Managing self-limiting respiratory tract infections: a qualitative study of the usefulness of the delayed prescribing strategy

摘要

Viral, self-limiting respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most frequent acute problems in primary care. Such consultations mostly result in an antibiotic prescription. Unnecessary prescribing has serious consequences in terms of financial impact, adverse side effects, antibiotic resistance, and increased intention to reconsult in future. Patient pressure is cited as the principle reason for unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. To address the problem, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) 2008 guidelines introduced a 'delayed prescribing' (DP) strategy for managing RTIs, which involves giving a prescription with instructions to use it later if symptoms persist or worsen.