Exploring general practitioners’ perception of the value of natural history information and their awareness and use of guidelines’ resources to support antibiotic prescribing for self-limiting infections: a qualitative study in Australian general practice

• DOI: 10.1071/py22258
• Publication Date: 2023-06-01T01:59:36Z
• Authors: Kwame Peprah Boaitey; Tammy Hoffmann; Emma Baillie; Mina Bakhit
• Keywords: Population Health; Health Economics; Limiting; Value (mathematics); Community Health

The newest version of the Therapeutic Guidelines' antibiotic chapter introduced patient- and clinician-facing resources to support decision-making about use for self-limiting infections. It is unclear whether general practitioners (GPs) are aware these resources, including natural history information they contain. We explored GPs' perceptions value their information, (summary table, discussion boxes, decision aids) decision-making.Semi-structured interviews with 21 Australian GPs were conducted. Interviews recorded, transcribed thematically analysed by two independent researchers.Four themes emerged: (1) perceive as valuable in consultations conditions it a range purposes, but desire specific infectious non-infectious conditions; (2) reasons using patient-facing manifold, managing patients' expectations antibiotics, legitimising not provide antibiotics prescription substitute; (3) guidelines useful important educational resource, typically consulted at time deciding prescribe antibiotics; (4) experience attitude towards shared looking up during influenced involved patients used aid.GPs perceived be discussions conditions. Patient clinician generally useful, although varied, few barriers reported.