Long Term Effect of General Practitioner Education on Antibiotic Prescribing

Long Term Effect of General Practitioner Education on Antibiotic Prescribing: a Large Scale Randomized Study

Respiratory tract infections are the most common indication for antibiotic prescribing in primary care. Several studies have shown a strong relationship between antibiotic use and bacterial resistance. The aim of this trial was to assess the long-term effect of a continuous education program on general practitioners antibiotic prescribing behaviour. 170 physicians were included in this study. Physicians randomized in the education group attended a two days seminar focused on evidence-based guidelines on antibiotic use in respiratory tract infections. The intervention was limited at physicians level and did not target the patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• General practitioners practicing in three departments of the Parisian area in France
• General practitioners attending a two days didactic educational meeting on evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of acute respiratory tract infection.

Exclusion Criteria:

• None