Evaluating the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment of tonsillitis
during COVID-19 in the North Wales primary healthcare setting
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of primary care
delivery in the NHS. Consultations have largely moved from face-to-face
to remote, forcing practitioners to modify the ways in which they
deliver care to patients. Aim In this study, we aim to investigate the
appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in tonsillitis, which is
typically guided by clinical findings, during the COVID-19 pandemic
Design and Setting: An observational quantitative analysis in the North
Wales primary care setting Method: Retrospective review of computer
records across five GP centres from March 2020 until end of October
2020. Data was extracted and analysed using chi-square or fisher exact
rank and Man-Whitney test. Results Our results have shown no significant
difference in antibiotic prescribing behaviour comparing face-to-face
and remote consultations. Conclusion Remote consultation is as effective
as face-to-face consultation with regards to the assessment of
tonsillitis and the appropriateness of antibiotic prescription in
primary care.