Qualitative study reveals mixed feelings on respiratory tract infection tests reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in primary care.
Key Points
Participants agree that respiratory tract infection tests can optimise antibiotic prescriptions and guide treatment based on aetiology.
Most professionals view microbiological tests and C-reactive protein testing as complementary tools in managing respiratory tract infections.
Major barriers include concerns about test costs, time consumption, and the need for better professional training to handle increased workloads.
Clinicians acknowledge both the positive effects of these tests on decision-making and the existing challenges impacting their integration into practice.