Research published by Public Health England (PHE) estimates that at least 20% of all antibiotic prescribing in primary care in England is inappropriate. The data are published in a special supplement to the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
The research found that the majority of antibiotic prescriptions in English primary care were for infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts. However, for almost a third of all prescriptions, no clinical reason was documented.
Antibiotic prescribing rates varied substantially between GP practices. For most conditions, substantially higher proportions of GP consultations resulted in an antibiotic prescription that is appropriate, according to expert opinion.
An antibiotic was prescribed in 41% of all uncomplicated acute cough consultations compared to the recommended 10%. For bronchitis, the actual rate of prescribing was 82% compared with an ideal of 13%. For sore throat, antibiotics were prescribed in 59% of cases vs an ideal of 13%. Compared with an ideal of 11%, 88% of patients with rhinosinusitis received an antibiotic, and among children aged 2-18 years with acute otitis media, the actual rate of antibiotic prescribing was 88% vs an ideal rate of 17%.
Commenting on the findings, Professor Paul Cosford, PHE Medical Director said the data highlight the role GPs can play in addressing antimicrobial resistance. “I urge all practices to look at ways they can reduce their inappropriate prescribing levels to help make sure the antibiotics that save lives today can save lives tomorrow," he said.
