UQCCR researchers studies antibiotic duration in children - Lancet

27 Jun 2016

Antibiotic duration and timing of the switch from intravenous to oral route for bacterial infections in children: systematic review and guidelines

A pilot program aimed at stemming antibiotic resistance has successfully reduced prescribing rates among participating doctors.

The University of Queensland led study involved more than 100 general practitioners from almost 30 practices across south east Queensland.

Chief Investigator Professor Charles Gilks from the UQ School of Public Health said there was a seven per cent reduction in the rates of antibiotic prescribing for respiratory conditions by those doctors who were given access to a package of intervention measures.

“The level of antibiotic prescribing for those GPs who did not receive the tool kit was the same or slightly higher than their previous rates,” Professor Gilks said.

UQCCR's Dr Minyon Avent, a Specialist Clinical Research Pharmacist, was part of this study which has been publiched in The Lancet. Click here for an advanced online summary

The study found doctors responded positively to having a variety of tools to communicate the problems of over-prescribing of antibiotics to patients, and to manage their expectations. More here

Australia is one of the highest users of antibiotics per person in the developed world, with around 22 million prescriptions written every year. Antibiotics are often inappropriately prescribed for patients with acute respiratory tract infections.

This study was reported on Ten news. Click here for the coverage.

Other coverage, click here.

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