Factors that influence antibiotic prescribing habits for acne
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying factors that influence antibiotic prescribing habits for acne with a view to changing prescribing behaviours and optimising patient care by minimising the emergence of antimicrobial resistance
IRAS ID
207170
Contact name
Alison Layton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Primary approval, 15/EM/0076
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 12 days
Research summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is recognised as a major global problem. The UK Chief Medical Officer and government have identified AMR as a significant issue that needs addressing. Acne represents the commonest inflammatory dermatosis seen worldwide and antibiotics remain a mainstay of management. There is evidence demonstrating that patients harbouring antibiotic resistant Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) respond less well to antibiotics and both topical and oral antibiotics are capable of driving resistance in commensal flora.\n\nUK prescribing habits for acne have changed little over the last decade and antibiotics are still frequently (77%) employed as monotherapy in management (National prescribing database IMIS). This has occurred despite acne guidelines advocating against this approach and supporting regimens that minimise antibiotic exposure and emergence of resistant bacteria.\n\nThis study will examine\ni)\tcurrent prescribing behaviours for acne\nii)\tAMR awareness in relation to acne\niii)\tfactors which influence prescribing habits\niv)\tantibiotic usage before and after implementation of European S3 Evidence Based Acne Guidelines at local level\nv)\tpatient perspective on acne prescribing\n\nResults will be used to raise awareness and to develop and inform the dissemination of guidance embracing best practice and the judicious use of antibiotics to reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance as a result of acne treatments.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
16/WA/0211
Date of REC Opinion
2 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion