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Higher antibiotic prescribing propensity of dentists in deprived areas and those with greater access to care in the North East and Cumbria: A population-based exploration of prescribing variations.

Bird, L, Landes, D, Robson, T, Sturrock, Andrew and Ling, Jonathan (2018) Higher antibiotic prescribing propensity of dentists in deprived areas and those with greater access to care in the North East and Cumbria: A population-based exploration of prescribing variations. British Dental Journal, 225 (6). pp. 517-524. ISSN 1476-5373

Item Type: Article

Abstract

Background Primary dental practitioners prescribe approximately 10% of all prescriptions. In 2016 NHS England launched a national programme to combat antibiotic over-usage; the main contributing factor to antimicrobial resistance.
Aim To identify prescribing habits in the North East and Cumbria, UK, in October 2016 using NHS Community Pharmacy
Data. Method The Business Services Authority were commissioned to undertake an audit during this timeframe. Data collected included the antibiotic name, dose, frequency, duration, practice contract number and location. Results The rate of prescriptions issued per 1,000 population reported ranged from 7.02 in Middlesbrough to 0.77 in Eden (Cumbria), with
deprived areas showing higher prescribing rates. Prescriptions issued per 1,000 Units of Dental Activity (UDAs) commissioned per practice ranged from 0.02 to 16.6 per thousand. Prescription rates were highly correlated with higher dental access rates. Eleven different antibiotics were prescribed. Discussion The variability of rates of antibiotic prescribing in areas of similar deprivation indicated practitioner bias/preferences influenced rates significantly. Education on antibiotic prescribing guidelines would be of benefit. Conclusion We recommend all dentists regularly undertake self-audit to assess their own prescribing habits and a peer review assessment and/or mentored support groups be established to support colleagues that demonstrate outlying prescribing patterns.

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More Information

Depositing User: Jonathan Ling

Identifiers

Item ID: 10038
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.752
ISSN: 1476-5373
URI: http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/10038
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.752

Users with ORCIDS

ORCID for Andrew Sturrock: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-3316-1412
ORCID for Jonathan Ling: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-2932-4474

Catalogue record

Date Deposited: 26 Oct 2018 14:34
Last Modified: 20 Jan 2023 10:09

Contributors

Author: Andrew Sturrock ORCID iD
Author: Jonathan Ling ORCID iD
Author: L Bird
Author: D Landes
Author: T Robson

University Divisions

Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing
Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing > School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Subjects

Social Sciences > Health and Social Care
Sciences > Health Sciences

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