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Chilvers H, Bates P. Remote prescribing consultations: exploring the principles of effective practice. Nurs Stand 2024:e12290. [PMID: 38764389 DOI: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
There has been a rapid increase in remote patient consultations, including remote prescribing - partly in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but also as part of the move towards a 'digital first' NHS. There are various benefits associated with remote prescribing, such as convenience for patients and judicious use of healthcare resources. However, it is also associated with several risks, for example the use of inappropriate medicines or doses if the prescriber does not have full access to the patient's records. This article considers some of the benefits and challenges of remote prescribing, and discusses the main principles of effective practice in relation to patient safety, informed consent and documentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Chilvers
- School of Health and Social Care, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
| | - Paul Bates
- School of Health and Social Care, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, England
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Rullier C, Tarazona V, De Bandt D. Incidence of remote consultation on general practitioners' antibiotic prescriptions in 2021: a French observational study. BJGP Open 2024:BJGPO.2023.0196. [PMID: 38199798 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with infectious diseases, remote consultation (RC) may be questionable compared with face-to-face office consultation (OC), not only because of the lack of physical examination but also because of the risk of overprescribing antibiotics (ATBs). AIM To analyse ATB prescription in OC versus RC in a sample of French GPs. DESIGN & SETTING This is a retrospective observational cohort study in general practice in 2021. Anonymised data were collected from voluntary GPs. METHOD The influence of the mode of consultation on ATB prescription was analysed using a χ² test. A secondary multivariate analysis investigated the factors influencing the use of OC or RC in patients who received at least one ATB. RESULTS In total, 35 503 consultations with an identifiable rating were included, corresponding to seven doctors' activities, practising with five locums and three residents. ATBs were prescribed in 10.41% of RCs and 6.77% of OCs (P<0.01). RC was associated with more frequent prescription of ATBs for respiratory and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) viral infections and urinary tract infections. For patients aged 20-40 years, ATB prescription was more associated with RC. CONCLUSION RC is associated with a more frequent ATB prescription than OC, mostly for patients aged 20-40 years, who are most likely to use new technologies; and for urinary tract infections or respiratory and ENT viral infections. Further studies on RC outcomes should be conducted to better analyse the impact of RC on the prescribing of ATBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Rullier
- Family medicine department, University of Paris Saclay, Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Tarazona
- Family medicine department, University of Paris Saclay, Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris, France
| | - David De Bandt
- Family medicine department, University of Paris Saclay, Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris, France
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Härkönen H, Lakoma S, Verho A, Torkki P, Leskelä RL, Pennanen P, Laukka E, Jansson M. Impact of digital services on healthcare and social welfare: An umbrella review. Int J Nurs Stud 2024; 152:104692. [PMID: 38301306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2024.104692] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital services can be effective and cost-efficient options for treating non-communicable diseases, but generalizability is limited due to heterogeneous treatment effects. This umbrella review aims to evaluate the impact of digital services on population health, costs, and patient and healthcare professional satisfaction, and to identify facilitators and barriers to using digital services in healthcare and social welfare. METHODS The protocol of the study was registered on the 4th of September 2022 to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO (CRD42022355635). The review was performed using the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science in June 2022. The methodological quality of the included reviews was assessed. The impact of digital services was categorized as no evidence, no dominance, and mixed and positive effect. Inductive content analysis was used to identify facilitators and barriers. RESULTS A total of 66 studies were included in the review, 64 % of which were evaluated as high quality. Studies on the impact of digital services in social welfare were not identified. Sixty-five percent of reviews evaluated the impact of digital services on population health with mixed effects; 21 % were on costs with mixed effects; 27 % were on patient satisfaction with positive effects; and 7.6 % were on healthcare professionals' satisfaction with mixed effects. Various features, allocation, end-user support, organized services, and service development facilitated the use of digital services. Correspondingly, barriers were related to service limitations, digital competency, funding- and service strategies, resources and change management. CONCLUSIONS Compared to usual care, digital services had a mixed impact on population health and costs with high satisfaction in patients. Mixed healthcare professionals' satisfaction was associated with the use of digital services, and it was less studied. To ensure successful implementation and sustainability of digital services, attention must be paid to address barriers and supporting facilitators at all levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henna Härkönen
- University of Oulu, Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), P.O. BOX 8000, FI-90014, Finland.
| | - Sanna Lakoma
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, P.O. BOX 00020, 00014, Finland
| | - Anastasiya Verho
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, P.O. BOX 00020, 00014, Finland
| | - Paulus Torkki
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, P.O. BOX 00020, 00014, Finland
| | | | - Paula Pennanen
- Nordic Healthcare Group, Vattuniemenranta 2, 00210 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elina Laukka
- Nordic Healthcare Group, Vattuniemenranta 2, 00210 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Miia Jansson
- University of Oulu, Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), P.O. BOX 8000, FI-90014, Finland; RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
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Sanchez GV, Kabbani S, Tsay SV, Bizune D, Hersh AL, Luciano A, Hicks LA. Antibiotic Stewardship in Outpatient Telemedicine: Adapting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Core Elements to Optimize Antibiotic Use. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:951-962. [PMID: 37856146 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0229] [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: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid expansion of telemedicine has highlighted challenges and opportunities to improve antibiotic use and effectively adapt antibiotic stewardship best practices to outpatient telemedicine settings. Antibiotic stewardship integration into telemedicine is essential to optimize antibiotic prescribing for patients and ensure health care quality. We performed a narrative review of published literature on antibiotic prescribing and stewardship in outpatient telemedicine to inform the adaptation of the Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship framework to outpatient telemedicine settings. Our narrative review suggests that in-person antibiotic stewardship interventions can be adapted to outpatient telemedicine settings. We present considerations for applying the Core Elements of Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship to outpatient telemedicine which builds upon growing evidence describing care delivery and quality improvement in this setting. Additional applied implementation research is necessary to inform the application of effective, sustainable, and equitable antibiotic stewardship interventions across the spectrum of outpatient telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo V Sanchez
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarah Kabbani
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sharon V Tsay
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Destani Bizune
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adam L Hersh
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Angelina Luciano
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lauri A Hicks
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Baillie EJ, Merlo G, Biezen R, Peprah Boaitey K, Magin PJ, van Driel ML, Hall L. Diagnosis and management of acute infections during telehealth consultations in Australian general practice: a qualitative study. BJGP Open 2024; 8:BJGPO.2023.0142. [PMID: 38092442 PMCID: PMC11169986 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of telehealth has increased dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about how GPs manage acute infections during telehealth, and the potential impact on antimicrobial stewardship. AIM To explore the experiences and perceptions of GP trainees' and supervisors' use of telehealth, and how it influences their management of acute infections. DESIGN & SETTING Australian GP registrars (trainees) and supervisors were recruited via email through their training organisations. Semi-structured interviews with 18 participants were conducted between July and August 2022. METHOD Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. RESULTS We identified six overall themes. 1. Participants experienced impaired diagnostic capacity during telehealth consultations. 2. Attempts to improve diagnostic acuity included various methods, such as having patients self-examine. 3. The management of clinical uncertainty frequently entailed referring patients for in-person assessment, overinvestigating, or overtreating. 4. Antibiotic prescribing decisions during telehealth were informed by less information than were in-person consults, with varying impact. 5. Participants believed that other GPs improperly prescribed antibiotics during telehealth. 6. Supervisors believed that registrars hadn't developed the knowledge or skills to determine when conditions could be managed appropriately via telehealth. CONCLUSION Telehealth has potential for reducing transmission of acute infections and increasing access to healthcare. However, the implications of GPs, especially less experienced GPs, making diagnoses with less certainty, and consequently compromising antimicrobial stewardship, are a concern. Patient self-assessment tools may improve outcomes of telehealth consultations for acute infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Baillie
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QL, Australia
| | - Gregory Merlo
- Healthcare Improvement Unit, Queensland Health, Bowen Hills, Brisbane, QL, Australia
| | - Ruby Biezen
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VI, Australia
| | - Kwame Peprah Boaitey
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University, Gold Coast, QL, Australia
| | - Parker J Magin
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- GP Training Research Department, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QL, Australia
| | - Lisa Hall
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QL, Australia
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Redvers N, Hartmann-Boyce J, Tonkin-Crine S. Patient-planetary health co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar health region: a qualitative study of physician voices from the Northwest Territories, Canada. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081156. [PMID: 38431297 PMCID: PMC10910660 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite climate change being described as a code red for humanity, health systems have been particularly slow in both climate mitigation and adaptation responses. The effects of climate change on health and health systems will not be felt equally, with underserved and marginalised communities disproportionately impacted. The circumpolar region is warming at 3-4 times the global rate, amplifying already existing socioeconomic barriers and health inequities, with particular amplified effects for the substantial Indigenous population in the area. OBJECTIVES AND SETTING We therefore sought to explore perspectives of physicians around patient-planetary health (P-PH) co-benefit prescribing in a circumpolar region in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada, known to be one of the ground zero levels for climate change. METHODS Thirteen semi-structured physician interviews were carried out in the NWT region between May 2022 and March 2023 using purposive sampling. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reflexive thematic analysis was carried out to identify key themes. RESULTS There were three main themes identified including (1) current healthcare system does not support planetary health, (2) supporting patient-planetary health is currently difficult for clinicians and (3) considering change in the NWT to support patient-planetary health. Participants noted key opportunities to move planetary health forward, with the NWT having the potential to be an innovative model for planetary health-informed change for other health systems. CONCLUSION The NWT health system has unique features due to its rural and remote nature and smaller population base. Despite this, our study identified some key opportunities for advancing P-PH co-benefit efforts. The identified opportunities may be considered in future intervention, organisational change and policy-making efforts with potential relevance in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Redvers
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jamie Hartmann-Boyce
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Health Policy and Promotion, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Fuster-Casanovas A, Miró Catalina Q, Vidal-Alaball J, Escalé-Besa A, Carrión C. eHealth in the Management of Depressive Episodes in Catalonia's Primary Care From 2017 to 2022: Retrospective Observational Study. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e52816. [PMID: 38236631 PMCID: PMC10835588 DOI: 10.2196/52816] [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] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reasons for mental health consultations are becoming increasingly relevant in primary care. The Catalan health care system is undergoing a process of digital transformation, where eHealth is becoming increasingly relevant in routine clinical practice. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the approach to depressive episodes and the role of eHealth in the Catalan health care system from 2017 to 2022. METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted on diagnostic codes related to depressive episodes and mood disorders between 2017 and 2022 using data from the Catalan Institute of Health. The sociodemographic evolution and prevalence of depression and mood disorders in Catalonia were analyzed between 2017 and 2022. Sociodemographic variables were analyzed using absolute frequency and percentage. The prevalence of depressive episodes was calculated, highlighting the year-to-year changes. The use of eHealth for related consultations was assessed by comparing the percentages of eHealth and face-to-face consultations. A comparison of sociodemographic variables based on attendance type was conducted. Additionally, a logistic regression model was used to explore factors influencing face-to-face attendance. The analysis used R software (version 4.2.1), with all differences examined using 95% CIs. RESULTS From 2017 to 2022, there was an 86.6% increase in the prevalence of depression and mood disorders, with women consistently more affected (20,950/31,197, 67.2% in 2017 and 22,078/33,169, 66.6% in 2022). In 2022, a significant rise in depression diagnoses was observed in rural areas (difference 0.71%, 95% CI 0.04%-1.43%), contrasting with a significant decrease in urban settings (difference -0.7%, 95% CI -1.35% to -0.05%). There was a significant increase in antidepressant use in 2022 compared to 2017 (difference 2.4%, 95% CI 1.87%-3.06%) and the proportion of eHealth visits rose from 4.34% (1240/28,561) in 2017 to 26.3% (8501/32,267) in 2022. Logistic regression analysis indicated that men (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, 95% CI 1.04-1.09) and younger individuals had a higher likelihood of eHealth consultations in 2022. Furthermore, individuals using eHealth consultations were more likely to use antidepressants (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.50-1.57) and anxiolytics (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of depression in Catalonia has significantly increased in the last 6 years, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite ongoing digital transformation since 2011, eHealth usage remained limited as of 2017. During the lockdown period, eHealth accounted for nearly half of all health care consultations, representing a quarter of consultations by 2022. In the immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging evidence suggests a significant role of eHealth in managing depression-related consultations, along with an apparent likelihood of patients being prescribed antidepressants and anxiolytics. Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of eHealth on diagnostic practices and medication use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aïna Fuster-Casanovas
- eHealth Lab Research Group, School of Health Sciences and eHealth Centre, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
| | - Queralt Miró Catalina
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Health Promotion in Rural Areas Research Group, Gerència d'Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat de Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
| | - Josep Vidal-Alaball
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Health Promotion in Rural Areas Research Group, Gerència d'Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat de Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic-Central, University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain
| | - Anna Escalé-Besa
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Health Promotion in Rural Areas Research Group, Gerència d'Atenció Primària i a la Comunitat de Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic-Central, University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain
| | - Carme Carrión
- eHealth Lab Research Group, School of Health Sciences and eHealth Centre, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
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Lown M, Smith KA, Muller I, Woods C, Maund E, Rogers K, Becque T, Hayward G, Moore M, Little P, Glogowska M, Hay A, Stuart B, Mantzourani E, Wilcox CR, Thompson N, Francis NA. Internet Tool to Support Self-Assessment and Self-Swabbing of Sore Throat: Development and Feasibility Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e39791. [PMID: 38064265 PMCID: PMC10746968 DOI: 10.2196/39791] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sore throat is a common problem and a common reason for the overuse of antibiotics. A web-based tool that helps people assess their sore throat, through the use of clinical prediction rules, taking throat swabs or saliva samples, and taking throat photographs, has the potential to improve self-management and help identify those who are the most and least likely to benefit from antibiotics. OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop a web-based tool to help patients and parents or carers self-assess sore throat symptoms and take throat photographs, swabs, and saliva samples for diagnostic testing. We then explored the acceptability and feasibility of using the tool in adults and children with sore throats. METHODS We used the Person-Based Approach to develop a web-based tool and then recruited adults and children with sore throats who participated in this study by attending general practices or through social media advertising. Participants self-assessed the presence of FeverPAIN and Centor score criteria and attempted to photograph their throat and take throat swabs and saliva tests. Study processes were observed via video call, and participants were interviewed about their views on using the web-based tool. Self-assessed throat inflammation and pus were compared to clinician evaluation of patients' throat photographs. RESULTS A total of 45 participants (33 adults and 12 children) were recruited. Of these, 35 (78%) and 32 (71%) participants completed all scoring elements for FeverPAIN and Centor scores, respectively, and most (30/45, 67%) of them reported finding self-assessment relatively easy. No valid response was provided for swollen lymph nodes, throat inflammation, and pus on the throat by 11 (24%), 9 (20%), and 13 (29%) participants respectively. A total of 18 (40%) participants provided a throat photograph of adequate quality for clinical assessment. Patient assessment of inflammation had a sensitivity of 100% (3/3) and specificity of 47% (7/15) compared with the clinician-assessed photographs. For pus on the throat, the sensitivity was 100% (3/3) and the specificity was 71% (10/14). A total of 89% (40/45), 93% (42/45), 89% (40/45), and 80% (30/45) of participants provided analyzable bacterial swabs, viral swabs, saliva sponges, and saliva drool samples, respectively. Participants were generally happy and confident in providing samples, with saliva samples rated as slightly more acceptable than swab samples. CONCLUSIONS Most adult and parent participants were able to use a web-based intervention to assess the clinical features of throat infections and generate scores using clinical prediction rules. However, some had difficulties assessing clinical signs, such as lymph nodes, throat pus, and inflammation, and scores were assessed as sensitive but not specific. Many participants had problems taking photographs of adequate quality, but most were able to take throat swabs and saliva samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Lown
- School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsten A Smith
- School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Ingrid Muller
- School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Woods
- School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Maund
- School of Healthcare Enterprise and Innovation, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty Rogers
- Local Clinical Research Network Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Taeko Becque
- School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Gail Hayward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Moore
- School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Little
- School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret Glogowska
- Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Hay
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Stuart
- Pragmatic Clinical Trials Unit, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Efi Mantzourani
- Cardiff School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Natalie Thompson
- School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Nick A Francis
- School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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Matta-Machado ATGD, Pinto RDS, Peixoto RTRDC, Perillo RD, Borde EMS, Freitas MACD, Macieira C, Senna MIB, Godoy SCB, Aguiar RATD, Santos DF, Dramos LMM, Oliveira VBD, Santos ADFD. Use of Telehealth Resources in Primary Care and Its Association with Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:1878-1889. [PMID: 37751188 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0441] [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: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Use of telehealth (TH) resources increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study set out to examine associations between the level of integration of TH resources and the level of Primary Health Care (PHC) structuring to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: This work was a cross-sectional study conducted through the application of a semistructured questionnaire to a sample of 260 PHC Teams working in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from September to December 2020. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee and logged under report number 44.294.637. Results: Two variables were created - Level of the PHC structuring to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and Level of TH structuring. Variables were grouped into five categories (poor to excellent). Associations between variables were examined using the Tukey's test for multiple comparisons and the Spearman correlation coefficient. Variables associated with socioeconomic dimensions (human development index and Gini index) and health care were also analyzed. Levels of TH structuring in PHC ranged from poor (43%) to regular (40%) in most cases. Most PHC teams had regular (56%) or good (37%) levels of PHC structuring to deal with the pandemic. The greater the availability and use of TH resources at a given unit, the better the structure to face COVID-19 (0.45 - p < 0.001). Conclusion: PHC was structured to tackle the pandemic. However, there is a lot to be done before TH resources are effectively incorporated into PHC. Whenever incorporated, TH resources contributed to a more robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafaela da Silveira Pinto
- Department of Social and Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Rosângela Durso Perillo
- Faculdade de Medicina, Telehealth Nucleus, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Elis Mina Seraya Borde
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - César Macieira
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Faculdade de Medicina - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil
| | - Maria Inês Barreiros Senna
- Department of Dental Clinic, Pathology and Surgery, Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Delba Fonseca Santos
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Brazil
| | | | - Veneza Berenice de Oliveira
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alaneir de Fátima Dos Santos
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Telehealth Nucleus, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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DeWitt-Foy ME, Albersheim J, Grove S, Hamid L, Berryman S, Freese R, Elliott SP. Impact of Virtual Care on Outpatient Urinary Tract Infection Management. Urology 2023; 182:40-47. [PMID: 37708981 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of virtual care on urine testing, antibiotic prescription patterns, and outcomes of care in urinary tract infection (UTI) management. METHODS We conducted retrospective analysis of adults treated for UTI in an ambulatory setting across a large health system from March 2020-2021. Outcomes included urine testing, antibiotic prescription, and retreatment or hospitalization, stratified by in-person vs virtual visit. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine factors contributing to outcomes. RESULTS Significantly fewer patients seen virtually had urine testing as compared to those seen in-person (19% vs 69%, P <.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, virtual visit was the most significant predictor of urine testing, associated with an 86% reduction in the odds of urine testing (odds ratio (OR) 0.14, P <.001). Having a complicated UTI did not affect the likelihood of urine testing (OR 1.0, P = .95). Patients seen virtually were more likely to have a subsequent repeat ambulatory UTI visit (OR 1.16) or repeat antibiotic prescription (1.06) more than 2 weeks after the index encounter, though no more likely to be hospitalized for UTI (OR 1.00). CONCLUSION Virtual care for UTI is associated with a significant reduction in urine testing and an increase in repeat UTI encounters and additional antibiotics among patients with complicated and uncomplicated UTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E DeWitt-Foy
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Department of Urology, Cleveland, OH.
| | | | - Shawn Grove
- University of Minnesota, Department of Urology, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Lina Hamid
- University of Minnesota, Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship Clinical Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Sally Berryman
- University of Minnesota, Department of Internal Medicine, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Rebecca Freese
- University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Sean P Elliott
- University of Minnesota, Department of Urology, Minneapolis, MN
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11
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Tousi F, Al Haroni M, Lie SA, Lund B. Antibiotic prescriptions among dentists across Norway and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:649. [PMID: 37684614 PMCID: PMC10492408 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prescription of antibiotics in dental practice contributes significantly to the total use of antibiotics in primary healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic prescription in dental practice during the years 2016-2021 in Norway and their relative contribution to national outpatient consumption and to investigate the influence of age, gender, geographic region, and COVID-19. A further aim was to review differences in prescribing patterns to verify effect of governmental strategies to reduce over-prescribing of antibiotics. METHODS This register study investigated the national antibiotic prescription between 2016 and 2021. Data was obtained from the Norwegian prescription register, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and Statistics Norway. The consumption of 12 common antibiotics was measured using WHO defined daily doses (DDDs), DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day (DIDs 1000). RESULTS A total of 6,049,445 antibiotic prescriptions of the 12 investigated compounds were issued in primary care during the study period. Dentists accounted for 942,350 prescriptions corresponding to 15.6% of the total. An overall decrease in the number of prescriptions by health professions other than dentists during the 5 years (IRR = 0.92, 95% CI:0.92-0.93, p < 0.001) was observed. For dentists a slight increase in the number of prescriptions (IRR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01-1.01, p < 0.001) was seen over the study period. The increase of antibiotic prescriptions in dentistry was more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 4 most prescribed type of antibiotics based on average number of DDDs of the total period 2016-2021 were in descending order; phenoxymethylpenicillin (1,109,150) followed by amoxicillin (126,244), clindamycin (72,565), and metronidazole (64,599). An unexpected finding was that the prescription of the combination compound amoxicillin/clavulanic acid had significantly increased in dentistry during the last 5 years. Geographic, gender, and age differences in the rates of prescriptions were also seen. The data revealed that there are seasonal variations in dental prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS Noticeable differences exist in prescribing patterns of antibiotics in the last 5 years. Restricted access to dental care due to COVID-19 may have resulted in increased antibiotic prescribing in dentistry as opposed to an otherwise downward trend. Despite national guidelines there is still a need for improvement of antibiotic stewardship in dentistry and to define effective methods to disseminate information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnoush Tousi
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mohammed Al Haroni
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
- Centre for New Antimicrobial Strategies, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Stein Atle Lie
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bodil Lund
- Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Medical Unit of Plastic Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Jaw Orthopedics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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12
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Jump RLP, Mongilardi N, Wilson BM, Bej TA, Song S, Kowal CM, Perez F, Akpoji UC. Low rates of antibiotics prescribed during telehealth primary-care visits persisted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023; 44:1518-1521. [PMID: 36762817 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2022.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
For primary care clinics at a Veterans' Affairs (VA) medical center, the shift from in-person to telehealth visits during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was associated with low rates of antibiotic prescription. Understanding contextual factors associated with antibiotic prescription practices during telehealth visits may help promote antibiotic stewardship in primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L P Jump
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicole Mongilardi
- GRECC, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, Ohio
- Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Brigid M Wilson
- GRECC, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, Ohio
- Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Taissa A Bej
- GRECC, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sunah Song
- Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Federico Perez
- GRECC, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, Ohio
- Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ukwen C Akpoji
- Department of Pharmacy, VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System, Cleveland, Ohio (Present affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida [N.M.])]
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13
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Schramm L, Byrne MK, Sweetnam T. Antibiotic Misuse Behaviours of Older People: Confirmation of the Factor Structure of the Antibiotic Use Questionnaire. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040718. [PMID: 37107080 PMCID: PMC10135189 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibacterial resistance (AR) is responsible for steadily rising numbers of untreatable bacterial infections, most prevalently found in the older adult (OA) population due to age-related physical and cognitive deterioration, more frequent and long-lasting hospital visits, and reduced immunity. There are currently no established measures of antibiotic use behaviours for older adults, and theory-informed approaches to identifying the drivers of antibiotic use in older adults are lacking in the literature. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of antibiotic use and misuse in older adults using the Antibiotic Use Questionnaire (AUQ), a measure informed by the factors of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB): attitudes and beliefs, social norms, perceived behavioural control, behaviour, and a covariate-knowledge. A measure of social desirability was included, and participants scoring highly were excluded to control for social desirability bias. Confirmatory Factor Analyses and regression analyses were conducted to test the hypotheses in a cross-sectional, anonymous survey. A total of 211 participants completed the survey, 47 of which were excluded due to incompletion and high social desirability scores (≥5). Results of the factor analysis confirmed that some (but not all) factors from previous research in the general population were confirmed in the OA sample. No factors were found to be significant predictors of antibiotic use behaviour. Several suggestions for the variance in results from that of the first study are suggested, including challenges with meeting requirement for statistical power. The paper concludes that further research is required to determine the validity of the AUQ in an older adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loni Schramm
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia
| | - Mitchell K Byrne
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia
| | - Taylor Sweetnam
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia
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14
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Hansen MA, Chen R, Hirth J, Langabeer J, Zoorob R. Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on patient-provider electronic communications. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X221146810. [PMID: 36659875 PMCID: PMC9892807 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x221146810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) impacted the practice of healthcare in the United States, with technology being used to facilitate access to care and reduce iatrogenic spread. Since then, patient message volume to primary care providers has increased. However, the volume and trend of electronic communications after lockdown remain poorly described in the literature. METHODS All incoming inbox items (telephone calls, refill requests, and electronic messages) sent to providers from patients amongst four primary care clinics were collected. Inbox item rates were calculated as a ratio of items per patient encountered each week. Trends in inbox rates were assessed during 12 months before and after lockdown (March 1st, 2020). Logistic regression was utilized to examine the effects of the lockdown on inbox item rate post-COVID-19 lockdown as compared to the pre-lockdown period. RESULTS Before COVID-19 lockdown, 2.07 new inbox items per encounter were received, which increased to 2.83 items after lockdown. However, only patient-initiated electronic messages increased after lockdown and stabilized at a rate higher than the pre-COVID-19 period (aRR 1.27, p-value < 0.001). In contrast, prescription refill requests and telephone calls quickly spiked, then returned to pre-lockdown levels. CONCLUSION Based on our observations, providers experienced a quick increase in all inbox items. However, only electronic messages had a sustained increase, exacerbating the workload of administrators, staff, and clinical providers. This study directly correlates healthcare technology adoption to a significant disruptive event but also shows additional challenges to the healthcare system that must be considered with these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Hansen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Texas School of Biomedical Informatics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca Chen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jacqueline Hirth
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James Langabeer
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Texas School of Biomedical Informatics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roger Zoorob
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Alhassoun RK, AlDossary SA. Utilization of remote e-prescription (Anat) in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19: Factors associated with primary adherence and antibiotic prescription. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231194925. [PMID: 37654718 PMCID: PMC10467295 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231194925] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems globally. Various health care technologies have been used to mitigate the risk of disease transmission. Telemedicine is one such technology, and remote consulting and prescribing comprise one of its key aspects. In Saudi Arabia, telephone health services have been widely used through the free Medical Consultation Call Center (937). This platform facilitates medical consultations for all citizens, residents, and visitors. After consultations, healthcare providers are able to issue authenticated e-prescriptions using the Anat platform. Objectives To explore the utilization of the Anat remote prescription system in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the factors associated with antibiotic prescription and primary medication adherence. Methods This retrospective analysis included data from the Anat e‑prescription system using a stratified random sample of 25000 prescriptions issued in Saudi Arabia in 2020. Predictive factors related to the patients, practitioners, and prescriptions were identified through bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Out of 25,000 e-prescriptions, 8885 were dispensed, resulting in a 35.5% primary medication adherence rate. The significant predictors of primary adherence were children, respiratory diseases, and antibacterial drugs. In addition, antibiotics made up 32.1% of the e-prescriptions. The prescription of antibiotics was significantly associated with male sex, children, genitourinary system diseases, and being treated by radiologists. Conclusions Almost two thirds 62.2% of e-prescriptions were undispensed, with antibiotic eprescriptions at 32.1%. Findings emphasize the need to enhance primary medication adherence and antibiotic prescription interventions. These findings could aid decision-makers in improving patient-centered e-prescribing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roaa Khaled Alhassoun
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sharifah Abdullah AlDossary
- Department of Health Informatics, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Wilkens J, Thulesius H, Arvidsson E, Ekman B. Evaluating the effect of digital primary care on antibiotic prescription: Evidence using Swedish register data. Digit Health 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/20552076231156213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The growing use of digital primary care consultations has led to concerns about resource use, equity and quality. One of these is how it affects antibiotic prescription. Differences in ease of access for patients and available diagnostic information for the prescribing physicians are reasons to believe prescription rates may be affected. Objectives We estimated differences in antibiotic prescription between traditional office-based and digital contacts, if these differences varied between groups of diagnoses depending on the availability of information for the prescribing physician, and if differences were associated with socio-demographic patient characteristics. Methods Using individual level register data for a sample of patients diagnosed with an infection over a two-year period, we estimated differences in prescription between the two types of contacts and applied propensity score techniques to mitigate possible problems with treatment selection bias. Results The share of antibiotic prescription was 28 (95% CI 27–30, p < 0.001) to 33 (95% CI 29–36, p < 0.001) percentage points lower among digital contacts as compared to office-based contacts. For urinary tract infections, the differences in prescription rates between the two contact types were smaller (34 to 41 percentage points difference) than for throat and skin infections (50 to 60 percentage points difference). For women, rural, older, and people born outside Sweden, digital contacts were associated with higher prescription rates. Conclusions Antibiotic prescription rates were significantly lower for digital contacts compared with office-based contacts. The findings suggest that digital primary care may be an effective alternative to in-person visits without undue consequences for antibiotic prescription levels, although to varying degree depending on diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Wilkens
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hans Thulesius
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Eva Arvidsson
- Futurum, Region Jönköping's County, Sweden
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Björn Ekman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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17
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Yunita SL, Yang HW, Chen YC, Kao LT, Lu YZ, Wen YL, To SY, Huang YL. Knowledge and practices related to antibiotic use among women in Malang, Indonesia. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1019303. [PMID: 36353493 PMCID: PMC9637850 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1019303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a public health problem that threatens the efficacy of antibiotics. Incorrect knowledge of antibiotics may lead to their inappropriate use, hinder their effectiveness, and cause antibiotic resistance. Population-based educational campaigns have been found to have either mixed or no effect on improving knowledge and appropriate antibiotic practices, suggesting the need for more targeted approaches in tailoring education for specific subpopulations. Women are the primary caregivers of their families and are more willing to contact healthcare providers. They had greater knowledge of antibiotics and better adherence to the completion of the antibiotic regimen. Therefore, they are suitable for prioritization in a campaign program. Objective: This study examined the knowledge and practices of female visitors to health centers in Malang, Indonesia with respect to antibiotic use. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Malang, Indonesia, in July and August 2018. Data were collected from 677 women. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the potential factors associated with antibiotic knowledge, self-medication, and completion of antibiotic regimens. Results: Overall, 82.7% of respondents were aware that antibiotics are used against bacteria, while 38.4% reported self-medication with antibiotics and 51.7% reported completing antibiotic regimens. Women with higher education, previous antibiotic use experience, and very easy accessibility to primary doctors were more likely to have high antibiotic knowledge than those with primary education, no antibiotic use in the previous year, and easy/other level of accessibility to primary doctors. Subjects residing in urban areas and with less accessibility to primary doctors were more likely to self-medicate with antibiotics. Additionally, the completion of antibiotic regimens was positively associated with access to a primary care doctor and high antibiotic knowledge. Conclusion: IF Policymakers tend to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use among women. Priority advocates are recommended for urban residents who have experiences of antibiotic use in the previous year. It is therefore important to increase their awareness, particularly regarding diseases against which antibiotics are effective, and activities such as unnecessary use of antibiotics in healthy animals, which may affect their overall effectiveness among humans. More communication channels should be included in the overall scheme to improve the public awareness and accessibility of health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sendi Lia Yunita
- Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Health Science, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Hui-Wen Yang
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ting Kao
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Zi Lu
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Liang Wen
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yin To
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Li Huang
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Ya-Li Huang,
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18
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Murray MA, Penza KL, Furst JW, Pecina JL. Comparison of Virtual Management of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis to Traditional In-Person Care. Telemed J E Health 2022; 29:738-743. [PMID: 36251960 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Compare demographics, treatment, and follow-up rates for patients with complaints of vulvovaginitis suggestive of candida infection evaluated via e-visit, face-to-face (F2F) visits, or nurse-administered phone protocol. Methods: Manual review of 150 vaginitis visits of each visit type (e-visit, F2F, and phone protocol) completed between May 5, 2018 through January 31, 2020 by Mayo Clinic patients residing in Minnesota. Outcomes: Comparison between the three visit types of patient characteristics, treatment rates, type of treatment, follow-up rates, and types of follow-up. Results: Patients utilizing phone visits were significantly older than those seeking care via e-visit (p < 0.0001) or F2F (p = 0.001) and were more likely to be treated with oral fluconazole than those treated by e-visit (p < 0.0001) or F2F (p < 0.0001) encounters. Patients were significantly less likely to receive fungal directed treatment at a F2F visit than an e-visit (p < 0.0001) or phone encounter (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in follow-up rates between the three groups. Conclusion: Virtual visits (non-F2F) for suspected vulvovaginal candidiasis are unlikely to result in more follow-up visits than F2F encounters; however, prescriptions for antifungals are significantly higher with virtual visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha A. Murray
- Mayo Clinic Express Care, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Employee and Community Health, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kristine L. Penza
- Mayo Clinic Express Care, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Employee and Community Health, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Joseph W. Furst
- Department of Family Medicine, Employee and Community Health, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Pecina
- Department of Family Medicine, Employee and Community Health, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Greenhalgh T, Shaw SE, Alvarez Nishio A, Booth A, Byng R, Clarke A, Dakin F, Davies R, Faulkner S, Hemmings N, Husain L, Kalin A, Ladds E, Moore L, Rosen R, Rybczynska-Bunt S, Wherton J, Wieringa S. Protocol: Remote care as the 'new normal'? Multi-site case study in UK general practice. NIHR OPEN RESEARCH 2022; 2:46. [PMID: 37881300 PMCID: PMC10593351 DOI: 10.3310/nihropenres.13289.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Background Following a pandemic-driven shift to remote service provision, UK general practices offer telephone, video or online consultation options alongside face-to-face. This study explores practices' varied experiences over time as they seek to establish remote forms of accessing and delivering care. Methods This protocol is for a mixed-methods multi-site case study with co-design and national stakeholder engagement. 11 general practices were selected for diversity in geographical location, size, demographics, ethos, and digital maturity. Each practice has a researcher-in-residence whose role is to become familiar with its context and activity, follow it longitudinally for two years using interviews, public-domain documents and ethnography, and support improvement efforts. Research team members meet regularly to compare and contrast across cases. Practice staff are invited to join online learning events. Patient representatives work locally within their practice patient involvement groups as well as joining an online patient learning set or linking via a non-digital buddy system. NHS Research Ethics Approval has been granted. Governance includes a diverse independent advisory group with lay chair. We also have policy in-reach (national stakeholders sit on our advisory group) and outreach (research team members sit on national policy working groups). Results anticipated We expect to produce rich narratives of contingent change over time, addressing cross-cutting themes including access, triage and capacity; digital and wider inequities; quality and safety of care (e.g. continuity, long-term condition management, timely diagnosis, complex needs); workforce and staff wellbeing (including non-clinical staff, students and trainees); technologies and digital infrastructure; patient perspectives; and sustainability (e.g. carbon footprint). Conclusion By using case study methods focusing on depth and detail, we hope to explain why digital solutions that work well in one practice do not work at all in another. We plan to inform policy and service development through inter-sectoral network-building, stakeholder workshops and topic-focused policy briefings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Sara E Shaw
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | | | - Amy Booth
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | | | - Aileen Clarke
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Francesca Dakin
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | | | - Stuart Faulkner
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | | | - Laiba Husain
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Asli Kalin
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Emma Ladds
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Lucy Moore
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | | | | | - Joseph Wherton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Sietse Wieringa
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
- Centre for Sustainable Health Education, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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20
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Guisado-Gil AB, Benavente RS, Villegas-Portero R, Gil-Navarro MV, Valencia R, Peñalva G, Cisneros JM. Has the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out the seasonality of outpatient antibiotic use and influenza activity? A time-series analysis from 2014 to 2021. Clin Microbiol Infect 2022; 28:881.e7-881.e12. [PMID: 35026376 PMCID: PMC8743485 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the influence of the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and the implementation of public health measures on the seasonality of outpatient antibiotic use and their possible association with the incidence of influenza. METHODS We performed a time-series ecological study in 1516 primary care centres of Andalusia, Spain, comparing the coronavirus disease 2019 period (April 2020 to March 2021) with the 6 previous years. We assessed the number of packs and defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants of antibacterials and key antibiotics commonly used for acute respiratory tract infections and the number of influenza-positive cases per 100 000 inhabitants. We calculated the correlation between variables and analyzed the seasonal patterns and differences in quarterly antibiotic use. RESULTS For all quarters, a significant correlation was observed between influenza activity and antibiotic use (Spearman's r = 0.94; p < 0.001). Before the pandemic period, both variables presented similar seasonal patterns. After the start of the pandemic, influenza activity was suppressed and the pattern of antibiotic use flattened into a straight line (R2 = 0.96; p = 0.022) with a quarterly change of 3.9% (p = 0.007). Total antibiotic use and antibiotics used for treating acute respiratory tract infections showed significant reductions in all quarters compared to the previous year (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has strongly influenced the seasonality of antibiotic use in primary care. The decline in respiratory viruses, among which the influenza virus is a major player that may act as a proxy for general prevalence, is proposed as a reason for the flattening of the seasonal fluctuations of outpatient antibiotic use in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Guisado-Gil
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University of Seville/Spanish National Research Council/University Hospital Virgen del Rocio, Seville, Spain; Department of Pharmacy, University Hospital Virgen del Rocio, Seville, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) on Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Regina Sandra Benavente
- Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines Service, Sub-Directorate of Pharmacy and Provisions, Directorate General of Healthcare and Outcomes in Health, Andalusian Health Service, Seville, Spain
| | - Román Villegas-Portero
- Technical Sub-Directorate of Information Management, Andalusian Health Service, Seville, Spain
| | - María Victoria Gil-Navarro
- Department of Pharmacy, University Hospital Virgen del Rocio, Seville, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) on Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Valencia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University of Seville/Spanish National Research Council/University Hospital Virgen del Rocio, Seville, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) on Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Germán Peñalva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University of Seville/Spanish National Research Council/University Hospital Virgen del Rocio, Seville, Spain.
| | - José Miguel Cisneros
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University of Seville/Spanish National Research Council/University Hospital Virgen del Rocio, Seville, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) on Infectious Diseases, Madrid, Spain
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21
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Antibiotic Prescription Patterns in the Paediatric Primary Care Setting before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: An Analysis Using the AWaRe Metrics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11040457. [PMID: 35453209 PMCID: PMC9025823 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11040457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The containment measures following COVID-19 pandemic drastically reduced airway infections, but they also limited the access of patients to healthcare services. We aimed to assess the antibiotic prescription patterns in the Italian paediatric primary care setting before and after the containment measures implementation. For this retrospective analysis, we used a population database, Pedianet, collecting data of patients aged 0–14 years enrolled with family paediatricians (FP) from March 2019 to March 2021. Antibiotic prescriptions were classified according to WHO AWaRe classification. An interrupted time series evaluating the impact of the containment measures implementation on the monthly antibiotic index, on the access to watch index, and on the amoxicillin to co-amoxiclav index stratified by diagnosis was performed. Overall, 121,304 antibiotic prescriptions were retrieved from 134 FP, for a total of 162,260 children. From March 2020, the antibiotic index dropped by more than 80% for respiratory infections. The Access to Watch trend did not change after the containment measures, reflecting the propensity to prescribe more broad-spectrum antibiotics for respiratory infections even during the pandemic. Similarly, co-amoxiclav was prescribed more often than amoxicillin alone for all the diagnoses, with a significant variation in the trend slope for upper respiratory tract infections prescriptions.
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22
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Gillies MB, Burgner DP, Ivancic L, Nassar N, Miller JE, Sullivan SG, Todd IMF, Pearson S, Schaffer AL, Zoega H. Changes in antibiotic prescribing following COVID-19 restrictions: Lessons for post-pandemic antibiotic stewardship. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 88:1143-1151. [PMID: 34405427 PMCID: PMC8444718 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Public health responses to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission have profoundly affected the epidemiology and management of other infections. We examined the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on antibiotic dispensing in Australia. METHODS We used national claims data to investigate antibiotic dispensing trends from November 2015 to October 2020 and whether changes reflected reductions in primary care consultations. We used interrupted time series analysis to quantify changes in monthly antibiotic dispensing and face-to-face and telehealth GP consultations and examined changes by recipient age, pharmacy State and prescriber specialty. RESULTS Over the study period, an estimated 19 921 370 people had 125 495 137 antibiotic dispensings, 71% prescribed by GPs. Following COVID-19 restrictions, we observed a sustained 36% (95% CI: 33-40%) reduction in antibiotic dispensings from April 2020. Antibiotics recommended for managing respiratory tract infections showed large reductions (range 51-69%), whereas those recommended for non-respiratory infections were unchanged. Dispensings prescribed by GPs decreased from 63.5 per 1000 population for April-October 2019 to 37.0 per 1000 for April-October 2020. Total GP consultation rates remained stable, but from April 2020, 31% of consultations were telehealth. CONCLUSION In a setting with a low COVID-19 incidence, restrictions were associated with a substantial reduction in community dispensings of antibiotics primarily used to treat respiratory infections, coincident with reported reductions in respiratory viral infections. Our findings are informative for post-pandemic antimicrobial stewardship and highlight the potential to reduce inappropriate prescribing by GPs and specialists for respiratory viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm B. Gillies
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of MedicineUNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - David P. Burgner
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research InstituteRoyal Children's HospitalParkvilleAustralia,Department of PaediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Lorraine Ivancic
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Natasha Nassar
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyAustralia,Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Jessica E. Miller
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research InstituteRoyal Children's HospitalParkvilleAustralia,Department of PaediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleAustralia
| | - Sheena G. Sullivan
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourneat the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and ImmunityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Isobel M. F. Todd
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research InstituteRoyal Children's HospitalParkvilleAustralia
| | - Sallie‐Anne Pearson
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of MedicineUNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Andrea L. Schaffer
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of MedicineUNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Helga Zoega
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of MedicineUNSW SydneySydneyAustralia,Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of IcelandReykjavikIceland
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23
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Antibiotic Prescribing in Dutch Daytime and Out-of-Hours General Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Database Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11030309. [PMID: 35326772 PMCID: PMC8944515 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11030309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in major changes in healthcare, including the prescribing of antibiotics. We aimed to monitor antibiotic prescribing trends during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dutch general practice, both during daytime and out-of-hours (OOH). Routine care data were used from 379 daytime general practices (DGP) and 28 OOH-services over the period 2019–2021. Per week, we analyzed prescription rates per 100,000 inhabitants, overall, for respiratory and urinary tract infections (RTIs and UTIs) specifically and within age categories. We assessed changes in antibiotic prescribing during different phases of the pandemic using interrupted time series analyses. Both at DGPs and OOH-services significantly fewer antibiotics were prescribed during the COVID-19 pandemic after government measures became effective. Furthermore, the number of contacts decreased in both settings. When restrictions were revoked in 2021 prescription rates increased both at DGP and OOH-services, returning to pre-pandemic levels at OOH-services, but not in DGP. Changes in antibiotic prescribing rates were prominent for RTIs and among children up to 11 years old, but not for UTIs. To conclude, while antibiotic prescribing decreased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic both in daytime and out-of-hours, the pandemic does not seem to have a lasting effect on antibiotic prescribing.
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24
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Clavería A, Delgado-Martín MV, Goicoechea-Castaño A, Iglesias-Moreno JM, García-Cendón C, Martín-Miguel MV, Villarino-Moure R, Barreiro-Arceiz C, Rey-Gómez-Serranillos I, Roca J. Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the Consumption of Antibiotics in an Atlantic European Region during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020264. [PMID: 35203866 PMCID: PMC8868325 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing concern about bacterial resistance has made the rational prescription of antibiotics even more urgent. The non-pharmacological measures established to reduce the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have modified the epidemiology of pediatric infections and, consequently, the use of antibiotics. Interrupted time series (ITS) analyses are quasi-experimental studies that allow for the estimation of causal effects with observational data in “natural experiments”, such as changes in health policies or pandemics. The effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the incidence of infectious diseases and the use of antibiotics between 2018 and 2020 in the Health Area of Vigo (Galicia, Spain) was quantified and analyzed. This paper outlines a real-world data study with administrative records from primary care services provided for the pediatric population. The records were related to episodes classified as infectious by the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2) and oral medication in the therapeutic subgroup J01, corresponding to antibiotics for systemic use, according to the World Health Organization’s Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system. The records were classified according to incident episodes, age, dose per inhabitant, and year. Segmented regression models were applied using an algorithm that automatically identifies the number and position of the change points. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the number of infectious diseases being transmitted between individuals, through the air and through the fecal–oral route, significantly decreased, and a slight decrease in infections transmitted via other mechanisms (urinary tract infections) was also found. In parallel, during the months of the pandemic, there has been a marked and significant reduction in antibacterial agent utilization, mainly of penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Clavería
- Galicia South Health Research Institute, Health Area of Vigo, Galician Health Service, 36201 Vigo, Spain;
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), 08007 Barcelona, Spain;
| | | | - Ana Goicoechea-Castaño
- Sárdoma Health Center, Health Area of Vigo, Galician Health Service, 36214 Vigo, Spain; (A.G.-C.); (R.V.-M.)
| | - José Manuel Iglesias-Moreno
- Val Miñor Health Center, Health Area of Vigo, Galician Health Service, 36350 Vigo, Spain; (J.M.I.-M.); (C.G.-C.)
| | - Clara García-Cendón
- Val Miñor Health Center, Health Area of Vigo, Galician Health Service, 36350 Vigo, Spain; (J.M.I.-M.); (C.G.-C.)
| | - María Victoria Martín-Miguel
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), 08007 Barcelona, Spain;
- Vigo Family and Community Medicine and Nursing Teaching Unit, Health Area of Vigo, Galician Health Service, 36201 Vigo, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Rita Villarino-Moure
- Sárdoma Health Center, Health Area of Vigo, Galician Health Service, 36214 Vigo, Spain; (A.G.-C.); (R.V.-M.)
| | | | | | - Javier Roca
- Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), 08007 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación e Tecnoloxía Matemática de Galicia (CITMAGA), Campus Vida, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Statistics and Operational Research, University of Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
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25
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Dutcher L, Li Y, Lee G, Grundmeier R, Hamilton KW, Gerber JS. COVID-19 and Antibiotic Prescribing in Pediatric Primary Care. Pediatrics 2022; 149:184457. [PMID: 35102416 PMCID: PMC9825803 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES With the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, pediatric ambulatory encounter volume and antibiotic prescribing both decreased; however, the durability of these reductions in pediatric primary care in the United States has not been assessed. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures on antibiotic prescribing in 27 pediatric primary care practices. Encounters from January 1, 2018, through June 30, 2021, were included. The primary outcome was monthly antibiotic prescriptions per 1000 patients. Interrupted time series analysis was performed. RESULTS There were 69 327 total antibiotic prescriptions from April through December in 2019 and 18 935 antibiotic prescriptions during the same months in 2020, a 72.7% reduction. The reduction in prescriptions at visits for respiratory tract infection (RTI) accounted for 87.3% of this decrease. Using interrupted time series analysis, overall antibiotic prescriptions decreased from 31.6 to 6.4 prescriptions per 1000 patients in April 2020 (difference of -25.2 prescriptions per 1000 patients; 95% CI: -32.9 to -17.5). This was followed by a nonsignificant monthly increase in antibiotic prescriptions, with prescribing beginning to rebound from April to June 2021. Encounter volume also immediately decreased, and while overall encounter volume quickly started to recover, RTI encounter volume returned more slowly. CONCLUSIONS Reductions in antibiotic prescribing in pediatric primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic were sustained, only beginning to rise in 2021, primarily driven by reductions in RTI encounters. Reductions in viral RTI transmission likely played a substantial role in reduced RTI visits and antibiotic prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Dutcher
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;,Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;,Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Giyoung Lee
- Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert Grundmeier
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;,Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Keith W. Hamilton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey S. Gerber
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;,Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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26
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Borek AJ, Maitland K, McLeod M, Campbell A, Hayhoe B, Butler CC, Morrell L, Roope LSJ, Holmes A, Walker AS, Tonkin-Crine S. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Community Antibiotic Prescribing and Stewardship: A Qualitative Interview Study with General Practitioners in England. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121531. [PMID: 34943743 PMCID: PMC8698307 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the delivery of primary care services. We aimed to identify general practitioners’ (GPs’) perceptions and experiences of how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced antibiotic prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in general practice in England. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 GPs at two time-points: autumn 2020 (14 interviews) and spring 2021 (10 interviews). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically, taking a longitudinal approach. Participants reported a lower threshold for antibiotic prescribing (and fewer consultations) for respiratory infections and COVID-19 symptoms early in the pandemic, then returning to more usual (pre-pandemic) prescribing. They perceived the pandemic as having had less impact on antibiotic prescribing for urinary and skin infections. Participants perceived the changing ways of working and consulting (e.g., proportions of remote and in-person consultations) in addition to changing patient presentations and GP workloads as influencing the fluctuations in antibiotic prescribing. This was compounded by decreased engagement with, and priority of, AMS due to COVID-19-related urgent priorities. Re-engagement with AMS is needed, e.g., through reviving antibiotic prescribing feedback and targets/incentives. The pandemic disrupted, and required adaptations in, the usual ways of working and AMS. It is now important to identify opportunities, e.g., for re-organising ways of managing infections and AMS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra J. Borek
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (K.M.); (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Katherine Maitland
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (K.M.); (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.)
| | - Monsey McLeod
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (M.M.); (A.C.); (A.H.)
- Centre for Medication Safety and Service Quality, Pharmacy Department, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W6 8RF, UK
- NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College London, London W6 8RF, UK
| | - Anne Campbell
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (M.M.); (A.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Benedict Hayhoe
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London W6 8RP, UK;
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London, London W6 8RP, UK
| | - Christopher C. Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (K.M.); (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.)
| | - Liz Morrell
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (L.M.); (L.S.J.R.)
| | - Laurence S. J. Roope
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK; (L.M.); (L.S.J.R.)
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
| | - Alison Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (M.M.); (A.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Ann Sarah Walker
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; (K.M.); (C.C.B.); (S.T.-C.)
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
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27
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Face-to-face versus telehealth consultations during COVID-19 in australian general practice: comparison of medication prescribing. BJGP Open 2021; 6:BJGPO.2021.0132. [PMID: 34819296 PMCID: PMC8958736 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2021.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been a precipitous rise in telehealth use in general practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding differences between face-to-face and telehealth consulting is an important component for planning the future use of telehealth services beyond the pandemic. However, there is limited evidence on whether telehealth consulting impacts medication prescribing under pandemic circumstances. Aim To compare medication prescribing in face-to-face consultations with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australian general practice. Design & setting A multisite, retrospective observational study. De-identified routinely collected electronic health data were used, which were extracted from 806 general practices in Victoria and New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between April and December 2020. Method The primary outcome measure was whether at least one medication was prescribed following a telehealth or face-to-face consultation. Data were reported by medication and for each of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system level 1 groups. The secondary outcome measure was first-time prescribing. Telehealth included both telephone and video consultations. Results A total of 13 608 216 consultations satisfied the inclusion criteria (61.0% face to face and 39.0% telehealth). Most telehealth consultations were conducted via telephone (97.8%). Overall, 39.3% of face-to-face and 33.0% of telehealth consultations prescribed at least one medication, which is a statistically significant difference (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.379 to 1.381). The prescribing rate was greater for face-to-face versus telehealth consultations for all drug groups except ATC level 1N (nervous system). Conclusion Under COVID-19 restrictions in the states of Victoria and NSW, Australia, medication prescribing was higher in face-to-face consultations when compared with telehealth consultations in the study population.
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28
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Kitano T, Brown KA, Daneman N, MacFadden DR, Langford BJ, Leung V, So M, Leung E, Burrows L, Manuel D, Bowdish DME, Maxwell CJ, Bronskill SE, Brooks JI, Schwartz KL. The Impact of COVID-19 on Outpatient Antibiotic Prescriptions in Ontario, Canada; An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab533. [PMID: 34805442 PMCID: PMC8601042 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has potentially impacted outpatient antibiotic prescribing. Investigating this impact may identify stewardship opportunities in the ongoing COVID-19 period and beyond. Methods We conducted an interrupted time series analysis on outpatient antibiotic prescriptions and antibiotic prescriptions/patient visits in Ontario, Canada, between January 2017 and December 2020 to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on population-level antibiotic prescribing by prescriber specialty, patient demographics, and conditions. Results In the evaluated COVID-19 period (March–December 2020), there was a 31.2% (95% CI, 27.0% to 35.1%) relative reduction in total antibiotic prescriptions. Total outpatient antibiotic prescriptions decreased during the COVID-19 period by 37.1% (95% CI, 32.5% to 41.3%) among family physicians, 30.7% (95% CI, 25.8% to 35.2%) among subspecialist physicians, 12.1% (95% CI, 4.4% to 19.2%) among dentists, and 25.7% (95% CI, 21.4% to 29.8%) among other prescribers. Antibiotics indicated for respiratory infections decreased by 43.7% (95% CI, 38.4% to 48.6%). Total patient visits and visits for respiratory infections decreased by 10.7% (95% CI, 5.4% to 15.6%) and 49.9% (95% CI, 43.1% to 55.9%). Total antibiotic prescriptions/1000 visits decreased by 27.5% (95% CI, 21.5% to 33.0%), while antibiotics indicated for respiratory infections/1000 visits with respiratory infections only decreased by 6.8% (95% CI, 2.7% to 10.8%). Conclusions The reduction in outpatient antibiotic prescribing during the COVID-19 pandemic was driven by less antibiotic prescribing for respiratory indications and largely explained by decreased visits for respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taito Kitano
- The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin A Brown
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nick Daneman
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derek R MacFadden
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Valerie Leung
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Toronto East Health Network, Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miranda So
- Sinai Health System-University Health Network Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Leung
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Unity Health Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lori Burrows
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas Manuel
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dawn M E Bowdish
- Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen J Maxwell
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan E Bronskill
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James I Brooks
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin L Schwartz
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Unity Health Network, St. Joseph Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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29
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Antibiotic prescribing for acute infections in synchronous telehealth consultations: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJGP Open 2021; 5:BJGPO.2021.0106. [PMID: 34497096 PMCID: PMC9447298 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2021.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antibiotic overprescribing is a major concern that contributes to the problem of antibiotic resistance. Aim To assess the effect on antibiotic prescribing in primary care of telehealth (TH) consultations compared with face-to-face (F2F). Design & setting Systematic review and meta-analysis of adult or paediatric patients with a history of a community-acquired acute infection (respiratory, urinary, or skin and soft tissue). Studies were included that compared synchronous TH consultations (phone or video-based) to F2F consultations in primary care. Method PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL (inception–2021), clinical trial registries and citing–cited references of included studies were searched. Two review authors independently screened the studies and extracted the data. Results Thirteen studies were identified. The one small randomised controlled trial (RCT) found a non-significant 25% relative increase in antibiotic prescribing in the TH group. The remaining 10 were observational studies but did not control well for confounding and, therefore, were at high risk of bias. When pooled by specific infections, there was no consistent pattern. The six studies of sinusitis — including one before–after study — showed significantly less prescribing for acute rhinosinusitis in TH consultations, whereas the two studies of acute otitis media showed a significant increase. Pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, and urinary tract infections showed non-significant higher prescribing in the TH group. Bronchitis showed no change in prescribing. Conclusion The impact of TH on prescribing appears to vary between conditions, with more increases than reductions. There is insufficient evidence to draw strong conclusions, however, and higher quality research is urgently needed.
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Babel A, Taneja R, Mondello Malvestiti F, Monaco A, Donde S. Artificial Intelligence Solutions to Increase Medication Adherence in Patients With Non-communicable Diseases. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:669869. [PMID: 34713142 PMCID: PMC8521858 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.669869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly being used within healthcare for various purposes, including helping patients to adhere to drug regimens. The aim of this narrative review was to describe: (1) studies on AI tools that can be used to measure and increase medication adherence in patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs); (2) the benefits of using AI for these purposes; (3) challenges of the use of AI in healthcare; and (4) priorities for future research. We discuss the current AI technologies, including mobile phone applications, reminder systems, tools for patient empowerment, instruments that can be used in integrated care, and machine learning. The use of AI may be key to understanding the complex interplay of factors that underly medication non-adherence in NCD patients. AI-assisted interventions aiming to improve communication between patients and physicians, monitor drug consumption, empower patients, and ultimately, increase adherence levels may lead to better clinical outcomes and increase the quality of life of NCD patients. However, the use of AI in healthcare is challenged by numerous factors; the characteristics of users can impact the effectiveness of an AI tool, which may lead to further inequalities in healthcare, and there may be concerns that it could depersonalize medicine. The success and widespread use of AI technologies will depend on data storage capacity, processing power, and other infrastructure capacities within healthcare systems. Research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of AI solutions in different patient groups and establish the barriers to widespread adoption, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a rapid increase in the use and development of digital health technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Babel
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Richi Taneja
- Medical Product Evaluation, Pfizer Ltd, Mumbai, India
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Ruiz-Garbajosa P, Cantón R. COVID-19: Impact on prescribing and antimicrobial resistance. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2021; 34 Suppl 1:63-68. [PMID: 34598431 PMCID: PMC8683018 DOI: 10.37201/req/s01.19.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic challenged health-care systems focusing their activity on patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Previous experience with co-infections and superinfections in patients infected with other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS), the influenza patients admitted to hospitals and prevention of the unknown led to the increased empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in hospitals. The breakdown of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programs determine an increase in infections due to multi-drug-resistant bacteria, particularly in intensive care units. Most of these infections are related to high-risk carbapenemase-producing clones and occasionally with resistance to new β-lactamβ-lactamase inhibitor combinations. On the contrary, in the primary care, there has been a decrease in the use of antimicrobials during the first wave, although it would not have had a significant impact on pathogens associated with community-acquired infections. The accumulated experience reaffirms the need to maintain antimicrobial stewardship and infection control programs in future health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Cantón
- Rafael Cantón, Servicio de Microbiología. Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS). Madrid. Spain.
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Lemenand O, Coeffic T, Thibaut S, Colomb Cotinat M, Caillon J, Birgand G. Decreasing proportion of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase among E. coli infections during the COVID-19 pandemic in France. J Infect 2021; 83:664-670. [PMID: 34600019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 and national pandemic response on the epidemiology of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing E. coli (ESBL-E.coli) in France. METHODS Individual microbiology records from clinical laboratories were analyzed between 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. The ESBL-E.coli rates from clinical samples of patients in primary care and nursing home residents were compared before and after the general lockdown in March 2020, according to demographic and geographical characteristics. Interrupted time series analyses were performed to detect measurable changes in the trend of ESBL-E.coli rates. RESULTS Records covering 793,954 E. coli isolates from 1022 clinical laboratories were analyzed. In primary care, 3.1% of E. coli isolates from clinical samples were producing ESBL before March 2020 and 2.9% since May 2020 (p < 0.001). The proportion of ESBL-E.coli decreased significantly among urine cultures, females, age categories 5-19, 40-64, > 65 year-old, and in the North, West, East and South-East regions. In nursing home, the ESBL-E.coli rate was 9.3% (monthly rate min-max: 6.5-10.5%) before March 2020 and 8.3% (7.2-9.1%) since May 2020 (p < 0.001). The reduction rate accelerated from -0.04%/month to -0.22%/month from May 2020 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Investigation of factors that led to the decreased proportion of ESBL-E.coli during the COVID-19 pandemic is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Lemenand
- Centre d'appui à la prévention des infections associées aux soins des Pays de la Loire. CHU - Le Tourville, 5 rue Pr Yves Boquien, Nantes 44093, France
| | - Thomas Coeffic
- Centre d'appui à la prévention des infections associées aux soins des Pays de la Loire. CHU - Le Tourville, 5 rue Pr Yves Boquien, Nantes 44093, France
| | - Sonia Thibaut
- Centre d'appui à la prévention des infections associées aux soins des Pays de la Loire. CHU - Le Tourville, 5 rue Pr Yves Boquien, Nantes 44093, France
| | | | - Jocelyne Caillon
- Centre d'appui à la prévention des infections associées aux soins des Pays de la Loire. CHU - Le Tourville, 5 rue Pr Yves Boquien, Nantes 44093, France
| | - Gabriel Birgand
- Centre d'appui à la prévention des infections associées aux soins des Pays de la Loire. CHU - Le Tourville, 5 rue Pr Yves Boquien, Nantes 44093, France; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance at Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, United Kingdom.
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Hayes CV, Mahon B, Sides E, Allison R, Lecky DM, McNulty CAM. Empowering Patients to Self-Manage Common Infections: Qualitative Study Informing the Development of an Evidence-Based Patient Information Leaflet. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1113. [PMID: 34572695 PMCID: PMC8464808 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091113] [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: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Common self-limiting infections can be self-managed by patients, potentially reducing consultations and unnecessary antibiotic use. This qualitative study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) aimed to explore healthcare professionals' (HCPs) and patients' needs on provision of self-care and safety-netting advice for common infections. Twenty-seven patients and seven HCPs participated in semi-structured focus groups (FGs) and interviews. An information leaflet was iteratively developed and reviewed by participants in interviews and FGs, and an additional 5 HCPs, and 25 patients (identifying from minority ethnic groups) via online questionnaires. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, double-coded, and mapped to the TDF. Participants required information on symptom duration, safety netting, self-care, and antibiotics. Patients felt confident to self-care and were averse to consulting with HCPs unnecessarily but struggled to assess symptom severity. Patients reported seeking help for children or elderly dependents earlier. HCPs' concerns included patients' attitudes and a lack of available monitoring of advice given to patients. Participants believed community pharmacy should be the first place that patients seek advice on common infections. The patient information leaflet on common infections should be used in primary care and community pharmacy to support patients to self-manage symptoms and determine when further help is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine V. Hayes
- Primary Care and Interventions Unit, Public Health England, Gloucester GL1 1DQ, UK; (B.M.); (E.S.); (R.A.); (D.M.L.); (C.A.M.M.)
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Silva TM, Estrela M, Gomes ER, Piñeiro-Lamas M, Figueiras A, Roque F, Herdeiro MT. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Prescribing Trends in Outpatient Care: A Nationwide, Quasi-Experimental Approach. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1040. [PMID: 34572622 PMCID: PMC8465975 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10091040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally and is currently having a damaging impact on nearly all countries in the world. The implementation of stringent measures to stop COVID-19 dissemination had an influence on healthcare services and associated procedures, possibly causing antibiotic consumption fluctuations. This paper aims to evaluate the immediate and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic prescribing trends in outpatient care of the Portuguese public health sector, including in primary healthcare centers and hospitals, as well as on specific antibiotic groups known to be closely associated with increased resistance. Segmented regression analysis with interrupted time series data was used to analyze whether the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact in antibiotic prescribing tendencies at a national level. The outcomes from this quasi-experimental approach demonstrate that, at the beginning of the pandemic, a significant, immediate decrease in the overall antibiotic prescribing trends was noticed in the context of outpatient care in Portugal, followed by a statistically non-significant fall over the long term. The data also showed a significant reduction in the prescription of particular antibiotic classes (antibiotics from the Watch group, 3rd-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and clarithromycin) upon COVID-19 emergence. These findings revealed an important disruption in antibiotics prescribing caused by the current public health emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Magalhães Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, iBiMED—Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, 3810 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.E.); (M.T.H.)
| | - Marta Estrela
- Department of Medical Sciences, iBiMED—Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, 3810 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.E.); (M.T.H.)
| | - Eva Rebelo Gomes
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Service, University Hospital Center of Porto, 4099 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Maria Piñeiro-Lamas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health—CIBERESP), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Adolfo Figueiras
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health—CIBERESP), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Fátima Roque
- Research Unit for Inland Development, Guarda Polytechnic Institute (UDI-IPG), 6300 Guarda, Portugal;
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), 6200 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Herdeiro
- Department of Medical Sciences, iBiMED—Institute of Biomedicine, University of Aveiro, 3810 Aveiro, Portugal; (M.E.); (M.T.H.)
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Greenhalgh T, Rosen R, Shaw SE, Byng R, Faulkner S, Finlay T, Grundy E, Husain L, Hughes G, Leone C, Moore L, Papoutsi C, Pope C, Rybczynska-Bunt S, Rushforth A, Wherton J, Wieringa S, Wood GW. Planning and Evaluating Remote Consultation Services: A New Conceptual Framework Incorporating Complexity and Practical Ethics. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:726095. [PMID: 34713199 PMCID: PMC8521880 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.726095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing and running remote consultation services is challenging politically (interest groups may gain or lose), organizationally (remote consulting requires implementation work and new roles and workflows), economically (costs and benefits are unevenly distributed across the system), technically (excellent care needs dependable links and high-quality audio and images), relationally (interpersonal interactions are altered), and clinically (patients are unique, some examinations require contact, and clinicians have deeply-held habits, dispositions and norms). Many of these challenges have an under-examined ethical dimension. In this paper, we present a novel framework, Planning and Evaluating Remote Consultation Services (PERCS), built from a literature review and ongoing research. PERCS has 7 domains-the reason for consulting, the patient, the clinical relationship, the home and family, technologies, staff, the healthcare organization, and the wider system-and considers how these domains interact and evolve over time as a complex system. It focuses attention on the organization's digital maturity and digital inclusion efforts. We have found that both during and beyond the pandemic, policymakers envisaged an efficient, safe and accessible remote consultation service delivered through state-of-the art digital technologies and implemented via rational allocation criteria and quality standards. In contrast, our empirical data reveal that strategic decisions about establishing remote consultation services, allocation decisions for appointment type (phone, video, e-, face-to-face), and clinical decisions when consulting remotely are fraught with contradictions and tensions-for example, between demand management and patient choice-leading to both large- and small-scale ethical dilemmas for managers, support staff, and clinicians. These dilemmas cannot be resolved by standard operating procedures or algorithms. Rather, they must be managed by attending to here-and-now practicalities and emergent narratives, drawing on guiding principles applied with contextual judgement. We complement the PERCS framework with a set of principles for informing its application in practice, including education of professionals and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sara E. Shaw
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Byng
- Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Faulkner
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Finlay
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Laiba Husain
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma Hughes
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lucy Moore
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chrysanthi Papoutsi
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Pope
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Rybczynska-Bunt
- Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Rushforth
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Wherton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sietse Wieringa
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gary W. Wood
- Independent Research Consultant, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Wilcock M, Hay AD. Can we achieve shorter antibiotic courses in primary care? Drug Ther Bull 2021; 59:131-132. [PMID: 34341006 DOI: 10.1136/dtb.2020.000079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alastair D Hay
- Professor of Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Frazer JS, Frazer GR. Analysis of primary care prescription trends in England during the COVID-19 pandemic compared against a predictive model. Fam Med Community Health 2021; 9:fmch-2021-001143. [PMID: 34344766 PMCID: PMC8338320 DOI: 10.1136/fmch-2021-001143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact across primary care. Primary care services have seen an upheaval, and more and more patients are engaging in telephone consultations in order to maintain social distancing. In the present study, we seek to quantify the effect of the pandemic on primary care prescribing. Design We conducted a retrospective analysis of the English Prescribing Dataset from January 2014 to November 2020, totalling 7 542 293 921 prescriptions. Data were separated into prepandemic and pandemic sets. A Holt-Winters predictive model was used to forecast individual drug prescribing based on historic trends. Observed data were compared with the forecast quantitatively and qualitatively. Setting All prescriptions signed in England and dispensed during the years 2014–2020. Participants All residents of England who received a prescription from primary care facilities during 2014–2020. Results Prescribing of numerous health-critical medications was above predicted in March 2020, including salbutamol (53.0% (99% CI (41.2% to 66.9%))), insulin aspart (26.9% (99% CI (18.5% to 36.6%))) and tacrolimus (18.6% (99% CI (8.3% to 31.1%))). Medications for end-of-life symptom control increased in April, including levomepromazine hydrochloride (94.7% (99% CI (54.6% to 163.0%))). Medications requiring face-to-face visits decreased, including the local anaesthetic bupivacaine hydrochloride (86.6% (99% CI (89.3% to 82.0%))). There was no observed change in medications relating to type 2 diabetes, hypertension or mental health conditions. Conclusions Significantly increased prescribing of several medications was observed, especially among those critical for health. A dramatic spike in end-of-life prescribing highlights the adversity faced by community practitioners during 2020. Medications involving face-to-face consultations declined, as did contraceptives, travel-related vaccines and drugs used in dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Drugs relating to type 2 diabetes, hypertension and mental health were unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Scott Frazer
- Somerville College, University of Oxford, Somerville College, Oxford, UK
| | - Glenn Ross Frazer
- School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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The potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic stewardship. Virusdisease 2021; 32:330-337. [PMID: 34056051 PMCID: PMC8145182 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-021-00695-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance continue to kill an estimated 700,000 people annually, and this number is projected to increase ten-fold by 2050. With the lack of data, it is uncertain how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect antimicrobial resistance. Severe disruption of research, innovation, global health programs, and compromised antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention and control programs, especially in low-and middle-income countries, could affect antimicrobial resistance. However, factors such as strict lockdown, social distancing, vaccination, and the extensive implementation of hand hygiene and face masks, with limited international travel and migration, may also contribute to decreasing AMR. Although the impact of COVID-19 on AMR is global, the adverse effect is likely to be worse in LMICs. In this article, we explore the possible impact of the current pandemic on antibiotic resistance.
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Rusic D, Vilovic M, Bukic J, Leskur D, Seselja Perisin A, Kumric M, Martinovic D, Petric A, Modun D, Bozic J. Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Emergence of Antimicrobial Resistance: Adjusting the Response to Future Outbreaks. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11030220. [PMID: 33801799 PMCID: PMC8000815 DOI: 10.3390/life11030220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The net effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the response to it on the emergence of antimicrobial resistance is yet unknown. Positive impacts on the spread of multiresistant pathogens and infections in general may be observed with the implementation of general preventative measures for the spread of infectious disease such as social distancing, reduced travel and increased personal hygiene. This pandemic has accelerated the development of novel technologies, such as mRNA vaccines, that may be used to fight other diseases. These should be capitalized upon to manage the ongoing antimicrobial resistance pandemic in the background. However, it is likely that the COVID-19 pandemic is fueling the emergence of antimicrobial resistance due to high rates of inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing, the high use of biocides and the interruption of treatment for other conditions. Clinical uncertainty driven by the lack of effective diagnostics and practice of telemedicine may have driven the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. As pathogens know no borders, increased focus is needed for infectious diseases still threatening low- and middle-income countries such as tuberculosis. Stewardship measures for future outbreaks should stress the importance of social distancing and hand washing but discourage the overuse of disinfectants and antimicrobials that are not proven effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Rusic
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (D.L.); (A.S.P.); (A.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Marino Vilovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (M.V.); (M.K.); (D.M.)
| | - Josipa Bukic
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (D.L.); (A.S.P.); (A.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Dario Leskur
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (D.L.); (A.S.P.); (A.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Ana Seselja Perisin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (D.L.); (A.S.P.); (A.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Marko Kumric
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (M.V.); (M.K.); (D.M.)
| | - Dinko Martinovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (M.V.); (M.K.); (D.M.)
| | - Ana Petric
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (D.L.); (A.S.P.); (A.P.); (D.M.)
- Split-Dalmatia County Pharmacy, Kneza Ljudevita Posavskog 12 b, 21 000 Split, Croatia
| | - Darko Modun
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (J.B.); (D.L.); (A.S.P.); (A.P.); (D.M.)
| | - Josko Bozic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia; (M.V.); (M.K.); (D.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Antibiotic Prescribing for Common Infections in The Netherlands: A Primary Care-Based Observational Cohort Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10020196. [PMID: 33670657 PMCID: PMC7922191 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought dramatic changes in the delivery of primary health care across the world, presumably changing the number of consultations for infectious diseases and antibiotic use. We aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on infections and antibiotic prescribing in Dutch primary care. All patients included in the routine health care database of the Julius General Practitioners’ Network were followed from March through May 2019 (n = 389,708) and March through May 2020 (n = 405,688). We extracted data on consultations for respiratory/ear, urinary tract, gastrointestinal and skin infections using the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC) codes. These consultations were combined in disease episodes and linked to antibiotic prescriptions. The numbers of infectious disease episodes (total and those treated with antibiotics), complications, and antibiotic prescription rates (i.e., proportion of episodes treated with antibiotics) were calculated and compared between the study periods in 2019 and 2020. Fewer episodes were observed during the pandemic months than in the same months in 2019 for both the four infectious disease entities and complications such as pneumonia, mastoiditis and pyelonephritis. The largest decline was seen for gastrointestinal infections (relative risk (RR), 0.54; confidence interval (CI), 0.51 to 0.58) and skin infections (RR, 0.71; CI, 0.67 to 0.75). The number of episodes treated with antibiotics declined as well, with the largest decrease seen for respiratory/ear infections (RR, 0.54; CI, 0.52 to 0.58). The antibiotic prescription rate for respiratory/ear infections declined from 21% to 13% (difference −8.0% (CI, −8.8 to −7.2)), yet the prescription rates for other infectious disease entities remained similar or increased slightly. The decreases in primary care infectious disease episodes and antibiotic use were most pronounced in weeks 15–19, mid-COVID-19 wave, after an initial peak in respiratory/ear infection presentation in week 11, the first week of lock-down. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on the presentation of infectious disease episodes and antibiotic use in primary care in the Netherlands. Consequently, the number of infectious disease episodes treated with antibiotics decreased. We found no evidence of an increase in complications.
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Zhu N, Aylin P, Rawson T, Gilchrist M, Majeed A, Holmes A. Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on primary care antibiotic prescribing in North West London across two epidemic waves. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:S1198-743X(21)00082-3. [PMID: 33601010 PMCID: PMC7884225 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the impact of COVID-19 and national pandemic response on primary care antibiotic prescribing in London. METHODS Individual prescribing records between 2015 and 2020 for 2 million residents in north west London were analysed. Prescribing records were linked to SARS-CoV-2 test results. Prescribing volumes, in total, and stratified by patient characteristics, antibiotic class and AWaRe classification, were investigated. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to detect measurable change in the trend of prescribing volume since the national lockdown in March 2020, immediately before the first COVID-19 peak in London. RESULTS Records covering 366 059 patients, 730 001 antibiotic items and 848 201 SARS-CoV-2 tests between January and November 2020 were analysed. Before March 2020, there was a background downward trend (decreasing by 584 items/month) in primary care antibiotic prescribing. This reduction rate accelerated to 3504 items/month from March 2020. This rate of decrease was sustained beyond the initial peak, continuing into winter and the second peak. Despite an overall reduction in prescribing volume, co-amoxiclav, a broad-spectrum "Access" antibiotic, prescribing rose by 70.1% in patients aged 50 and older from February to April. Commonly prescribed antibiotics within 14 days of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test were amoxicillin (863/2474, 34.9%) and doxycycline (678/2474, 27.4%). This aligned with national guidelines on management of community pneumonia of unclear cause. The proportion of "Watch" antibiotics used decreased during the peak in COVID-19. DISCUSSION A sustained reduction in community antibiotic prescribing has been observed since the first lockdown. Investigation of community-onset infectious diseases and potential unintended consequences of reduced prescribing is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Zhu
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Aylin
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy Rawson
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK; Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, South Kensington, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mark Gilchrist
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK; Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, South Kensington, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alison Holmes
- National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK; Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, South Kensington, UK; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
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Outpatient antibiotic prescribing for common infections via telemedicine versus face-to-face visits: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 1:e24. [PMID: 36168456 PMCID: PMC9495625 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2021.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the frequency of antibiotic prescribing for common infections via telemedicine compared to face-to-face visits. Design: Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Embase (Elsevier platform) and Cochrane CENTRAL to identify studies comparing frequency of antibiotic prescribing via telemedicine and face-to-face visits without restrictions by publish dates or language used. We conducted meta-analyses of 5 infections: sinusitis, pharyngitis, otitis media, upper respiratory infection (URI) and urinary tract infection (UTI). Random-effect models were used to obtain pooled odds ratios (ORs). Heterogeneity was evaluated with I2 estimation and the Cochran Q statistic test. Results: Among 3,106 studies screened, 23 studies (1 randomized control study, 22 observational studies) were included in the systematic literature review. Most of the studies (21 of 23) were conducted in the United States. Studies were substantially heterogenous, but stratified analyses revealed that providers prescribed antibiotics more frequently via telemedicine for otitis media (pooled odds ratio [OR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.52; I2 = 31%) and pharyngitis (pooled OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01–1.33; I2 = 0%). We detected no significant difference in the frequencies of antibiotic prescribing for sinusitis (pooled OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.70–1.06; I2 = 91%), URI (pooled OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.59–2.39; I2 = 100%), or UTI (pooled OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 0.88–7.46; I2 = 91%). Conclusions: Telemedicine visits for otitis media and pharyngitis were associated with higher rates of antibiotic prescribing. The interpretation of these findings requires caution due to substantial heterogeneity among available studies. Large-scale, well-designed studies with comprehensive assessment of antibiotic prescribing for common outpatient infections comparing telemedicine and face-to-face visits are needed to validate our findings.
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