Antibacterial prescribing decision-making in primary care out-of-hours
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring antibacterial prescribing decision-making in primary care out-of-hours settings in Wales: a qualitative interview investigation.
IRAS ID
341187
Contact name
Karen Hodson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
SPON1988-24, Cardiff University Sponsorship
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Excessive and misuse of antibacterial drugs contribute massively to antimicrobial resistance. Prescribing these drugs outside the standard working hours in Wales was not studied before. The researcher previously collected information by engaging with key stakeholders in Wales to understand their views on out-of-hours antibacterial drug prescribing. They stressed the importance of understanding the decision-making process of prescribers and the challenges influencing their prescribing choices during out-of-hours, particularly in instances like prescribing for self-limiting conditions, as their actions and behaviours can either help combat or worsen antimicrobial resistance crisis. Understanding these aspects is crucial, and therefore, this project, part of a PhD thesis, aims to investigate the decision-making process among prescribers when they prescribe antibacterial drugs during out-of-hours periods, specifically in NHS 111 clinical support hubs in Wales. The researcher plans to interview prescribers working there to understand their prescribing decision-making process and identify factors that influence their decisions. This could offer opportunities to design and develop tailored strategies specific to their needs, such as quality improvement initiatives or behavioural change interventions.
The project will involve interviewing general practitioners and pharmacist independent prescribers, who are the only professionals currently working in the hubs. Only those who completed at least 30 hours of their hub training will be eligible for recruitment. Interviews will be recorded and conducted individually, online or in person, using a semi-structured interview guide and are expected to last no longer than one hour. The project is expected to last approximately 4 months. Participation is voluntary and involves no harm, with no incentives offered. No sensitive questions will be asked, and participants can stop the interview at any time or choose not to answer any questions. Information collected will be de-identified as soon as possible following the interview and transcription processes, and access will be limited to the research team.REC name
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REC reference
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