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BMC Primary Care
Published in: BMC Primary Care 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Not a magic pill: a qualitative exploration of provider perspectives on antibiotic prescribing in the outpatient setting

Authors: Traci D. Yates, Marion E. Davis, Yhenneko J. Taylor, Lisa Davidson, Crystal D. Connor, Katherine Buehler, Melanie D. Spencer

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics poses an urgent public health threat. Limited research has examined factors associated with antibiotic prescribing practices in outpatient settings. The goals of this study were to explore elements influencing provider decisions to prescribe antibiotics, identify provider recommendations for interventions to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, and inform the clinical management of patients in the outpatient environment for infections that do not require antibiotics.

Methods

This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with key informants. Seventeen outpatient providers (10 medical doctors and 7 advanced care practitioners) within a large healthcare system in Charlotte, North Carolina, participated. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes.

Results

Primary barriers to reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing included patient education and expectations, system-level factors, and time constraints. Providers indicated they would be interested in having system-wide, evidence-based guidelines to inform their prescribing decisions and that they would also be receptive to efforts to improve their awareness of their own prescribing practices. Results further suggested that providers experience a high demand for antibiotic prescriptions; consequently, patient education around appropriate use would be beneficial.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that antibiotic prescribing in the outpatient setting is influenced by many pressures, including patient demand and patient satisfaction. Training on appropriate antibiotic prescribing, guideline-based decision support, feedback on prescribing practices, and patient education are recommended interventions to improve levels of appropriate prescribing.
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Metadata
Title
Not a magic pill: a qualitative exploration of provider perspectives on antibiotic prescribing in the outpatient setting
Authors
Traci D. Yates
Marion E. Davis
Yhenneko J. Taylor
Lisa Davidson
Crystal D. Connor
Katherine Buehler
Melanie D. Spencer
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-018-0788-4

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