children both overall and in clinical subgroups. Design Placebo-controlled trial with qualitative, observational and cost-effectiveness studies. Setting UK general practices. Participants Children aged 1-12 years with acute uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections. Outcomes The primary outcome was the duration in days of symptoms rated moderately bad or worse (measured using a validated diary). Secondary outcomes were symptom severity on days 2-4 (0 = no problem to 6 = as bad as it could be); symptom duration until very little/no problem; reconsultations for new or worsening symptoms; complications; side effects; and resource use. Methods Children were randomised to receive 50 mg/kg/day of oral amoxicillin in divided doses for 7 days, or placebo using pre-prepared packs, using computer-generated random numbers by an independent statistician. Children who were not randomised could participate in a parallel observational study. Semistructured telephone interviews explored the views of 16 parents and 14 clinicians, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. Throat swabs were analysed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Results A total of 432 children were randomised (antibiotics, n = 221; placebo, n = 211). The primary analysis imputed missing data for 115 children. The duration of moderately bad symptoms was similar in the antibiotic and placebo groups overall (median of 5 and 6 days, respectively; hazard ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 0.90 to 1.42), with similar results for subgroups, and when including antibiotic prescription data from the 326 children in the observational study. Reconsultations for new or worsening symptoms (29.7% and 38.2%, respectively; risk ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.58 to 1.05), illness progression requiring hospital assessment or admission (2.4% vs. 2.0%) and side effects (38% vs. 34%) were similar in the two groups. Complete-case (n = 317) and per-protocol (n = 185) analyses were similar, and the presence of bacteria did not mediate antibiotic effectiveness. NHS costs per child were slightly higher (antibiotics, £29; placebo, £26), with no difference in non-NHS costs (antibiotics, £33; placebo, £33). A model predicting complications (with seven variables: baseline severity, difference in respiratory rate from normal for age, duration of prior illness, oxygen saturation, sputum/rattly chest, passing urine less often, and diarrhoea) had good discrimination (bootstrapped area under the receiver operator curve 0.83) and calibration. Parents found it difficult to interpret symptoms and signs, used the sounds of the child's cough to judge the severity of illness, and commonly consulted to receive a clinical examination and reassurance. Parents acknowledged that antibiotics should be used only when 'necessary', and clinicians noted a reduction in parents' expectations for antibiotics. Limitations The study was underpowered to detect small benefits in key subgroups. Conclusion Amoxicillin for uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections in children is unlikely to be clinically effective or to reduce health or societal costs. Parents need better access to information, as well as clear communication about the self-management of their child's illness and safety-netting. Future work The data can be incorporated in the Cochrane review and individual patient data meta-analysis. Trial registration This trial is registered as ISRCTN79914298. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 9. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Little
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nick A Francis
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gilly O'Reilly
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Natalie Thompson
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Taeko Becque
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kay Wang
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Sharland
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University, London, UK
| | - Anthony Harnden
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Guiqing Yao
- Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - James Raftery
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Shihua Zhu
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Joseph Little
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Charlotte Hookham
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Rowley
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Joanne Euden
- Centre for Trials Research, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kim Harman
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine & Population Health and Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Robert C Read
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Catherine Woods
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Saul N Faust
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Geraldine Leydon
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mandy Wan
- Evelina Pharmacy, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kerenza Hood
- Centre for Trials Research, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jane Whitehurst
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands, Coventry, UK
| | - Samantha Richards-Hall
- Southampton Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Peter Smith
- Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Thomas
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Theo Verheij
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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7
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Hounkpatin H, Stuart B, Zhu S, Yao G, Moore M, Löffler C, Little P, Kenealy T, Gillespie D, Francis NA, Bostock J, Becque T, Arroll B, Altiner A, Alonso-Coello P, Hay AD. Post-consultation acute respiratory tract infection recovery: a latent class-informed analysis of individual patient data. Br J Gen Pract 2023; 73:e196-e203. [PMID: 36823057 PMCID: PMC9975977 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2022.0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a lack of evidence regarding post-consultation symptom trajectories for patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and whether patient characteristics can be used to predict illness duration. AIM To describe symptom trajectories in patients with RTIs, and assess baseline characteristics and adverse events associated with trajectories. DESIGN AND SETTING The study included data about 9103 adults and children from 12 primary care studies. METHOD A latent class-informed regression analysis of individual patient data from randomised controlled trials and observational cohort studies was undertaken. Post-consultation symptom trajectory (severity and duration), re-consultation with same or worsening illness, and admission to hospital were assessed. RESULTS In total, 90% of participants recovered from all symptoms by 28 days, regardless of antibiotic prescribing strategy (none, immediate, and delayed antibiotics). For studies of RTI with cough as a dominant symptom (n = 5314), four trajectories were identified: 'rapid (6 days)' (90% of participants recovered within 6 days) in 52.0%; 'intermediate (10 days)' (28.9%); 'slow progressive improvement (27 days)' (12.5%); and 'slow improvement with initial high symptom burden (27 days)' (6.6%). For cough, being aged 16-64 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.72 to 3.85 compared with <16 years), higher presenting illness baseline severity (OR 1.51, 95% CI = 1.12 to 2.03), presence of lung disease (OR 1.78, 95% CI = 1.44 to 2.21), and median and above illness duration before consultation (≥7 days) (OR 1.99, 95% CI = 1.68 to 2.37) were associated with slower recovery (>10 days) compared with faster recovery (≤10 days). Re-consultations and admissions to hospital for cough were higher in those with slower recovery (ORs: 2.15, 95% CI = 1.78 to 2.60 and 7.42, 95% CI = 3.49 to 15.78, respectively). CONCLUSION Older patients presenting with more severe, longer pre-consultation symptoms and chronic lung disease should be advised they are more likely to experience longer post-consultation illness durations, and that recovery rates are similar with and without antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Hounkpatin
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Shihua Zhu
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Guiqing Yao
- Department of Health Science, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christin Löffler
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Paul Little
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Timothy Kenealy
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David Gillespie
- Centre for Trials Research, College of Biomedical & Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, UK
| | - Nick A Francis
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jennifer Bostock
- Division of Health and Social Care Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Taeko Becque
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Bruce Arroll
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Attila Altiner
- Department of Health Science, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Pablo Alonso-Coello
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau-CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Saha SK, Promite S, Botheras CL, Manias E, Mothobi N, Robinson S, Athan E. Improving diagnostic antimicrobial stewardship in respiratory tract infections: a protocol for a scoping review investigating point-of-care testing programmes in community pharmacy. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068193. [PMID: 36828657 PMCID: PMC9972425 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diagnostic uncertainty regarding the cause of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) multiplies the problem of unnecessary use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in primary care. Point-of-care testing (POCT) programmes have been recognised as a potential stewardship strategy to optimise antimicrobial use in primary care. There is a need for greater understanding of community pharmacy-based POCT programmes in reducing the unnecessary use of antimicrobials in patients with RTIs. This review systematically maps out evidence around the effectiveness, feasibility and implementation challenges of POCT programmes in community pharmacy to improve safe antimicrobial use in RTIs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist and the Arksey and O'Malley methodology framework will guide the reporting of this review. We will systematically review studies with either randomised controlled trial, non-randomised controlled trial, before-after study, observational study or pilot feasibility study design. Medline, Emcare, PubMed, Health Technology Assessment, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar databases will be used to search for articles. Three reviewers will independently screen, review and select studies with POCT programmes involving community pharmacists for antimicrobial stewardship in RTIs. Summary statistics and random effects model, if data permit, will be used to summarise the effectiveness, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the POCT programme. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research will capture POCT implementation drivers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This review study does not require research ethics approval. Findings will be disseminated through national and international conferences, seminars and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajal K Saha
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shukla Promite
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carly L Botheras
- Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research (CIIDIR), Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Manias
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nomvuyo Mothobi
- Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research (CIIDIR), Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne Robinson
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- EnAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Eugene Athan
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research (CIIDIR), Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Boaitey KP, Bakhit M, Krzyzaniak N, Hoffmann TC. Information about the natural history of acute infections commonly seen in primary care: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:897. [PMID: 36456959 PMCID: PMC9714117 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07887-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many of the acute infections that are seen in primary care and sometimes managed with antibiotics are self-resolving and antibiotics may be unnecessary. Information about the natural history of these infections underpins antibiotic stewardship strategies such as delayed prescribing and shared decision making, yet whether it's reported in guidelines is unknown. We examined, in clinical guidelines, the reporting of natural history information and relevant antibiotic stewardship strategies for acute infections commonly seen in primary care. METHODS A systematic review of national and international guidelines (2010 onwards), available electronically, for managing acute infections (respiratory, urinary, or skin and soft tissue). We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, TRIP, and GIN databases and websites of 22 guideline-publishing organisations. RESULTS We identified 82 guidelines, covering 114 eligible infections. Natural history information was reported in 49 (59.8%) of the guidelines and 66 (57.9%) of the reported conditions, most commonly for respiratory tract infections. Quantitative information about the expected infection duration was provided for 63.5% (n = 42) of the infections. Delayed antibiotic prescribing strategy was recommended for 34.2% (n = 39) of them and shared decision making for 21% (n = 24). CONCLUSIONS Just over half of the guidelines for acute infections that are commonly managed in primary care and sometimes with antibiotics contained natural history information. As many of these infections spontaneously improve, this is a missed opportunity to disseminate this information to clinicians, promote antibiotic stewardship, and facilitate conversations with patients and informed decision making. Systematic review registration CRD42021247048.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwame Peprah Boaitey
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia.
| | - Mina Bakhit
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia
| | - Natalia Krzyzaniak
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia
| | - Tammy C Hoffmann
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, 14 University Dr, Robina, QLD, 4229, Australia
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10
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Bar-Yishay M, Yehoshua I, Bilitzky A, Press Y. Treatment outcomes of acute streptococcal tonsillitis according to antibiotic treatment. A retrospective analysis of 242,366 cases treated in the community. Eur J Gen Pract 2022; 28:142-149. [PMID: 35695024 PMCID: PMC9225758 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2022.2083105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute upper respiratory infections are the most common reason for primary physician visits in the community. This study investigated whether the type of antibiotic used to treat streptococcal tonsillitis can reduce the burden by affecting the number of additional visits. Objectives To assess the effect of different antibiotic treatments for tonsillitis on the number of additional primary physician visits and the development of infectious or inflammatory sequels. Methods This retrospective study included first cases of culture-confirmed streptococcal tonsillitis (n = 242,366, 55.3% females, 57.6% aged 3–15 years) treated in primary clinics throughout Israel between the years 2010 and 2019. Primary outcomes were the number of additional primary physician visits, due to any cause or due to specific upper airway infections. Secondary outcomes were the number of developed complications, such as peritonsillar abscess, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal arthritis, chorea and death. Results Compared to penicillin-V, adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) for additional primary physician visits at 30–days were highest for IM benzathine-benzylpenicillin (IRR = 1.46, CI 1.33–1.60, p < .001) and cephalosporin treatment (IRR = 1.27, CI 1.24–1.30, p < .001). Similar results were noted for visits due to specific diagnoses such as recurrent tonsillitis, otitis media and unspecified upper respiratory tract infection. Amoxicillin showed decreased adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of developing complications (aOR = 0.68, CI 0.52–0.89, p < .01 for any complication. aOR = 0.75, CI 0.55–1.02, p = .07 for peritonsillar or retropharyngeal abscess). Conclusion Penicillin-V treatment is associated with fewer additional primary physician visits compared to other antibiotic treatments. Amoxicillin and penicillin-V are associated with fewer complications. These findings are limited by the retrospective nature of the study and lack of adjustment for illness severity. Further prospective studies may be warranted to validate results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattan Bar-Yishay
- Department of Family Medicine, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Family Medicine and Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, The Haim Doron Division of Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ilan Yehoshua
- Department of Family Medicine, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Family Medicine and Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, The Haim Doron Division of Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Avital Bilitzky
- Department of Family Medicine, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Maccabitech Institute of Research and Innovation, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yan Press
- Department of Family Medicine and Siaal Research Center for Family Medicine and Primary Care, The Haim Doron Division of Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Department of Geriatrics, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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11
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Krüger K, Oltrogge JH. [Sore Throat - Guideline-based Diagnostics and Therapy]. ZFA. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ALLGEMEINMEDIZIN 2022; 98:126-132. [PMID: 37273520 PMCID: PMC10224640 DOI: 10.53180/zfa.2022.0126-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Sore throat is a common reason for consultation of family physicians. Acute sore throat (< 14 days) is usually triggered by infections of the pharynx. Less than 35 % of cases are caused by bacterial infections; nevertheless, antibiotics are prescribed far more often. Evidence-based guideline recommendations are available to reduce non-indicated administration of antibiotics in the treatment of sore throat. Search Methods Update of the clinical guideline "sore throat" of the German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (DEGAM) by means of a systematic search of the literature for international guidelines and systematic reviews. Main Messages After excluding red flags such as immunosuppression and severe systemic infections, acute sore throat is usually self-limiting with a mean duration of 7 days. Patients should be encouraged in self-management; ibuprofen and naproxen are recommended for symptomatic treatment. If antibiotics are considered, clinical scores (Centor, McIsaac, FeverPAIN) should be used to assess the risk of bacterial pharyngitis. At low risk (< 3 points), antibiotics are not indicated; if at least moderate (3 points), delayed prescription is an option; if high (> 3 points), antibiotics can be taken immediately. Even if scores suggestive a bacterial cause, the evidence suggests that antibiotic treatment only shortens the duration of symptoms modestly. Penicillin is the first choice (clarithromycin as an alternative). The antibiotic should be taken for 5-7 days. Conclusions In the absence of red flags, a regular use of symptomatic treatment will help to control discomfort. If administration of antibiotics is still considered a risk-adapted approach, using clinical scores is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Krüger
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Jan Hendrik Oltrogge
- Institut und Poliklinik für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Deutschland
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12
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Sarangarm P, Huerena TA, Norii T, Walraven CJ. Antibiotic Prescribing in Adults Presenting with Pharyngitis Pre- and Post-Implementation of a Rapid Group A Streptococcus Test. Hosp Pharm 2022; 57:309-314. [PMID: 35601722 PMCID: PMC9117770 DOI: 10.1177/00185787211032365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is the most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis and is often over treated with unnecessary antibiotics. The purpose was to evaluate if implementation of a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) for GAS would reduce the number of inappropriately prescribed antibiotics for adult patients presenting with symptoms of pharyngitis. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult urgent care clinic patients pre- and post-implementation of a GAS RADT. We included patients who had a diagnosis of GAS identified via ICD-10 codes and either a throat culture, GAS RADT, or antibiotic prescribed for GAS. Antibiotic prescribing was assessed as appropriate or inappropriate based on testing and IDSA guideline recommendations. Thirty-day follow-up visits related to pharyngitis or the prescribed antibiotics was also evaluated. Results: A total of 1734 patients were included; 912 and 822 in the pre- and post-implementation groups, respectively. Following implementation of the GAS RADT, there was an increase in the number of antibiotics prescribed for GAS (43.4% vs 59.1%, P < .001) as well as an increase in appropriate prescribing (67.6% vs 77.5%, P < .001). More 30-day pharyngitis-related follow-up visits were seen in the pre-intervention group (12.5% vs 9.3%, P = .03). Conclusion: Implementation of a RADT for GAS pharyngitis was associated with an increase in both the overall number of antibiotic prescriptions for GAS and the proportion of appropriately prescribed antibiotics. There was also a reduction in follow up visits related to GAS pharyngitis, however educational efforts to further increase appropriate prescribing is needed.
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13
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Use of antibiotics for acute sore throat and tonsillitis in primary care. Br J Gen Pract 2022; 72:136-137. [PMID: 35210250 PMCID: PMC8884437 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp22x718793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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14
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Dang R, Patel AI, Marlow J, Weng Y, Wang ME, Schroeder AR. Frequency and Consequences of Routine Temperature Measurement at Well-Child Visits. Pediatrics 2022; 149:183813. [PMID: 34890449 PMCID: PMC9647939 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the (1) frequency and visit characteristics of routine temperature measurement and (2) rates of interventions by temperature measurement practice and the probability of incidental fever detection. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed well-child visits between 2014-2019. We performed multivariable regression to characterize visits associated with routine temperature measurement and conducted generalized estimating equations regression to determine adjusted rates of interventions (antibiotic prescription, and diagnostic testing) and vaccine deferral by temperature measurement and fever status, clustered by clinic and patient. Through dual independent chart review, fever (≥100.4°F) was categorized as probable, possible, or unlikely to be incidentally detected. RESULTS Temperature measurement occurred at 155 527 of 274 351 (58.9%) well-child visits. Of 24 clinics, 16 measured temperature at >90% of visits ("routine measurement clinics") and 8 at <20% of visits ("occasional measurement clinics"). After adjusting for age, ethnicity, race, and insurance, antibiotic prescription was more common (adjusted odds ratio: 1.21; 95% CI 1.13-1.29), whereas diagnostic testing was less common (adjusted odds ratio: 0.76; 95% CI 0.71-0.82) at routine measurement clinics. Fever was detected at 270 of 155 527 (0.2%) routine measurement clinic visits, 47 (17.4%) of which were classified as probable incidental fever. Antibiotic prescription and diagnostic testing were more common at visits with probable incidental fever than without fever (7.4% vs 1.7%; 14.8% vs 1.2%; P < .001), and vaccines were deferred at 50% such visits. CONCLUSIONS Temperature measurement occurs at more than one-half of well-child visits and is a clinic-driven practice. Given the impact on subsequent interventions and vaccine deferral, the harm-benefit profile of this practice warrants consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Dang
- Departments of Pediatrics,Address correspondence to Rebecca Dang, MD, MSCE, Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, 453 Quarry Rd, M/C 5776, Palo Alto, California 94304. E-mail:
| | | | | | - Yingjie Weng
- Medicine, Quantitative Sciences Unit, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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15
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Little P, Francis NA, Stuart B, O'Reilly G, Thompson N, Becque T, Hay AD, Wang K, Sharland M, Harnden A, Yao G, Raftery J, Zhu S, Little J, Hookham C, Rowley K, Euden J, Harman K, Coenen S, Read RC, Woods C, Butler CC, Faust SN, Leydon G, Wan M, Hood K, Whitehurst J, Richards-Hall S, Smith P, Thomas M, Moore M, Verheij T. Antibiotics for lower respiratory tract infection in children presenting in primary care in England (ARTIC PC): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet 2021; 398:1417-1426. [PMID: 34562391 PMCID: PMC8542731 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)01431-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotic resistance is a global public health threat. Antibiotics are very commonly prescribed for children presenting with uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), but there is little evidence from randomised controlled trials of the effectiveness of antibiotics, both overall or among key clinical subgroups. In ARTIC PC, we assessed whether amoxicillin reduces the duration of moderately bad symptoms in children presenting with uncomplicated (non-pneumonic) LRTI in primary care, overall and in key clinical subgroups. METHODS ARTIC PC was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial done at 56 general practices in England. Eligible children were those aged 6 months to 12 years presenting in primary care with acute uncomplicated LRTI judged to be infective in origin, where pneumonia was not suspected clinically, with symptoms for less than 21 days. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive amoxicillin 50 mg/kg per day or placebo oral suspension, in three divided doses orally for 7 days. Patients and investigators were masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome was the duration of symptoms rated moderately bad or worse (measured using a validated diary) for up to 28 days or until symptoms resolved. The primary outcome and safety were assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN Registry (ISRCTN79914298). FINDINGS Between Nov 9, 2016, and March 17, 2020, 432 children (not including six who withdrew permission for use of their data after randomisation) were randomly assigned to the antibiotics group (n=221) or the placebo group (n=211). Complete data for symptom duration were available for 317 (73%) patients; missing data were imputed for the primary analysis. Median durations of moderately bad or worse symptoms were similar between the groups (5 days [IQR 4-11] in the antibiotics group vs 6 days [4-15] in the placebo group; hazard ratio [HR] 1·13 [95% CI 0·90-1·42]). No differences were seen for the primary outcome between the treatment groups in the five prespecified clinical subgroups (patients with chest signs, fever, physician rating of unwell, sputum or chest rattle, and short of breath). Estimates from complete-case analysis and a per-protocol analysis were similar to the imputed data analysis. INTERPRETATION Amoxicillin for uncomplicated chest infections in children is unlikely to be clinically effective either overall or for key subgroups in whom antibiotics are commonly prescribed. Unless pneumonia is suspected, clinicians should provide safety-netting advice but not prescribe antibiotics for most children presenting with chest infections. FUNDING National Institute for Health Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Nick A Francis
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gilly O'Reilly
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Natalie Thompson
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Taeko Becque
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kay Wang
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Sharland
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University London, London, UK
| | - Anthony Harnden
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Guiqing Yao
- Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - James Raftery
- Health Economics Analysis Team, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Shihua Zhu
- Health Economics Analysis Team, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Joseph Little
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Charlotte Hookham
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kate Rowley
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Joanne Euden
- Centre for Trials Research, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kim Harman
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health and Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Robert C Read
- Faculty of Medicine and Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; National Institute of Health Research Southampton Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Catherine Woods
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Saul N Faust
- Faculty of Medicine and Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; National Institute of Health Research Southampton Clinical Research Facility and Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Geraldine Leydon
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mandy Wan
- Evelina Pharmacy, Guy's and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Kerenza Hood
- Centre for Trials Research, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Samantha Richards-Hall
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Peter Smith
- Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Thomas
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Research Centre, Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Theo Verheij
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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16
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Borek AJ, Campbell A, Dent E, Moore M, Butler CC, Holmes A, Walker AS, McLeod M, Tonkin-Crine S. Development of an intervention to support the implementation of evidence-based strategies for optimising antibiotic prescribing in general practice. Implement Sci Commun 2021; 2:104. [PMID: 34526140 PMCID: PMC8441243 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-021-00209-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trials show that antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategies, including communication skills training, point-of-care C-reactive protein testing (POC-CRPT) and delayed prescriptions, help optimise antibiotic prescribing and use in primary care. However, the use of these strategies in general practice is limited and inconsistent. We aimed to develop an intervention to enhance uptake and implementation of these strategies in primary care. METHODS We drew on the Person-Based Approach to develop an implementation intervention in two stages. (1) Planning and design: We defined the problem in behavioural terms drawing on existing literature and conducting primary qualitative research (nine focus groups) in high-prescribing general practices. We identified 'guiding principles' with intervention objectives and key features and developed logic models representing intended mechanisms of action. (2) Developing the intervention: We created prototype intervention materials and discussed and refined these with input from 13 health professionals and 14 citizens in two sets of design workshops. We further refined the intervention materials following think-aloud interviews with 22 health professionals. RESULTS Focus groups highlighted uncertainties about how strategies could be used. Health professionals in the workshops suggested having practice champions, brief summaries of each AMS strategy and evidence supporting the AMS strategies, and they and citizens gave examples of helpful communication strategies/phrases. Think-aloud interviews helped clarify and shorten the text and user journey of the intervention materials. The intervention comprised components to support practice-level implementation: antibiotic champions, practice meetings with slides provided, and an 'implementation support' website section, and components to support individual-level uptake: website sections on each AMS strategy (with evidence, instructions, links to electronic resources) and material resources (patient leaflets, POC-CRPT equipment, clinician handouts). CONCLUSIONS We used a systematic, user-focussed process of developing a behavioural intervention, illustrating how it can be used in an implementation context. This resulted in a multicomponent intervention to facilitate practice-wide implementation of evidence-based strategies which now requires implementing and evaluating. Focusing on supporting the uptake and implementation of evidence-based strategies to optimise antibiotic use in general practice is critical to further support appropriate antibiotic use and mitigate antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Anne Campbell
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elle Dent
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Alison Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A Sarah Walker
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Monsey McLeod
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Pharmacy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
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17
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Pallon J, Sundqvist M, Rööst M, Hedin K. Association between bacterial finding, antibiotic treatment and clinical course in patients with pharyngotonsillitis: a registry-based study in primary healthcare in Sweden. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:779. [PMID: 34372771 PMCID: PMC8351112 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06511-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The role of non-group A streptococci and Fusobacterium necrophorum in pharyngotonsillitis has been disputed and few prospective studies have evaluated the effect of antibiotic treatment. This study uses registry data to investigate the relation between antibiotic prescription for pharyngotonsillitis in primary healthcare and return visits for pharyngotonsillitis, complications, and tonsillectomy. Methods Retrospective data were extracted from the regional electronic medical record system in Kronoberg County, Sweden, for all patients diagnosed with pharyngotonsillitis between 2012 and 2016. From these data, two cohorts were formed: one based on rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) for group A streptococci (GAS) and one based on routine throat cultures for β-haemolytic streptococci and F. necrophorum. The 90 days following the inclusion visit were assessed for new visits for pharyngotonsillitis, complications, and tonsillectomy, and related to bacterial aetiology and antibiotic prescriptions given at inclusion. Results In the RADT cohort (n = 13,781), antibiotic prescription for patients with a positive RADT for GAS was associated with fewer return visits for pharyngotonsillitis within 30 days compared with no prescription (8.7% vs. 12%; p = 0.02), but not with the complication rate within 30 days (1.5% vs. 1.8%; p = 0.7) or with the tonsillectomy rate within 90 days (0.27% vs. 0.26%; p = 1). In contrast, antibiotic prescription for patients with a negative RADT was associated with more return visits for pharyngotonsillitis within 30 days (9.7% vs. 7.0%; p = 0.01). In the culture cohort (n = 1 370), antibiotic prescription for patients with Streptococcus dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis was associated with fewer return visits for pharyngotonsillitis within 30 days compared with no prescription (15% vs. 29%; p = 0.03). Conclusions Antibiotic prescription was associated with fewer return visits for pharyngotonsillitis in patients with a positive RADT for GAS but with more return visits in patients with a negative RADT for GAS. There were no differences in purulent complications related to antibiotic prescription. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06511-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Pallon
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Box 50332, 202 13, Malmö, Sweden. .,Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden.
| | - Martin Sundqvist
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Mattias Rööst
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Box 50332, 202 13, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Katarina Hedin
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Box 50332, 202 13, Malmö, Sweden.,Futurum, Region Jönköping County, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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18
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Oltrogge JH. In Reply. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 118:542-543. [PMID: 34612197 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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van Staa TP, Palin V, Brown B, Welfare W, Li Y, Ashcroft DM. The Safety of Delayed Versus Immediate Antibiotic Prescribing for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e394-e401. [PMID: 32594104 PMCID: PMC8282258 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to evaluate the clinical safety of delayed antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which is recommended in treatment guidelines for less severe cases. Methods Two population-based cohort studies used the English Clinical Practice Research Databank and Welsh Secure Anonymized Information Linkage, containing electronic health records from primary care linked to hospital admission records. Patients with URTI and prescriptions of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, erythromycin, or phenoxymethylpenicillin were identified. Patients were stratified according to delayed and immediate prescribing relative to URTI diagnosis. Outcome of interest was infection-related hospital admission after 30 days. Results The population included 1.82 million patients with an URTI and antibiotic prescription; 91.7% had an antibiotic at URTI diagnosis date (immediate) and 8.3% had URTI diagnosis in 1–30 days before (delayed). Delayed antibiotic prescribing was associated with a 52% increased risk of infection-related hospital admissions (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–1.62). The probability of delayed antibiotic prescribing was unrelated to predicted risks of hospital admission. Analyses of the number needed to harm showed considerable variability across different patient groups (median with delayed antibiotic prescribing, 1357; 2.5% percentile, 295; 97.5% percentile, 3366). Conclusions This is the first large population-based study examining the safety of delayed antibiotic prescribing. Waiting to treat URTI was associated with increased risk of hospital admission, although delayed antibiotic prescribing was used similarly between high- and low-risk patients. There is a need to better target delayed antibiotic prescribing to URTI patients with lower risks of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjeerd Pieter van Staa
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging, and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Victoria Palin
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging, and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Brown
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging, and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - William Welfare
- Public Health England North West, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Yan Li
- Centre for Health Informatics, Division of Informatics, Imaging, and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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20
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Morrell L, Buchanan J, Roope LSJ, Pouwels KB, Butler CC, Hayhoe B, Tonkin-Crine S, McLeod M, Robotham JV, Holmes A, Walker AS, Wordsworth S. Public preferences for delayed or immediate antibiotic prescriptions in UK primary care: A choice experiment. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003737. [PMID: 34460825 PMCID: PMC8439451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed (or "backup") antibiotic prescription, where the patient is given a prescription but advised to delay initiating antibiotics, has been shown to be effective in reducing antibiotic use in primary care. However, this strategy is not widely used in the United Kingdom. This study aimed to identify factors influencing preferences among the UK public for delayed prescription, and understand their relative importance, to help increase appropriate use of this prescribing option. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted an online choice experiment in 2 UK general population samples: adults and parents of children under 18 years. Respondents were presented with 12 scenarios in which they, or their child, might need antibiotics for a respiratory tract infection (RTI) and asked to choose either an immediate or a delayed prescription. Scenarios were described by 7 attributes. Data were collected between November 2018 and February 2019. Respondent preferences were modelled using mixed-effects logistic regression. The survey was completed by 802 adults and 801 parents (75% of those who opened the survey). The samples reflected the UK population in age, sex, ethnicity, and country of residence. The most important determinant of respondent choice was symptom severity, especially for cough-related symptoms. In the adult sample, the probability of choosing delayed prescription was 0.53 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 0.56, p < 0.001) for a chesty cough and runny nose compared to 0.30 (0.28 to 0.33, p < 0.001) for a chesty cough with fever, 0.47 (0.44 to 0.50, p < 0.001) for sore throat with swollen glands, and 0.37 (0.34 to 0.39, p < 0.001) for sore throat, swollen glands, and fever. Respondents were less likely to choose delayed prescription with increasing duration of illness (odds ratio (OR) 0.94 (0.92 to 0.96, p < 0.001)). Probabilities of choosing delayed prescription were similar for parents considering treatment for a child (44% of choices versus 42% for adults, p = 0.04). However, parents differed from the adult sample in showing a more marked reduction in choice of the delayed prescription with increasing duration of illness (OR 0.83 (0.80 to 0.87) versus 0.94 (0.92 to 0.96) for adults, p for heterogeneity p < 0.001) and a smaller effect of disruption of usual activities (OR 0.96 (0.95 to 0.97) versus 0.93 (0.92 to 0.94) for adults, p for heterogeneity p < 0.001). Females were more likely to choose a delayed prescription than males for minor symptoms, particularly minor cough (probability 0.62 (0.58 to 0.66, p < 0.001) for females and 0.45 (0.41 to 0.48, p < 0.001) for males). Older people, those with a good understanding of antibiotics, and those who had not used antibiotics recently showed similar patterns of preferences. Study limitations include its hypothetical nature, which may not reflect real-life behaviour; the absence of a "no prescription" option; and the possibility that study respondents may not represent the views of population groups who are typically underrepresented in online surveys. CONCLUSIONS This study found that delayed prescription appears to be an acceptable approach to reducing antibiotic consumption. Certain groups appear to be more amenable to delayed prescription, suggesting particular opportunities for increased use of this strategy. Prescribing choices for sore throat may need additional explanation to ensure patient acceptance, and parents in particular may benefit from reassurance about the usual duration of these illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liz Morrell
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - James Buchanan
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence S. J. Roope
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Koen B. Pouwels
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Benedict Hayhoe
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Monsey McLeod
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Pharmacy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julie V. Robotham
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Holmes
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. Sarah Walker
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Wordsworth
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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21
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Norton L, Myers A. The treatment of streptococcal tonsillitis/pharyngitis in young children. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 7:161-165. [PMID: 34430823 PMCID: PMC8356196 DOI: 10.1016/j.wjorl.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharyngitis is common in children, accounting for nearly 12 million visits annually in the United States. Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus (GAS) is the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis for which antibiotics are indicated. Antibiotic treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis virtually eliminates the presence of bacteria from the pharynx and thus removes the risk of subsequent rheumatic fever. GAS is spread from person to person via respiratory droplets with a short incubation period of 2∼5 days. GAS pharyngitis peaks in the late winter and early spring months when children are predominately indoors for school and sports. Colonization is also higher in winter months, and while up to 20% of school age children are colonized with GAS in their throat during this time, colonization has not been shown to contribute to the spread of disease. In low- and middle-income countries and other situations in which crowding is common (e.g., schools), outbreaks of pharyngitis are common. GAS pharyngitis can occur at all ages and it is most common in school-aged children with a peak at 7∼8 years of age. Pharyngitis caused by GAS is rare in children <3 years of age and becomes much less common in late adolescence through adulthood.
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22
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Gulliford MC, Charlton J, Boiko O, Winter JR, Rezel-Potts E, Sun X, Burgess C, McDermott L, Bunce C, Shearer J, Curcin V, Fox R, Hay AD, Little P, Moore MV, Ashworth M. Safety of reducing antibiotic prescribing in primary care: a mixed-methods study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr09090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
The threat of antimicrobial resistance has led to intensified efforts to reduce antibiotic utilisation, but serious bacterial infections are increasing in frequency.
Objectives
To estimate the risks of serious bacterial infections in association with lower antibiotic prescribing and understand stakeholder views with respect to safe antibiotic reduction.
Design
Mixed-methods research was undertaken, including a qualitative interview study of patient and prescriber views that informed a cohort study and a decision-analytic model, using primary care electronic health records. These three work packages were used to design an application (app) for primary care prescribers.
Data sources
The Clinical Practice Research Datalink.
Setting
This took place in UK general practices.
Participants
A total of 706 general practices with 66.2 million person-years of follow-up from 2002 to 2017 and antibiotic utilisation evaluated for 671,830 registered patients. The qualitative study included 31 patients and 30 health-care professionals from primary care.
Main outcome measures
Sepsis and localised bacterial infections.
Results
Patients were concerned about antimicrobial resistance and the side effects, as well as the benefits, of antibiotic treatment. Prescribers viewed the onset of sepsis as the most concerning potential outcome of reduced antibiotic prescribing. More than 40% of antibiotic prescriptions in primary care had no coded indication recorded across both Vision® and EMIS® practice systems. Antibiotic prescribing rates varied widely between general practices, but there was no evidence that serious bacterial infections were less frequent at higher prescribing practices (adjusted rate ratio for 20% increase in prescribing 1.03, 95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.06; p = 0.074). The probability of sepsis was lower if an antibiotic was prescribed at an infection consultation, and the number of antibiotic prescriptions required to prevent one episode of sepsis (i.e. the number needed to treat) decreased with age. For those aged 0–4 years, the number needed to treat was 29,773 (95% uncertainty interval 18,458 to 71,091) in boys and 27,014 (95% uncertainty interval 16,739 to 65,709) in girls. For those aged > 85 years, the number needed to treat was 262 (95% uncertainty interval 236 to 293) in men and 385 (95% uncertainty interval 352 to 421) in women. Frailty was associated with a greater risk of sepsis and a smaller number needed to treat. For severely frail patients aged 55–64 years, the number needed to treat was 247 (95% uncertainty interval 156 to 459) for men and 343 (95% uncertainty interval 234 to 556) for women. At all ages, the probability of sepsis was greatest for urinary tract infection, followed by skin infection and respiratory tract infection. The numbers needed to treat were generally smaller for the period 2014–17, when sepsis was diagnosed more frequently. The results are available using an app that we developed to provide primary care prescribers with stratified risk estimates during infection consultations.
Limitations
Analyses were based on non-randomised comparisons. Infection episodes and antibiotic prescribing are poorly documented in primary care.
Conclusions
Antibiotic treatment is generally associated with lower risks, but the most serious bacterial infections remain infrequent even without antibiotic treatment. This research identifies risk strata in which antibiotic prescribing can be more safely reduced.
Future work
The software developed from this research may be further developed and investigated for antimicrobial stewardship effect.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 9, No. 9. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin C Gulliford
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Judith Charlton
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Olga Boiko
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Joanne R Winter
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emma Rezel-Potts
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Xiaohui Sun
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline Burgess
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa McDermott
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Catey Bunce
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James Shearer
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Vasa Curcin
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Robin Fox
- Bicester Health Centre, Bicester, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Group, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael V Moore
- Primary Care Research Group, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mark Ashworth
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
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23
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Stuart B, Hounkpatin H, Becque T, Yao G, Zhu S, Alonso-Coello P, Altiner A, Arroll B, Böhning D, Bostock J, Bucher HC, Chao J, de la Poza M, Francis N, Gillespie D, Hay AD, Kenealy T, Löffler C, McCormick DP, Mas-Dalmau G, Muñoz L, Samuel K, Moore M, Little P. Delayed antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections: individual patient data meta-analysis. BMJ 2021; 373:n808. [PMID: 33910882 PMCID: PMC8080136 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the overall effect of delayed antibiotic prescribing on average symptom severity for patients with respiratory tract infections in the community, and to identify any factors modifying this effect. DESIGN Systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, EBSCO CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION Randomised controlled trials and observational cohort studies in a community setting that allowed comparison between delayed versus no antibiotic prescribing, and delayed versus immediate antibiotic prescribing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the average symptom severity two to four days after the initial consultation measured on a seven item scale (ranging from normal to as bad as could be). Secondary outcomes were duration of illness after the initial consultation, complications resulting in admission to hospital or death, reconsultation with the same or worsening illness, and patient satisfaction rated on a Likert scale. RESULTS Data were obtained from nine randomised controlled trials and four observational studies, totalling 55 682 patients. No difference was found in follow-up symptom severity (seven point scale) for delayed versus immediate antibiotics (adjusted mean difference -0.003, 95% confidence interval -0.12 to 0.11) or delayed versus no antibiotics (0.02, -0.11 to 0.15). Symptom duration was slightly longer in those given delayed versus immediate antibiotics (11.4 v 10.9 days), but was similar for delayed versus no antibiotics. Complications resulting in hospital admission or death were lower with delayed versus no antibiotics (odds ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.30 to 1.27) and delayed versus immediate antibiotics (0.78, 0.53 to 1.13). A significant reduction in reconsultation rates (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.60 to 0.87) and an increase in patient satisfaction (adjusted mean difference 0.09, 0.06 to 0.11) were observed in delayed versus no antibiotics. The effect of delayed versus immediate antibiotics and delayed versus no antibiotics was not modified by previous duration of illness, fever, comorbidity, or severity of symptoms. Children younger than 5 years had a slightly higher follow-up symptom severity with delayed antibiotics than with immediate antibiotics (adjusted mean difference 0.10, 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.18), but no increased severity was found in the older age group. CONCLUSIONS Delayed antibiotic prescribing is a safe and effective strategy for most patients, including those in higher risk subgroups. Delayed prescribing was associated with similar symptom duration as no antibiotic prescribing and is unlikely to lead to poorer symptom control than immediate antibiotic prescribing. Delayed prescribing could reduce reconsultation rates and is unlikely to be associated with an increase in symptoms or illness duration, except in young children. STUDY REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42018079400.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Stuart
- Academic Unit of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hilda Hounkpatin
- Academic Unit of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Taeko Becque
- Academic Unit of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Guiqing Yao
- Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Shihua Zhu
- Academic Unit of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Pablo Alonso-Coello
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau-CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Attila Altiner
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Bruce Arroll
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Dankmar Böhning
- Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jennifer Bostock
- Division of Health and Social Care Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Heiner C Bucher
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CEB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Chao
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine, State University of New York Downstate, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Mariam de la Poza
- Institut Català de la Salut, CAP Doctor Carles Ribas, Foc 112, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nick Francis
- Academic Unit of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - David Gillespie
- Centre for Trials Research, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical & Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Timothy Kenealy
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christin Löffler
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - David P McCormick
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Gemma Mas-Dalmau
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Muñoz
- Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya (AQuAS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kirsty Samuel
- ASPIRE PPI Panel, Leeds Institute for Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Academic Unit of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Academic Unit of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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24
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Stuart B, Brotherwood H, Van't Hoff C, Brown A, van den Bruel A, Hay AD, Moore M, Little P. Exploring the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing for common respiratory tract infections in UK primary care. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:236-242. [PMID: 31637421 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To use illness severity scores to evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in UK general practice. METHODS We describe variations in practice prescribing rates, taking account of illness severity. We used three scores in three studies to measure severity: 'FeverPAIN' in an adult acute sore throat cohort (n=12 829), the '3C score' in an adult acute lower respiratory tract infection cohort (n=28 883) and the STARWAVe score in an acute cough and respiratory infection children's cohort (n=8394). We calculated median ORs to quantify practice-level variation in prescribing rates, adjusted for illness severity. RESULTS There was substantial variability in practice prescribing rates (ranges of 0%-97%, 7%-100% and 0%-75% in the three cohorts, respectively). There was evidence that higher prescribing practices saw a higher proportion of unwell patients. At the individual level, patients who were more unwell were more likely to receive a prescription, but prescribing levels for those with low scores were still high. The median OR was 2.5 (95% credible interval=2.2-2.9) in the sore throat data set, 2.9 (95% credible interval=2.6-3.2) in the adult cough data set and 2.1 (95% credible interval=1.8-2.4) in the children's cough data set. CONCLUSIONS Higher prescribing practices may see more unwell patients with high illness severity scores, but the differences in scores account for a minority of between-practice prescribing variation. There is likely to be scope for further reductions in antibiotic prescribing among patients with low illness severity scores. Further research is needed to explore the additional factors that account for variation in prescribing levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Stuart
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Hannah Brotherwood
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Catherine Van't Hoff
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Alastair Brown
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Little
- University of Southampton, Primary Care Medical Group, PCPS Unit, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
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Krüger K, Töpfner N, Berner R, Windfuhr J, Hendrik Oltrogge J. Clinical Practice Guideline: Sore Throat. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 118:188-94. [PMID: 33602392 PMCID: PMC8245861 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2021.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sore throat is a common reason for consultation of primary care physicians, pediatricians, and ENT specialists. The updated German clinical practice guideline on sore throat provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment in the German healthcare system. METHODS Guideline revision by means of a systematic search of the literature for international guidelines and systematic reviews. All recommendations resulted from interdisciplinary cooperation and were agreed by formal consensus. The updated guideline applies to patients aged 3 years and over. RESULTS In the absence of red flags such as immunosuppression, severe comorbidity, or severe systemic infection, acute sore throat is predominantly self-limiting. The mean duration is 7 days. Chronic sore throat usually has noninfectious causes. Laboratory tests are not routinely necessary. Apart from non-pharmacological self-management, ibuprofen and naproxen are recommended for symptomatic treatment. Scores can be used to assess the risk of bacterial pharyngitis: one point each is assigned for tonsil lesions, palpable cervical lymph nodes, patient age, disease course, and elevated temperature. If the risk is low (<3 points), antibiotics are not indicated; if at least moderate (3 points), delayed prescribing is recommended; if high (>3 points), antibiotics can be taken immediately. Penicillin remains the first choice, with clarithromycin as an alternative for those who do not tolerate penicillin. The antibiotic should be taken for 5-7 days. CONCLUSION After the exclusion of red flags, antibiotic treatment is unnecessary in many cases of acute sore throat. If administration of antibiotics is still considered in spite of consultation on the usual course of tonsillopharyngitis and the low risk of complications, a risk-adapted approach using clinical scores is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Krüger
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin
| | - Nicole Töpfner
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden
| | - Reinhard Berner
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden
| | - Jochen Windfuhr
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kliniken Maria Hilf Mönchengladbach
| | - Jan Hendrik Oltrogge
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Hamburg University Medical School, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)
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26
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A game theoretic approach reveals that discretizing clinical information can reduce antibiotic misuse. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1148. [PMID: 33608511 PMCID: PMC7895914 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics is exacerbating the antibiotic resistance crisis. Since this problem is a classic common-goods dilemma, it naturally lends itself to a game-theoretic analysis. Hence, we designed a model wherein physicians weigh whether antibiotics should be prescribed, given that antibiotic usage depletes its future effectiveness. The physicians' decisions rely on the probability of a bacterial infection before definitive laboratory results are available. We show that the physicians' equilibrium decision rule of antibiotic prescription is not socially optimal. However, we prove that discretizing the information provided to physicians can mitigate the gap between their equilibrium decisions and the social optimum of antibiotic prescription. Despite this problem's complexity, the effectiveness of the discretization solely depends on the type of information available to the physician to determine the nature of infection. This is demonstrated on theoretic distributions and a clinical dataset. Our results provide a game-theory based guide for optimal output of current and future decision support systems of antibiotic prescription.
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27
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Borek AJ, Campbell A, Dent E, Butler CC, Holmes A, Moore M, Walker AS, McLeod M, Tonkin-Crine S. Implementing interventions to reduce antibiotic use: a qualitative study in high-prescribing practices. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:25. [PMID: 33485324 PMCID: PMC7825381 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01371-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trials have shown that delayed antibiotic prescriptions (DPs) and point-of-care C-Reactive Protein testing (POC-CRPT) are effective in reducing antibiotic use in general practice, but these were not typically implemented in high-prescribing practices. We aimed to explore views of professionals from high-prescribing practices about uptake and implementation of DPs and POC-CRPT to reduce antibiotic use. METHODS This was a qualitative focus group study in English general practices. The highest antibiotic prescribing practices in the West Midlands were invited to participate. Clinical and non-clinical professionals attended focus groups co-facilitated by two researchers. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS Nine practices (50 professionals) participated. Four main themes were identified. Compatibility of strategies with clinical roles and experience - participants viewed the strategies as having limited value as 'clinical tools', perceiving them as useful only in 'rare' instances of clinical uncertainty and/or for those less experienced. Strategies as 'social tools' - participants perceived the strategies as helpful for negotiating treatment decisions and educating patients, particularly those expecting antibiotics. Ambiguities - participants perceived ambiguities around when they should be used, and about their impact on antibiotic use. Influence of context - various other situational and practical issues were raised with implementing the strategies. CONCLUSIONS High-prescribing practices do not view DPs and POC-CRPT as sufficiently useful 'clinical tools' in a way which corresponds to the current policy approach advocating their use to reduce clinical uncertainty and improve antimicrobial stewardship. Instead, policy attention should focus on how these strategies may instead be used as 'social tools' to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. Attention should also focus on the many ambiguities (concerns and questions) about, and contextual barriers to, using these strategies that need addressing to support wider and more consistent implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Anne Campbell
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elle Dent
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Alison Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - A Sarah Walker
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Monsey McLeod
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Pharmacy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.,NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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28
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van Bodegraven B, Palin V, Mistry C, Sperrin M, White A, Welfare W, Ashcroft DM, van Staa TP. Infection-related complications after common infection in association with new antibiotic prescribing in primary care: retrospective cohort study using linked electronic health records. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041218. [PMID: 33452190 PMCID: PMC7813359 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine the association of incident antibiotic prescribing levels for common infections with infection-related complications and hospitalisations by comparing high with low prescribing general practitioner practices. DESIGN RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY Retrospective cohort study. DATA SOURCE UK primary care records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD GOLD) and SAIL Databank (SAIL) linked with Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data, including 546 CPRD, 346 CPRD-HES and 338 SAIL-HES practices. EXPOSURES Initial general practice visit for one of six common infections and the proportion of antibiotic prescribing in each practice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of infection-related complications (as recorded in general practice) or infection-related hospital admission within 30 days after consultation for a common infection. RESULTS A practice with 10.4% higher antibiotic prescribing (the IQR) was associated with a 5.7% lower rate of infection-related hospital admissions (adjusted analysis, 95% CI 3.3% to 8.0%). The association varied by infection with larger associations in hospital admissions with lower respiratory tract infection (16.1%; 95% CI 12.4% to 19.7%) and urinary tract infection (14.7%; 95% CI 7.6% to 21.1%) and smaller association in hospital admissions for upper respiratory tract infection (6.5%; 95% CI 3.5% to 9.5%) The association of antibiotic prescribing levels and hospital admission was largest in patients aged 18-39 years (8.6%; 95% CI 4.0% to 13.0%) and smallest in the elderly aged 75+ years (0.3%; 95% CI -3.4% to 3.9%). CONCLUSIONS There is an association between lower levels of practice level antibiotic prescribing and higher infection-related hospital admissions. Indiscriminately reducing antibiotic prescribing may lead to harm. Greater focus is needed to optimise antibiotic use by reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and better targeting antibiotics to patients at high risk of infection-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitta van Bodegraven
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Victoria Palin
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Chirag Mistry
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Sperrin
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew White
- NHS Greater Manchester Shared Service, Oldham, UK
| | | | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tjeerd Pieter van Staa
- Health e-Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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29
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Little P. Delayed Antibiotic Prescriptions. JAMA 2020; 324:1352-1353. [PMID: 33021663 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.14868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Little
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, England
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30
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Rowe T, Linder JA. Delayed Antibiotic Prescriptions-Reply. JAMA 2020; 324:1353-1354. [PMID: 33021666 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.14874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Rowe
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeffrey A Linder
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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31
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Morrell L, Buchanan J, Roope LSJ, Pouwels KB, Butler CC, Hayhoe B, Moore MV, Tonkin-Crine S, McLeod M, Robotham JV, Walker AS, Wordsworth S. Delayed Antibiotic Prescription by General Practitioners in the UK: A Stated-Choice Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E608. [PMID: 32947965 PMCID: PMC7558347 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9090608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Delayed antibiotic prescription in primary care has been shown to reduce antibiotic consumption, without increasing risk of complications, yet is not widely used in the UK. We sought to quantify the relative importance of factors affecting the decision to give a delayed prescription, using a stated-choice survey among UK general practitioners. Respondents were asked whether they would provide a delayed or immediate prescription in fifteen hypothetical consultations, described by eight attributes. They were also asked if they would prefer not to prescribe antibiotics. The most important determinants of choice between immediate and delayed prescription were symptoms, duration of illness, and the presence of multiple comorbidities. Respondents were more likely to choose a delayed prescription if the patient preferred not to have antibiotics, but consultation length had little effect. When given the option, respondents chose not to prescribe antibiotics in 51% of cases, with delayed prescription chosen in 21%. Clinical features remained important. Patient preference did not affect the decision to give no antibiotics. We suggest that broader dissemination of the clinical evidence supporting use of delayed prescription for specific presentations may help increase appropriate use. Establishing patient preferences regarding antibiotics may help to overcome concerns about patient acceptance. Increasing consultation length appears unlikely to affect the use of delayed prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liz Morrell
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (J.B.); (L.S.J.R.); (K.B.P.); (S.W.)
| | - James Buchanan
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (J.B.); (L.S.J.R.); (K.B.P.); (S.W.)
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.); (A.S.W.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Laurence S. J. Roope
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (J.B.); (L.S.J.R.); (K.B.P.); (S.W.)
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.); (A.S.W.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Koen B. Pouwels
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (J.B.); (L.S.J.R.); (K.B.P.); (S.W.)
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.); (A.S.W.)
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.); (A.S.W.)
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Benedict Hayhoe
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK;
| | - Michael V. Moore
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK;
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.); (A.S.W.)
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Monsey McLeod
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Pharmacy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, UK
- NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Julie V. Robotham
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London SE1 8UG, UK;
| | - A. Sarah Walker
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.); (A.S.W.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Sarah Wordsworth
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (J.B.); (L.S.J.R.); (K.B.P.); (S.W.)
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.); (A.S.W.)
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Gulliford MC, Juszczyk D, Prevost AT, Soames J, McDermott L, Sultana K, Wright M, Fox R, Hay AD, Little P, Moore M, Yardley L, Ashworth M, Charlton J. Electronically delivered interventions to reduce antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections in primary care: cluster RCT using electronic health records and cohort study. Health Technol Assess 2020; 23:1-70. [PMID: 30900550 DOI: 10.3310/hta23110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics in primary care is contributing to the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance. OBJECTIVES To develop and evaluate a multicomponent intervention for antimicrobial stewardship in primary care, and to evaluate the safety of reducing antibiotic prescribing for self-limiting respiratory infections (RTIs). INTERVENTIONS A multicomponent intervention, developed as part of this study, including a webinar, monthly reports of general practice-specific data for antibiotic prescribing and decision support tools to inform appropriate antibiotic prescribing. DESIGN A parallel-group, cluster randomised controlled trial. SETTING The trial was conducted in 79 general practices in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). PARTICIPANTS All registered patients were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the rate of antibiotic prescriptions for self-limiting RTIs over the 12-month intervention period. COHORT STUDY A separate population-based cohort study was conducted in 610 CPRD general practices that were not exposed to the trial interventions. Data were analysed to evaluate safety outcomes for registered patients with 45.5 million person-years of follow-up from 2005 to 2014. RESULTS There were 41 intervention trial arm practices (323,155 patient-years) and 38 control trial arm practices (259,520 patient-years). There were 98.7 antibiotic prescriptions for RTIs per 1000 patient-years in the intervention trial arm (31,907 antibiotic prescriptions) and 107.6 per 1000 patient-years in the control arm (27,923 antibiotic prescriptions) [adjusted antibiotic-prescribing rate ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 0.99; p = 0.040]. There was no evidence of effect in children aged < 15 years (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.12) or adults aged ≥ 85 years (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.18). Antibiotic prescribing was reduced in adults aged between 15 and 84 years (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.95), that is, one antibiotic prescription was avoided for every 62 patients (95% CI 40 to 200 patients) aged 15-84 years per year. Analysis of trial data for 12 safety outcomes, including pneumonia and peritonsillar abscess, showed no evidence that these outcomes might be increased as a result of the intervention. The analysis of data from non-trial practices showed that if a general practice with an average list size of 7000 patients reduces the proportion of RTI consultations with antibiotics prescribed by 10%, then 1.1 (95% CI 0.6 to 1.5) more cases of pneumonia per year and 0.9 (95% CI 0.5 to 1.3) more cases of peritonsillar abscesses per decade may be observed. There was no evidence that mastoiditis, empyema, meningitis, intracranial abscess or Lemierre syndrome were more frequent at low-prescribing practices. LIMITATIONS The research was based on electronic health records that may not always provide complete data. The number of practices included in the trial was smaller than initially intended. CONCLUSIONS This study found evidence that, overall, general practice antibiotic prescribing for RTIs was reduced by this electronically delivered intervention. Antibiotic prescribing rates were reduced for adults aged 15-84 years, but not for children or the senior elderly. FUTURE WORK Strategies for antimicrobial stewardship should employ stratified interventions that are tailored to specific age groups. Further research into the safety of reduced antibiotic prescribing is also needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN95232781. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 11. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin C Gulliford
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dorota Juszczyk
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - A Toby Prevost
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jamie Soames
- Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - Lisa McDermott
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kirin Sultana
- Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - Mark Wright
- Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | | | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care Research Group, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Research Group, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lucy Yardley
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Mark Ashworth
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Judith Charlton
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
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Winter JR, Charlton J, Ashworth M, Bunce C, Gulliford MC. Peritonsillar Abscess and Antibiotic Prescribing for Respiratory Infection in Primary Care: A Population-Based Cohort Study and Decision-Analytic Model. Ann Fam Med 2020; 18:390-396. [PMID: 32928754 PMCID: PMC7489966 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the risk of peritonsillar abscess (PTA) following consultation for respiratory tract infection (RTI) in primary care. METHOD A cohort study was conducted in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink including 718 general practices with 65,681,293 patient years of follow-up and 11,007 patients with a first episode of PTA. From a decision tree, Bayes theorem was employed to estimate both the probability of PTA following an RTI consultation if antibiotics were prescribed or not, and the number of patients needed to be treated with antibiotics to prevent 1 PTA. RESULTS There were 11,007 patients with PTA with age-standardized incidence of new episodes of PTA of 17.2 per 100,000 patient years for men and 16.1 for women; 6,996 (64%) consulted their practitioner in the 30 days preceding PTA diagnosis, including 4,243 (39%) consulting for RTI. The probability of PTA following an RTI consultation was greatest in men aged 15 to 24 years with 1 PTA in 565 (95% uncertainty interval 527 to 605) RTI consultations without antibiotics prescribed but 1 in 1,139 consultations (1,044 to 1,242) if antibiotics were prescribed. One PTA might be avoided for every 1,121 (975 to 1,310) additional antibiotic prescriptions for men aged 15 to 24 years and 926 (814 to 1,063) for men aged 25 to 34 years. The risk of PTA following RTI consultation was smaller and the number needed to treat higher at other ages and risks were lower in women than men. CONCLUSIONS The risk of PTA may be lower if antibiotics are prescribed for RTI but even in young men nearly 1,000 antibiotic prescriptions may be required to prevent 1 PTA case. We caution that lack of randomization and data standardization may bias estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne R Winter
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Charlton
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Ashworth
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Catey Bunce
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin C Gulliford
- King's College London, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, London, United Kingdom .,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals London, London, United Kingdom
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Relieving Sore Throat Formula Exerts a Therapeutic Effect on Pharyngitis through Immunoregulation and NF- κB Pathway. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:2929163. [PMID: 32508523 PMCID: PMC7245656 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2929163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Relieving Sore Throat Formula (RSTF) is a formula approved by the China Food and Drug Administration and has been used for the treatment of pharyngitis in clinic for many years. However, the potential pharmacological mechanism still remains unknown. We combined multiple methods including bioinformatics data digging, network pharmacology analysis, and pathway analysis to predict the potential target of RSTF. We verified our in silico prediction results with an in vivo/vitro antibacterial effect test, mouse phagocytic index test, proliferation, transformation, and migration of mouse spleen lymphocytes. Alteration of NF-κB pathway was determined by Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and PCR. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that the RSTF could significantly relieve the symptoms of pharyngitis. A rat saliva secretion test showed that RSTF can effectively relieve the xerostomia symptom. A phenol red excretion test showed that RSTF has an eliminating phlegm effect. A hot plate method and granuloma experiment proved that RSTF also have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. In silico prediction demonstrates that 70 active compounds of RSTF were filtered out through ADME screening and 84 putative targets correlated with different diseases. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the candidate targets were mostly related to the response to bacteria and immunity signalling pathways, which are known contributors to pharyngitis. Experimental results confirmed that RSTF exerted therapeutic effects on pharyngitis mainly by antibacterial effect and downregulation of NF-κB activities. It is demonstrated both in silico and in vivo/vitro that RSTF exerted therapeutic effects on pharyngitis mainly through an antibiotic effect and downregulation of NF-κB signalling pathway.
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Ashton JJ, Beattie RM. Can risk stratification help reduce negative appendicectomy rates? THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2020; 4:252-253. [PMID: 32078807 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(20)30042-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James J Ashton
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Southampton Children's Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - R Mark Beattie
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Southampton Children's Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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The feasibility of measuring calprotectin from a throat swab as a marker of infections caused by group A streptococcus: a case-control feasibility study. BJGP Open 2020; 4:bjgpopen20X101006. [PMID: 31964636 PMCID: PMC7330218 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpopen20x101006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most people with sore throat do not benefit from antibiotic treatment, but nearly three-quarters of those presenting in primary care are prescribed antibiotics. A test that is predictive of bacterial infection could help guide antibiotic prescribing. Calprotectin is a biomarker of neutrophilic inflammation, and may be a useful marker of bacterial throat infections. Aim To assess the feasibility of measuring calprotectin from throat swabs, and assess whether individuals with sore throats likely to be caused by streptococcal infections have apparently higher throat calprotectin levels than other individuals with sore throat and healthy volunteers. Design & setting A proof of concept case–control study was undertaken, which compared primary care patients with sore throats and healthy volunteers. Method Baseline characteristics and throat swabs were collected from 30 primary care patients with suspected streptococcal sore throat, and throat swabs were taken from 10 volunteers without sore throat. Calprotectin level determination and rapid antigen streptococcal testing were conducted on the throat swab eluents. Calprotectin levels in the following groups were compared: volunteers without a sore throat; all patients with a sore throat; patients with a sore throat testing either negative or positive for streptococcal antigen; and those with lower and higher scores on clinical prediction rules for streptococcal sore throat. Results Calprotectin was detected in all throat swab samples. Mean calprotectin levels were numerically higher in patients with sore throat compared with healthy volunteers, and sore throat patients who had group A streptococci antigen detected compared with those who did not. Conclusion Calprotectin can be measured from throat swab samples and levels are consistent with the hypothesis that streptococcal infection leads to higher throat calprotectin levels. This hypothesis will be tested in a larger study.
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Jiwa M, Krejany CJ, Kanjo E, Leeb A, Peters IJ. Symptom profile of patients receiving antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections in general practice: an observational study using smartphone technology. Fam Pract 2019; 36:560-567. [PMID: 30649332 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmy134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are a common presentation in general practice and are linked to high rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescription. There is limited information about the trajectory of patients with this condition who have been prescribed antibiotics. OBJECTIVE To document the symptom profile of patients receiving antibiotics for URTIs in Australian general practice using smartphone technology and online surveys. METHODS In total, 8218 patients received antibiotics after attending one of the 32 general practice clinics in Australia from June to October 2017: 4089 were identified as URTI presentations and were the cohort studied. Patients completed the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-24) 3 and 7 days after visiting their general practitioner (GP). RESULTS Six hundred fourteen URTI-specific patients responded to at least one symptom survey (RR 15%). The majority of patients reported moderate to mild symptoms at 72 hours [median global symptom severity score 37 (IQR 19, 59)] post-GP visit which reduced to very mild symptoms or not sick by day 7 [11 (IQR 4, 27)]. Patients receiving antibiotics for URTI reported the same level of symptom severity as patients in previous studies receiving no treatment. CONCLUSIONS The recovery of most patients within days of receiving antibiotics for URTI mimics the trajectory of patients with viral URTIs without treatment. Antibiotics did not appear to hasten recovery. Monitoring of patients in this context using smart phone technology is feasible but limited by modest response rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moyez Jiwa
- Melbourne Clinical School, School of Medicine Sydney, University of Notre Dame Australia, Werribee, Australia
| | - Catherine J Krejany
- Melbourne Clinical School, School of Medicine Sydney, University of Notre Dame Australia, Werribee, Australia
| | - Epi Kanjo
- Melbourne Clinical School, School of Medicine Sydney, University of Notre Dame Australia, Werribee, Australia
| | - Alan Leeb
- SmartVax, Illawarra Medical Centre, Ballajura, Australia
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Skoog Ståhlgren G, Tyrstrup M, Edlund C, Giske CG, Mölstad S, Norman C, Rystedt K, Sundvall PD, Hedin K. Penicillin V four times daily for five days versus three times daily for 10 days in patients with pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci: randomised controlled, open label, non-inferiority study. BMJ 2019; 367:l5337. [PMID: 31585944 PMCID: PMC6776830 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l5337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether total exposure to penicillin V can be reduced while maintaining adequate clinical efficacy when treating pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci. DESIGN Open label, randomised controlled non-inferiority study. SETTING 17 primary healthcare centres in Sweden between September 2015 and February 2018. PARTICIPANTS Patients aged 6 years and over with pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci and three or four Centor criteria (fever ≥38.5°C, tender lymph nodes, coatings of the tonsils, and absence of cough). INTERVENTIONS Penicillin V 800 mg four times daily for five days (total 16 g) compared with the current recommended dose of 1000 mg three times daily for 10 days (total 30 g). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was clinical cure five to seven days after the end of antibiotic treatment. The non-inferiority margin was prespecified to 10 percentage points. Secondary outcomes were bacteriological eradication, time to relief of symptoms, frequency of relapses, complications and new tonsillitis, and patterns of adverse events. RESULTS Patients (n=433) were randomly allocated to the five day (n=215) or 10 day (n=218) regimen. Clinical cure in the per protocol population was 89.6% (n=181/202) in the five day group and 93.3% (n=182/195) in the 10 day group (95% confidence interval -9.7 to 2.2). Bacteriological eradication was 80.4% (n=156/194) in the five day group and 90.7% (n=165/182) in the 10 day group. Eight and seven patients had relapses, no patients and four patients had complications, and six and 13 patients had new tonsillitis in the five day and 10 day groups, respectively. Time to relief of symptoms was shorter in the five day group. Adverse events were mainly diarrhoea, nausea, and vulvovaginal disorders; the 10 day group had higher incidence and longer duration of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Penicillin V four times daily for five days was non-inferior in clinical outcome to penicillin V three times daily for 10 days in patients with pharyngotonsillitis caused by group A streptococci. The number of relapses and complications did not differ between the two intervention groups. Five day treatment with penicillin V four times daily might be an alternative to the currently recommended 10 day regimen. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2015-001752-30; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02712307.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunilla Skoog Ståhlgren
- Unit for Antibiotics and Infection Control, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, SE 171 82 Solna, Sweden
| | - Mia Tyrstrup
- Lundbergsgatan Primary Health Care Centre, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Edlund
- Unit for Antibiotics and Infection Control, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, SE 171 82 Solna, Sweden
| | - Christian G Giske
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sigvard Mölstad
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Karin Rystedt
- Närhälsan Södra Ryd Primary Health Care Center, Skövde, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine/Primary Health Care, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Pär-Daniel Sundvall
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine/Primary Health Care, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Research and Development Primary Health Care, Region Västra Götaland, R & D Center Södra Älvsborg, Borås, Sweden
| | - Katarina Hedin
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Futurum, Region Jönköping County and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Ahluwalia T, Jain S, Norton L, Meade J, Etherton-Still J, Myers A. Reducing Streptococcal Testing in Patients <3 Years Old in an Emergency Department. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2019-0174. [PMID: 31511313 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although pharyngitis is common, group A Streptococcus is an uncommon etiology, and sequelae are rare in patients <3 years old. Inappropriate testing leads to increased cost of health care and unnecessary exposure to antibiotics. Rapid streptococcal tests (RSTs) for group A Streptococcus pharyngitis are not routinely indicated in this age group. At our urban, tertiary pediatric emergency department (ED), on average, 20 RSTs were performed each month for patients <3 years of age. Our objective was to reduce RSTs in the ED in patients aged <3 years by 50% in 18 months. METHODS We initiated this project in October 2016 at an urban, tertiary pediatric ED. We surveyed pertinent multidisciplinary stakeholders to identify factors leading to RSTs in children <3 years of age. We conducted multiple interventions and collected weekly data on the number of RSTs in children aged <3 years (outcome measure) and the number of family complaints and return visits for complications of pharyngitis (balancing measure). We used statistical process control for analysis. RESULTS The mean number of RSTs ordered per month in patients aged <3 years declined by 52% in 10 months. The majority of tests during the study phase were ordered by nurse practitioners (62%) for patients aged 25 to 36 months (66%). There has been 1 family grievance and no patient complications attributable to the project. CONCLUSIONS Our interventions led to a successful and sustained reduction of RSTs in patients aged <3 years. A local clinical practice guideline was developed, and the project was expanded to other acute care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shobhit Jain
- Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri; and
| | - Laura Norton
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | | | - Angela Myers
- Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri; and
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Smieszek T, Pouwels KB, Dolk FCK, Smith DRM, Hopkins S, Sharland M, Hay AD, Moore MV, Robotham JV. Potential for reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in English primary care. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 73:ii36-ii43. [PMID: 29490058 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To identify and quantify inappropriate systemic antibiotic prescribing in primary care in England, and ultimately to determine the potential for reduction in prescribing of antibiotics. Methods Primary care data from 2013-15 recorded in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database were used. Potentially inappropriate prescribing events in the database were identified by: (i) comparing prescribing events against treatment guidelines; (ii) comparing actual proportions of consultations resulting in prescription for a set of conditions with the ideal proportions derived from expert opinion; and (iii) identifying high prescribers and their number of prescriptions above an age- and body-system-specific benchmark. Results Applying the most conservative assumptions, 8.8% of all systemic antibiotic prescriptions in English primary care were identified as inappropriate, and in the least conservative scenario 23.1% of prescriptions were inappropriate. All practices had non-zero reduction potentials, ranging from 6.4% to 43.5% in the middle scenario. The four conditions that contributed most to inappropriate prescribing were sore throat (23.0% of identified inappropriate prescriptions), cough (22.2%), sinusitis (7.6%) and acute otitis media (5.7%). One-third of all antibiotic prescriptions lacked an informative diagnostic code. Conclusions This work demonstrates (i) the existence of substantial inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and (ii) poor diagnostic coding in English primary care. All practices (not just the high prescribers) should engage in efforts to improve antimicrobial stewardship. Better diagnostic coding, more precise prescribing guidelines and a deeper understanding of appropriate long-term uses of antibiotics would allow identification of further potential for reductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Smieszek
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK.,MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Koen B Pouwels
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK.,MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College School of Public Health, London, UK.,PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - F Christiaan K Dolk
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK.,PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David R M Smith
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Susan Hopkins
- Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship and Healthcare-Associated Infections Programme, Public Health England, London, UK.,Directorate of Infection, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mike Sharland
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, NIHR School for Primary Care Research, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Michael V Moore
- Academic Unit for Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Julie V Robotham
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
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Moore M, Stuart B, Lown M, Van den Bruel A, Smith S, Knox K, Thompson MJ, Little P. Predictors of Adverse Outcomes in Uncomplicated Lower Respiratory Tract Infections. Ann Fam Med 2019; 17:231-238. [PMID: 31085527 PMCID: PMC6827627 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Presentation with acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in primary care is common. The aim of this study was to help clinicians treat patients presenting with LRTI in primary care by identifying those at risk of serious adverse outcomes (death, admission, late-onset pneumonia). METHODS In a prospective cohort study of patients presenting with LRTI symptoms, patient characteristics and clinical findings were recorded and adverse events identified over 30 days by chart review. Multivariable logistic regression analyses identified predictors of adverse outcomes. RESULTS Participants were recruited from 522 UK practices in 2009-2013. The analysis was restricted to the 28,846 adult patients not referred immediately to the hospital. Serious adverse outcomes occurred in 325/28,846 (1.1%). Eight factors were independently predictive; these characterized symptom severity (absence of coryza, fever, chest pain, and clinician-assessed severity), patient vulnerability (age >65 years, comorbidity), and physiological impact (oxygen saturation <95%, low blood pressure). In aggregate, the 8 features had moderate predictive value (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.71, 95% CI, 0.68-0.74); the 4% of patients with ≥5 features had an approximately 1 in 17 (5.7%) risk of serious adverse outcomes, the 35% with 3 or 4 features had an intermediate risk (1 in 50, 2.0%), and the 61% with ≤2 features had a low (1 in 200, 0.5%) risk. CONCLUSIONS In routine practice most patients presenting with LRTI in primary care can be identified as at intermediate or low risk of serious outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Moore
- University of Southampton, Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Stuart
- University of Southampton, Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Lown
- University of Southampton, Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Van den Bruel
- University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Smith
- University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kyle Knox
- University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul Little
- University of Southampton, Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Frost HM, Fritsche TR, Hall MC. Beta-Hemolytic Nongroup A Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Children. J Pediatr 2019; 206:268-273.e1. [PMID: 30528760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the epidemiology, clinical features, and antibiotic prescribing patterns for nongroup A streptococci (NGAS) in children. STUDY DESIGN Throat cultures obtained for pharyngitis were assessed at a large community-based health system over 10 years. Epidemiologic and clinical features of children with NGAS were compared with children with group A Streptococcus (GAS) and negative cultures. Antibiotic prescribing patterns were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 224 328 rapid streptococcal antigen tests and 116 578 throat cultures were performed. Clinical analysis was completed for 602 GAS-positive patients, 535 NGAS-positive patients, and 480 patients with negative cultures. Incidence of NGAS did not vary annually or by season but increased with age from 2% at ≤5 years to 7% at 18 years of age. Patients with NGAS were more likely than those with negative cultures to have tonsillar exudate (20.3% vs 13.1%, P = .003) and enlarged tonsils (28.6% vs 19.3%, P < .001). Modified Centor scores did not differ between groups (score ≥2, P = 1.0; score ≥3, P = .50). Patients with GAS were more likely than those with NGAS to have fever (32.6% vs 24.5%, P = .003), palatal petechiae (14.0% vs 3.1%, P < .001), and modified Centor score ≥2 (47.8% vs 27.1%; P < .001). Of patients with NGAS, 65% were prescribed antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS NGAS likely exist in both carriage and infectious states and incidence increases with age. Infections associated with NGAS are milder than with GAS, and complications are rare. Laboratory reporting of NGAS results in high antibiotic use, despite current recommendations against treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly M Frost
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO; Department of Pediatrics, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO; Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI.
| | - Thomas R Fritsche
- Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI; Department of Pathology, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI
| | - Matthew C Hall
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield, WI
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Gharbi M, Drysdale JH, Lishman H, Goudie R, Molokhia M, Johnson AP, Holmes AH, Aylin P. Antibiotic management of urinary tract infection in elderly patients in primary care and its association with bloodstream infections and all cause mortality: population based cohort study. BMJ 2019; 364:l525. [PMID: 30814048 PMCID: PMC6391656 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infection (UTI) and severe adverse outcomes in elderly patients in primary care. DESIGN Retrospective population based cohort study. SETTING Clinical Practice Research Datalink (2007-15) primary care records linked to hospital episode statistics and death records in England. PARTICIPANTS 157 264 adults aged 65 years or older presenting to a general practitioner with at least one diagnosis of suspected or confirmed lower UTI from November 2007 to May 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Bloodstream infection, hospital admission, and all cause mortality within 60 days after the index UTI diagnosis. RESULTS Among 312 896 UTI episodes (157 264 unique patients), 7.2% (n=22 534) did not have a record of antibiotics being prescribed and 6.2% (n=19 292) showed a delay in antibiotic prescribing. 1539 episodes of bloodstream infection (0.5%) were recorded within 60 days after the initial UTI. The rate of bloodstream infection was significantly higher among those patients not prescribed an antibiotic (2.9%; n=647) and those recorded as revisiting the general practitioner within seven days of the initial consultation for an antibiotic prescription compared with those given a prescription for an antibiotic at the initial consultation (2.2% v 0.2%; P=0.001). After adjustment for covariates, patients were significantly more likely to experience a bloodstream infection in the deferred antibiotics group (adjusted odds ratio 7.12, 95% confidence interval 6.22 to 8.14) and no antibiotics group (8.08, 7.12 to 9.16) compared with the immediate antibiotics group. The number needed to harm (NNH) for occurrence of bloodstream infection was lower (greater risk) for the no antibiotics group (NNH=37) than for the deferred antibiotics group (NNH=51) compared with the immediate antibiotics group. The rate of hospital admissions was about double among cases with no antibiotics (27.0%) and deferred antibiotics (26.8%) compared with those prescribed immediate antibiotics (14.8%; P=0.001). The risk of all cause mortality was significantly higher with deferred antibiotics and no antibiotics than with immediate antibiotics at any time during the 60 days follow-up (adjusted hazard ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.27 and 2.18, 2.04 to 2.33, respectively). Men older than 85 years were particularly at risk for both bloodstream infection and 60 day all cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS In elderly patients with a diagnosis of UTI in primary care, no antibiotics and deferred antibiotics were associated with a significant increase in bloodstream infection and all cause mortality compared with immediate antibiotics. In the context of an increase of Escherichia coli bloodstream infections in England, early initiation of recommended first line antibiotics for UTI in the older population is advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Gharbi
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Hannah Lishman
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rosalind Goudie
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mariam Molokhia
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health Sciences, King's College, London, UK
| | - Alan P Johnson
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Division, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Alison H Holmes
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Aylin
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit, Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Stuart B, Hounkpatin H, Becque T, Yao G, Zhu S, Alonso-Coello P, Altiner A, Arroll B, Böhning D, Bostock J, Bucher HCC, de la Poza M, Francis NA, Gillespie D, Hay AD, Kenealy T, Löffler C, Mas-Dalmau G, Muñoz L, Samuel K, Moore M, Little P. Delayed antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections: protocol of an individual patient data meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026925. [PMID: 30670532 PMCID: PMC6347865 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delayed prescribing can be a useful strategy to reduce antibiotic prescribing, but it is not clear for whom delayed prescribing might be effective. This protocol outlines an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational cohort studies to explore the overall effect of delayed prescribing and identify key patient characteristics that are associated with efficacy of delayed prescribing. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A systematic search of the databases Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, EBSCO CINAHL Plus and Web of Science was conducted to identify relevant studies from inception to October 2017. Outcomes of interest include duration of illness, severity of illness, complication, reconsultation and patient satisfaction. Study authors of eligible papers will be contacted and invited to contribute raw IPD data. IPD data will be checked against published data, harmonised and aggregated to create one large IPD database. Multilevel regression will be performed to explore interaction effects between treatment allocation and patient characteristics. The economic evaluation will be conducted based on IPD from the combined trial and observational studies to estimate the differences in costs and effectiveness for delayed prescribing compared with normal practice. A decision model will be developed to assess potential savings and cost-effectiveness in terms of reduced antibiotic usage of delayed prescribing and quality-adjusted life years. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine Research Ethics Committee (Reference number: 30068). Findings of this study will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals as well as General Practice trade journals and will be presented at national and international conferences. The results will have important public health implications, shaping the way in which antibiotics are prescribed in the future and to whom delayed prescriptions are issued. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018079400.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Stuart
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hilda Hounkpatin
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Taeko Becque
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Guiqing Yao
- Biostatistics Research Group, Department of Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leiceister, UK
| | - Shihua Zhu
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Pablo Alonso-Coello
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Public Health, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Attila Altiner
- Office for Educational Affairs, Department of General Medicine, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Bruce Arroll
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Dankmar Böhning
- Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jennifer Bostock
- Divison of Health and Social Care Research, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Heiner C C Bucher
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CEB), University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mariam de la Poza
- Institut Català de la Salut, CAP Doctor Carles Ribas, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nick A Francis
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David Gillespie
- Centre for Trials Research, College of Biomedical & Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Timothy Kenealy
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christin Löffler
- Institute of General Practice, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Gemma Mas-Dalmau
- Knowledge and Research Management Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Muñoz
- Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya (AQuAS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kirsty Samuel
- ASPIRE PPI Panel, Leeds, Institute for Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Wilcox CR, Stuart B, Leaver H, Lown M, Willcox M, Moore M, Little P. Effectiveness of the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 for the treatment and/or prevention of sore throat: a systematic review. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 25:673-680. [PMID: 30616011 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sore throat resulting from pharyngotonsillitis is one of the commonest reasons for primary care consultation and inappropriate antibiotic prescription and finding effective alternative treatments is important. OBJECTIVES To review the evidence for using the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 (SsK12) for the prevention or treatment of pharyngotonsillitis. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs). PARTICIPANTS Adults or children. INTERVENTIONS SsK12 as active treatment or prophylaxis, against pharyngotonsillitis. METHODS Literature search. RESULTS Four articles were identified (1846 participants). All were deemed to be of poor quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment. Two trials studied SsK12 prophylaxis for streptococcal pharyngitis (children without history of recurrence). One compared daily administration of SsK12 to no treatment over 6 months (n = 222, age 33-45 months), reporting significantly lower incidence in the SsK12 group (16.2% vs. 48.6%, p < 0.01), whereas another placebo-controlled RCT over four school terms (n = 1314, 5-14 years) found no significant difference (7.8% vs. 8.8%, p 0.34) with SsK12 (administered on school days). Another trial found daily SsK12 to significantly protect children (n = 250, 6-7 years) against chronic adenoiditis exacerbation over 3 months compared to no treatment (71.7% vs. 100%, p < 0.0001). The one placebo-controlled RCT in adults that studied the use of SsK12 for acute pharyngotonsillitis (concurrently with penicillin) showed no significant benefit. In all trials, SsK12 was safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS SsK12 appears safe and well tolerated. However, further RCTs are required to establish its role as a prophylactic therapy, particularly among patients experiencing frequent exacerbations of pharyngitis. In the acute setting, SsK12 is unlikely to be effective if given concurrently with antibiotics; however, further RCTs should establish its role as an alternative to antibiotics in nonsevere cases or when prescribed after antibiotic therapy for the prevention of disease recurrence and/or secondary infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Wilcox
- NIHR Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK; Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - B Stuart
- Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - H Leaver
- Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M Lown
- Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M Willcox
- Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - M Moore
- Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - P Little
- Department of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Impact of antibiotics for children presenting to general practice with cough on adverse outcomes: secondary analysis from a multicentre prospective cohort study. Br J Gen Pract 2018; 68:e682-e693. [PMID: 30201827 PMCID: PMC6145994 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp18x698873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinicians commonly prescribe antibiotics to prevent major adverse outcomes in children presenting in primary care with cough and respiratory symptoms, despite limited meaningful evidence of impact on these outcomes. Aim To estimate the effect of children’s antibiotic prescribing on adverse outcomes within 30 days of initial consultation. Design and setting Secondary analysis of 8320 children in a multicentre prospective cohort study, aged 3 months to <16 years, presenting in primary care across England with acute cough and other respiratory symptoms. Method Baseline clinical characteristics and antibiotic prescribing data were collected, and generalised linear models were used to estimate the effect of antibiotic prescribing on adverse outcomes within 30 days (subsequent hospitalisations and reconsultation for deterioration), controlling for clustering and clinicians’ propensity to prescribe antibiotics. Results Sixty-five (0.8%) children were hospitalised and 350 (4%) reconsulted for deterioration. Clinicians prescribed immediate and delayed antibiotics to 2313 (28%) and 771 (9%), respectively. Compared with no antibiotics, there was no clear evidence that antibiotics reduced hospitalisations (immediate antibiotic risk ratio [RR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.47 to 1.45; delayed RR 0.70, 95% CI = 0.26 to 1.90, overall P = 0.44). There was evidence that delayed (rather than immediate) antibiotics reduced reconsultations for deterioration (immediate RR 0.82, 95% CI = 0.65 to 1.07; delayed RR 0.55, 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.88, overall P = 0.024). Conclusion Most children presenting with acute cough and respiratory symptoms in primary care are not at risk of hospitalisation, and antibiotics may not reduce the risk. If an antibiotic is considered, a delayed antibiotic prescription may be preferable as it is likely to reduce reconsultation for deterioration.
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Pouwels KB, Dolk FCK, Smith DRM, Robotham JV, Smieszek T. Actual versus 'ideal' antibiotic prescribing for common conditions in English primary care. J Antimicrob Chemother 2018; 73:19-26. [PMID: 29490060 PMCID: PMC5890776 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Previous work based on guidelines and expert opinion identified 'ideal' prescribing proportions-the overall proportion of consultations that should result in an antibiotic prescription-for common infectious conditions. Here, actual condition-specific prescribing proportions in primary care in England were compared with ideal prescribing proportions identified by experts. Methods All recorded consultations for common infectious conditions (cough, bronchitis, exacerbations of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sore throat, rhinosinusitis, otitis media, lower respiratory tract infection, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza-like illness, urinary tract infection, impetigo, acne, gastroenteritis) for 2013-15 were extracted from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database. The proportions of consultations resulting in an antibiotic prescription were established, concentrating on acute presentations in patients without relevant comorbidities. These actual prescribing proportions were then compared with previously established 'ideal' proportions by condition. Results For most conditions, substantially higher proportions of consultations resulted in an antibiotic prescription than was deemed appropriate according to expert opinion. An antibiotic was prescribed in 41% of all acute cough consultations when experts advocated 10%. For other conditions the proportions were: bronchitis (actual 82% versus ideal 13%); sore throat (actual 59% versus ideal 13%); rhinosinusitis (actual 88% versus ideal 11%); and acute otitis media in 2- to 18-year-olds (actual 92% versus ideal 17%). Substantial variation between practices was found. Conclusions This work has identified substantial overprescribing of antibiotics in English primary care, and highlights conditions where this is most pronounced, particularly in respiratory tract conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen B Pouwels
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
- PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - F Christiaan K Dolk
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
- PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology & -Economics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David R M Smith
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Julie V Robotham
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Timo Smieszek
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College School of Public Health, London, UK
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A 2-year follow-up study of patients with pharyngotonsillitis. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:3. [PMID: 29291704 PMCID: PMC5749013 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2917-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Longtime follow-up studies on patients with pharyngotonsillitis are rare. We aimed to describe the patterns of new visits for a sore throat, complications and tonsillectomy during 2 years in a cohort of patients with pharyngotonsillitis and non-infected controls. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on a cohort of patients with acute sore throat (n = 207), and non-infected controls (n = 108). New visits, complications and tonsillectomy within 2 years was recorded and analyzed in relation to microbiological findings at inclusion. Results Patients with Group A streptococci (GAS) (12/66) reconsulted more often within 30 days than patients with no GAS (9/141) (p = 0.009) and patients with F. necrophorum (2/29). After 2 years, we observed no significant differences in reconsultations with regard to aetiology at inclusion. A single complication was recorded and 5 patients were planned for tonsillectomy. Conclusions Group A streptococci were the sole aetiological agent associated with recurrent sore throat while F. necrophorum did not distinguish itself as a major cause of either recurrent infection or complications in this cohort. More studies, preferably with the focus on adolescents, are needed before F. necrophorum can be considered an important cause of pharyngotonsillitis.
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Little P, Stuart B, Wingrove Z, Mullee M, Thomas T, Johnson S, Leydon G, Richards-Hall S, Williamson I, Yao L, Zhu S, Moore M. Probiotic capsules and xylitol chewing gum to manage symptoms of pharyngitis: a randomized controlled factorial trial. CMAJ 2017; 189:E1543-E1550. [PMID: 29255098 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.170599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections is needed to limit the global threat of antibiotic resistance. We estimated the effectiveness of probiotics and xylitol for the management of pharyngitis. METHODS In this parallel-group factorial randomized controlled trial, participants in primary care (aged 3 years or older) with pharyngitis underwent randomization by nurses who provided sequential intervention packs. Pack contents for 3 kinds of material and advice were previously determined by computer-generated random numbers: no chewing gum, xylitol-based chewing gum (15% xylitol; 5 pieces daily) and sorbitol gum (5 pieces daily). Half of each group were also randomly assigned to receive either probiotic capsules (containing 24 × 109 colony-forming units of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) or placebo. The primary outcome was mean self-reported severity of sore throat and difficulty swallowing (scale 0-6) in the first 3 days. We used multiple imputation to avoid the assumption that data were missing completely at random. RESULTS A total of 1009 individuals consented, 934 completed the baseline assessment, and 689 provided complete data for the primary outcome. Probiotics were not effective in reducing the severity of symptoms: mean severity scores 2.75 with no probiotic and 2.78 with probiotic (adjusted difference -0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.24 to 0.24). Chewing gum was also ineffective: mean severity scores 2.73 without gum, 2.72 with sorbitol gum (adjusted difference 0.07, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.37) and 2.73 with xylitol gum (adjusted difference 0.01, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.30). None of the secondary outcomes differed significantly between groups, and no harms were reported. INTERPRETATION Neither probiotics nor advice to chew xylitol-based chewing gum was effective for managing pharyngitis. Trial registration: ISRCTN, no. ISRCTN51472596.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Little
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Zoe Wingrove
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Mark Mullee
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Tammy Thomas
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Sophie Johnson
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Gerry Leydon
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Samantha Richards-Hall
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Williamson
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Lily Yao
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Shihua Zhu
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care Group (Little, Stuart, Wingrove, Mullee, Thomas, Johnson, Leydon, Williamson, Moore); Health Economic Analyses Team (Yao, Zhu), Primary Care and Population Sciences Unit, University of Southampton; Patient and Public Involvement Collaborator (Richards-Hall), Southampton, UK
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Bell KJL, McCullough A, Del Mar C, Glasziou P. What's the uptake? Pragmatic RCTs may be used to estimate uptake, and thereby population impact of interventions, but better reporting of trial recruitment processes is needed. BMC Med Res Methodol 2017; 17:174. [PMID: 29272994 PMCID: PMC5741884 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-017-0443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effectiveness of interventions in pragmatic trials may not translate directly into population impact, because of limited uptake by clinicians and/or the public. Uptake of an intervention is influenced by a number of factors. METHODS We propose a method for calculating population impact of clinical interventions that accounts for the intervention uptake. We suggest that population impact may be estimated by multiplying the two key components: (1) the effectiveness of the intervention in pragmatic trials (trial effect); and, (2) its uptake in clinical practice. We argue that participation rates in trials may be a valid proxy for uptake in clinical practice and, in combination with trial effectiveness estimates, be used to rank interventions by their likely population impact. We illustrate the method using the example of four interventions to decrease antibiotic prescription for acute respiratory infections in primary care: delayed prescribing, procalcitonin test, C-Reactive Protein, shared decision making. RESULTS In order to estimate uptake of interventions from trial data we need detailed reporting on the recruitment processes used for clinician participation in the trials. In the antibiotic prescribing example, between 75 and 91% of the population would still be prescribed or consume antibiotics because effective interventions were not taken up. Of the four interventions considered, we found that delayed prescribing would have the highest population impact and shared decision making the lowest. CONCLUSION Estimates of uptake and population impact of an intervention may be possible from pragmatic RCTs, provided the recruitment processes for these trials are adequately reported (which currently few of them are). Further validation of this method using empirical data on intervention uptake in the real world would support use of this method to decide on public funding of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- Centre for Research in Evidence Based Practice (CREBP), Bond University, Gold coast, QLD, 4229, Australia.
| | - Amanda McCullough
- Centre for Research in Evidence Based Practice (CREBP), Bond University, Gold coast, QLD, 4229, Australia
| | - Chris Del Mar
- Centre for Research in Evidence Based Practice (CREBP), Bond University, Gold coast, QLD, 4229, Australia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Centre for Research in Evidence Based Practice (CREBP), Bond University, Gold coast, QLD, 4229, Australia
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