The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Review Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Expectations for consultations and antibiotics for respiratory tract infection in primary care: the RTI clinical iceberg.
Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is the commonest indication for community antibiotic prescriptions. Prescribing is rising and is influenced by patients' consulting behaviour and beliefs. ⋯ One-fifth of those with an RTI contact their GP and most who ask for antibiotics are prescribed them. A better public understanding about the lack of benefit of antibiotics for most RTIs and addressing concerns about illness duration and severity, could reduce GP consultations and antibiotic prescriptions for RTI.