Perspectives of paediatric providers on antibiotic stewardship in a high-prescribing rural region

Purpose: Understanding drivers of antibiotic use is key to limiting the development of antimicrobial resistance. Outpatient antibiotic prescribing rates vary substantially across and within states. Kentucky is one of the highest prescribing states, and the southeastern region has rates that are drastically higher than the national average and urban areas of the state. We sought to examine provider perceptions of antibiotic use in this rural area to more effectively guide future interventions and policy.

Methods: This study utilized Medicaid prescription claims to identify providers who frequently prescribe antibiotics to children in southeastern Kentucky. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted to elicit provider perspectives on antibiotic overuse.

Findings: Individual, in-person interviews were conducted with 25 providers from a variety of practices and training backgrounds (private, nonprofit, retail, physician, advanced practice registered nurses, etc.). The following themes emerged as issues that prescribers consider to contribute to antibiotic overuse: (1) caregiver pressure, especially from grandparents or families who desire a 'quick fix'; (2) business concerns and competition and (3) cultural factors related to poverty and rural locations. Interviewed providers were supportive of public education and had mixed views on the effectiveness of delayed fill or provider feedback initiatives.

Conclusions: This study highlights unique challenges associated with antibiotic prescribing in rural areas. Findings will guide future interventions through adaptation of existing strategies to better serve this vulnerable population.