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Volume 9
Journal of Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology Conference 2018
September 17-18, 2018
September 17-18, 2018 Tokyo, Japan
17
th
Asia Pacific Ophthalmologists Annual Meeting
J Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018, Volume 9
DOI: 10.4172/2155-9570-C6-094
Antibiotic prescription for infective conjunctivitis in general practice
Chandni Nigam
Imperial College London, London
I
nfective conjunctivitis is a common self-limiting condition which constitutes around 35% of ocular presentation in general
practice. A Cochrane systematic review investigating the effect of antibiotic treatment in the management of bacterial
conjunctivitis concluded that the benefits from antibiotic use compared to placebo were marginal. UK National clinical
guidelines further state that topical antibiotics should not be prescribed as first line treatment for conjunctivitis. The aim of
this audit was to compare the frequency of antibiotic prescription at a busy general practice surgery against the standard set
by national guidelines. A retrospective analysis of patients presenting with symptoms and signs of infective conjunctivitis over
a period of fifteen months were collated using the System. One patient database. 97% of patients included in the study were
prescribed topical antibiotics as first line treatment for conjunctivitis. Another 2% of consultations showing evidence of delayed
prescribing. Doctor and patient education is important to manage expectations relating to the prescription of antibiotic to
reduce unnecessary use. This has implications for reducing antibiotic resistance and improving cost-effectiveness of treatment.
Changes implemented at the practice following the audit included updating general practitioners on the latest evidence and
national guidelines on infective conjunctivitis management and creating an information leaflet for patients presenting with
infective conjunctivitis containing advice on supportive measures to manage their symptoms.
chandni.nigam@nhs.net