Patients less satisfied by GPs who refuse antibiotics

[Northerner]

GPs who prescribe fewer antibiotics have less satisfied patients, according to a new study by researchers at King's College London.

The study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, compared the prescribing rates of more than 95% of all GP surgeries in England to a survey of patient satisfaction.

Those satisfaction scores are used to determine how much GPs get paid.

Patients' satisfaction rose when they were listened to or carefully examined.

A study last year warned that up to half of all prescriptions of antibiotics could be inappropriate - given to patients suffering coughs, colds, sore throats and the flu - none of which can be treated with antibiotics.

The overuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance, when bacteria and infections can no longer be killed off or treated with strong drugs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35008128

 

[Ralph-YK]

I've wondered about this resistance. Matters to all of use here I guess. You may not know this 🙂 I've had cellulites.

 

[trophywench]

Just demonstrates how stupid people are doesn't it? Most of us could find ourselves in deepest doodah were we AB resistant. However probably also tells me that I've always had sensible GPs ! - some of whom have lectured me about a) viruses and b) AB resistance!

 

[Robin]

On the other hand, we had a GP (covering a maternity leave) for about 6 months, who told all the patients willy nilly that they'd got a virus and to go away. The other doctors had to cope with a lot of very sick people who had to go back when their 'viruses' got so bad they were hospital cases. Antibiotic overuse is certainly a problem, but there are desperate cases when they are needed.

 

[Northerner]

I've had ABs three times in my adult life - once when I was about 20, then again at around 40 and again at 49 - those last two were both related to an infection in the same tooth, now removed! 🙂

 

[Ralph-YK]

More than 4 times. Twice for cellulites. Both last year. Eight week in all the last time.
Once I landed in hospital with a reaction to penicillin. Swelling. Starter in the legs then spread.

 

[pottersusan]

It's strange. I have to take antibiotics every day 'cos of lack of spleen and immune system being compromised. They are a commonly prescribed form of penicillin yet they seem to be doing the job 4.5 years on.