title: Assessing the uptake and effectiveness of a quick reference guide to antibiotic prescribing in Australian general practice.
abstract: Prescribing guidelines are an essential component of antimicrobial stewardship programs in Australian hospitals. Nonetheless, the majority of antibiotic prescribing occurs in the community and the effectiveness of guidelines developed specifically to meet the needs of Australian general practice is unknown. This study aims to assess the uptake and effectiveness of a quick reference guide to antibiotic prescribing among primary care prescribers. A quick reference guide to antibiotic prescribing was developed and prescribers in five Tasmanian practices were surveyed regarding use of this guide. Thirty-three surveys were returned and, of those answering specific sections, 75% were aware of the guide and 71% had used it within the last month. The guide affected the antibiotic prescribing practice of 74% of responding prescribers; most often on choice of antibiotic; but also on duration of treatment, dose and dosing frequency. A quick reference guide to antibiotic prescribing was well received by prescribers and may usefully support efforts to improve antimicrobial stewardship in the community.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
authors.forename: Angus
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: Augusta Road Medical Centre, Lenah Valley, Tas. 7008, Australia.
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
authors.affiliation: Kingborough Medical Centre, Kingston, Tas. 7050, Australia.
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Banham
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Peterson