| dc.description.abstract | Abstract:
Background: Antibiotics have been topic of interests for medical sciences and medical profession over many decades. In modern medical sciences antibiotic resistance is one of biggest challenge that interrupts the use of antibiotics. There are different factors associated with antibiotics resistance including overuse and misuse of antibiotics. The General practitioners are first line health service provider and antibiotic prescribing authority. In recent medical practice it is important to explore different factors related to antibiotics resistance and promote enabling factors of optimal use of antibiotics.
Aim: This study aims to explore the experiences of Norwegian GPs regarding antibiotics use and antibiotics prescription in Norway. In existed studies there is less focus on the experience of GPs on antibiotics use and prescription in Norway. This study will provide a deep insight of this subject.
Methods: A qualitative research method has been used, informed by theory of power and its expression. There have been 8 interviews of Norwegian GPs conducted in this study using semi-structure interviews guided by a interview guide. The collected data is than analyzed using thematic analysis technique.
Results: Through data analysis two key themes were overarched from different sub-themes. The first theme relates to enabling factors of optimal use of antibiotics and minimal antibiotic resistance, and second theme relates to regulatory and facilitatory challenges for GPs in antibiotic prescription. The use of antibiotics is optimal, and prescription is based on clinical examination and medical diagnosis according to participants. The available guidelines for antibiotics prescribing practice are enough, resourceful, and easy to follow, and there is minimal antibiotic resistance in Norway. There are different challenges that constrain prudent use of antibiotics and increase antibiotic resistance. The patients from immigrant background, travelers and workload on GPs are some of the challenges that are linked with increased antibiotics resistance and unnecessary use of antibiotics in Norway.
Conclusion: The findings reveal that prescribing of antibiotics by GPs is guided by guidelines provided by regulatory authorities and its based on clinical findings rather than patients demands. The GPs experience with patients and health regulatory authorities is generally positive. The challenges of GPs regarding workload should be addressed in proper way to secure high-quality of health services for patients. There is a continuous need of efforts to use antibiotics effectively and to combat antibiotic resistance in Norway. This study supports future research on antibiotic resistance and different challenges associated with antibiotics use. | |
