Mixed methods case study exploring primary care antibiotic prescribing practices and maternal expectations of using antibiotics in children.

Bosley, H; Henshall, C; Appleton, JV; Jackson, D

Mixed methods case study exploring primary care antibiotic prescribing practices and maternal expectations of using antibiotics in children.

Bosley, H Henshall, C Appleton, JV Jackson, D

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Publisher:: Informa UK Limited
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Contemporary nurse, 2021, pp. 1-21
Issue Date:: 2021-10-22

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Bosley, H
dc.contributor.author	Henshall, C
dc.contributor.author	Appleton, JV
dc.contributor.author	Jackson, D https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5252-5325
dc.date.accessioned	2022-01-05T04:47:13Z
dc.date.available	2022-01-05T04:47:13Z
dc.date.issued	2021-10-22
dc.identifier.citation	Contemporary nurse, 2021, pp. 1-21
dc.identifier.issn	1037-6178
dc.identifier.issn	1839-3535
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/152697
dc.description.abstract	<h4>Background</h4>Overuse of antibiotics and inappropriate prescribing has resulted in rapid development of antimicrobial resistance. Most antibiotics in the United Kingdom (71.4%) are prescribed in primary care by general practitioners, with about half prescribed for viral rather than bacterial illnesses.<h4>Aims</h4>To explore antibiotic prescribing and factors which may influence maternal decision making to seek antibiotics for their young children.<h4>Methods</h4>Data for children under five years was gathered using a mixed methods case study approach. Quantitative general practice antibiotic prescribing data (n = 697 children) was statistically analysed and these results were further explored in six focus groups with mothers (n=19) of children under five. The qualitative data was thematically analysed.<h4>Results</h4>Quantitative data identified nearly half of children received antibiotics. Children under one were prescribed the fewest antibiotics. Qualitative focus group data showed mothers trusted their general practitioner to provide expert care for their child and often wanted convenient and timely access to advice and reassurance, rather than treatment.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for young children in primary care. Healthcare professionals need to understand the maternal influences contributing to antibiotic use in children and consider strategies and interventions to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.<h4>Impact statement- implications for research/practice</h4>Nurses and health visitors should have a greater role in supporting maternal decision making for managing their children's illnesses.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Informa UK Limited
dc.relation.ispartof	Contemporary nurse
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1080/10376178.2021.1994865
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	1110 Nursing
dc.subject.classification	Nursing
dc.title	Mixed methods case study exploring primary care antibiotic prescribing practices and maternal expectations of using antibiotics in children.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.location.activity	United States
utslib.for	1110 Nursing
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.date.updated	2022-01-05T04:47:12Z
pubs.publication-status	Published

Abstract:

Background

Overuse of antibiotics and inappropriate prescribing has resulted in rapid development of antimicrobial resistance. Most antibiotics in the United Kingdom (71.4%) are prescribed in primary care by general practitioners, with about half prescribed for viral rather than bacterial illnesses.

Aims

To explore antibiotic prescribing and factors which may influence maternal decision making to seek antibiotics for their young children.

Methods

Data for children under five years was gathered using a mixed methods case study approach. Quantitative general practice antibiotic prescribing data (n = 697 children) was statistically analysed and these results were further explored in six focus groups with mothers (n=19) of children under five. The qualitative data was thematically analysed.

Results

Quantitative data identified nearly half of children received antibiotics. Children under one were prescribed the fewest antibiotics. Qualitative focus group data showed mothers trusted their general practitioner to provide expert care for their child and often wanted convenient and timely access to advice and reassurance, rather than treatment.

Conclusion

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for young children in primary care. Healthcare professionals need to understand the maternal influences contributing to antibiotic use in children and consider strategies and interventions to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

Impact statement- implications for research/practice

Nurses and health visitors should have a greater role in supporting maternal decision making for managing their children's illnesses.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/152697