Effects of internet-based training on antibiotic prescribing rates for acute respiratory-tract infections: A multinational, cluster, randomised, factorial, controlled trial

Citation

Little P, Stuart B, Francis NA, Douglas E, Tonkin-Crine S, Anthierens S, Cals JWL, Melbye H, Santer M, Moore M, Coenen S, Butler C, Hood K, Kelly M & Godycki-Cwirko M (2013) Effects of internet-based training on antibiotic prescribing rates for acute respiratory-tract infections: A multinational, cluster, randomised, factorial, controlled trial. Lancet, 382 (9899), pp. 1175-1182. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736%2813%2960994-0

Abstract
Background  High-volume prescribing of antibiotics in primary care is a major driver of antibiotic resistance. Education of physicians and patients can lower prescribing levels, but it frequently relies on highly trained staff. We assessed whether internet-based training methods could alter prescribing practices in multiple health-care systems.  Methods  After a baseline audit in October to December, 2010, primary-care practices in six European countries were cluster randomised to usual care, training in the use of a C-reactive protein (CRP) test at point of care, in enhanced communication skills, or in both CRP and enhanced communication. Patients were recruited from February to May, 2011. This trial is registered, number ISRCTN99871214.  Results  The baseline audit, done in 259 practices, provided data for 6771 patients with lower-respiratory- tract infections (3742 [55·3%]) and upper-respiratory-tract infections (1416 [20·9%]), of whom 5355 (79·1%) were prescribed antibiotics. After randomisation, 246 practices were included and 4264 patients were recruited. The antibiotic prescribing rate was lower with CRP training than without (33% vs 48%, adjusted risk ratio 0·54, 95% CI 0·42-0·69) and with enhanced-communication training than without (36% vs 45%, 0·69, 0·54-0·87). The combined intervention was associated with the greatest reduction in prescribing rate (CRP risk ratio 0·53, 95% CI 0·36-0·74, p<0·0001; enhanced communication 0·68, 0·50-0·89, p=0·003; combined 0·38, 0·25-0·55, p<0·0001). Interpretation Internet training achieved important reductions in antibiotic prescribing for respiratory-tract infections across language and cultural boundaries.

Notes
Additional co-authors: Artur Mierzecki, Prof Antoni Torres, Carl Llor, Melanie Davies, Mark Mullee, Gilly O'Reilly, Alike van der Velden, Adam WA Geraghty, Prof Herman Goossens, Prof Theo Verheij, Prof Lucy Yardley, on behalf of the GRACE consortium

Journal
Lancet: Volume 382, Issue 9899