The reasons why physicians prescribe antibiotics inappropriately are not fully understood. Inappropriate antibiotic use is an important problem worldwide. Both the use of antibiotics for the treatment of viral respiratory infections and the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat bacterial infections promote antibiotic resistance, increase the likelihood of preventable drug-related adverse events and increase the use and cost of health care services.
In this retrospective cohort study that included 852 primary care physicians in Quebec, Genevieve Cadieux MSc and colleagues found that international medical graduates, physicians with high practice volumes and those who were in practice longer were more likely to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately.
You can view the paper associated with this press release at the link below:
http://www.cmaj.ca/pressrelease/pg877.pdf
Canadian Medical Association Journal