The practices of health-care workers in aged care facilities are leading to inappropriate prescription of antibiotics to the elderly, a new Australian study says.
Monash University researchers surveyed 61 healthcare professionals, including 40 nurses and 15 GPs, for the study.
They found GPs tended to prescribe antibiotics immediately rather than taking a “wait and see” approach, and that nurses over-reported symptoms because of the pressure they felt to ensure the health of residents.
The study authors said these problems were compounded by the absence of doctors in aged care facilities, and of antibiotic guidelines.
The findings highlight the need for work targeting the cultural practices that contribute to the oeruse of antibiotics in aged care.
Read more at Monash University