A Qualitative Study of Antibiotic Prescribing Decision of Physicians and Strategy of Antibiotics Prescription.
10.15384/kjhp.2016.16.3.203
- Author:
Hyunmin CHO
1
;
Juhee PARK
;
Dong Sook KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Research, Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, Wonju, Korea. sttone@hira.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Antibiotics;
Antimicrobial durg Resistance;
Focus group interview;
Information distribution;
Delivery of health care
- MeSH:
Anti-Bacterial Agents*;
Delivery of Health Care;
Drug Resistance, Microbial;
Focus Groups;
Humans;
Information Dissemination;
Korea;
Methods;
Motivation;
Prescriptions*;
Respiratory Tract Infections
- From:Korean Journal of Health Promotion
2016;16(3):203-213
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Korea has high prescribing rate and rising antibiotic resistance. This study was conducted to understand why primary physicians prescribe antibiotics for acute respiratory infections and to explore the factors that influence antibiotic resistance, and so to suggest strategy to reduce antibiotic resistance. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory approach was used using 4 focus groups composed of physicians from different area. A semi-structured guide was applied in obtaining the physicians' opinions. Common themes were extracted by authors, which were used to gather results and draw conclusion. RESULTS: Participants acknowledged multiple factors such as clinical factor and competitive environment are involved in physicians' decision of antibiotic prescribing. They identified that causes of rising antibiotic resistance were shortage of information, discontinuation of taking antibiotics, and other system factors. CONCLUSION: Participants were certain that less prescribing antibiotics and selecting appropriate antibiotics might be method to reduce antibiotic resistance. To change the prescribing behavior, it should be provided periodically for community physicians with prescribing information and specific guidelines for antibiotics resistance. Patients should be also noticed about antibiotic medication information more accurately. Including prescription incentive policy, improvement of healthcare system will be carried out at the same time.
