[Are antibiotics correctly prescribed in primary care?].
OBJECTIVE
To identify the antibiotic prescriptions and evaluate their suitability for the infectious conditions treated at a Primary Care Centre.


METHODS
A prospective observation study.


METHODS
La Mina Primary Care Centre. Sant Adrià de Besòs (Barcelona).


METHODS
The on-demand visits of patients over 14 to the General Medicine and Emergency clinics between June 1991 and May 1992 provided the data through a simple multi-stage random sample.


RESULTS
On the basis of the clinical notes, these variables were recorded: age, gender, diagnosis, the antibiotic prescribed and its manner of administration. The indication and choice of treatment was assessed in line with previously established criteria, as well as whether the antibiotic was first-choice in Primary Care. Infections treated in hospital or by specialists, non-bacterial cutaneous infections and Conjunctivitis were excluded. Out of 2,523 people examined, 474 presented infectious conditions (18.8%); the most common of these were infections of the upper respiratory tract (46.4%) and acute Bronchitis (17.3%). An antibiotic was prescribed in 206 cases (43.3%). The most used antibiotics were: Amoxicillin (41.5%), Penicillin (19.0%), Cloxacillin (11.2%), Erythromycin (10.2%) and Pipemidic Acid (7.8%). They were orally taken in 89.4% of cases. 92.3% of the antibiotics were first-choice. Overall fitness of treatment was 86.3% (56.5% unnecessary and non-prescribed treatment; and 29.7% necessary and using the recommended antibiotic). The least suitable treatment was observed for cases of acute Bronchitis without any risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Prescriptions are adjusted to the recommendations on antibiotic policy in Primary Care, although less suitable treatment was observed for acute Bronchitis. The importance of applying a methodology based on objective criteria, in order to make a qualitative analysis in studies on the use of medication, is highlighted.
Solsona Díaz
L
L
Centro de Atención Primaria La Mina, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Barcelona.
Wennberg Rutlant
M P
MP
Mata Cases
M
M
Altaba Barceló
A M
AM
Cots Yago
J M
JM
García Ruz
F
F
Marquet Palomer
R
R
Mendive Arbeloa
J M
JM
Salvador González
B
B
Vinyoles Bargallo
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
Se prescriben correctamente los antibióticos en atención primaria?