조현민, 박주희, 김동숙

건강보험심사평가원 심사평가연구소

Background: Korea has high prescribing rate and rising antibiotic resistance. This study was conducted to understand
why primary physicians prescribe antibiotics for acute respiratory infections and to explore the factors
that influence antibiotic resistance, and so to suggest strategy to reduce antibiotic resistance.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory approach was used using 4 focus groups composed of physicians from different
area. A semi-structured guide was applied in obtaining the physicians' opinions. Common themes were
extracted by authors, which were used to gather results and draw conclusion.
Results: Participants acknowledged multiple factors such as clinical factor and competitive environment are involved
in physicians' decision of antibiotic prescribing. They identified that causes of rising antibiotic resistance
were shortage of information, discontinuation of taking antibiotics, and other system factors.
Conclusion: Participants were certain that less prescribing antibiotics and selecting appropriate antibiotics
might be method to reduce antibiotic resistance. To change the prescribing behavior, it should be provided periodically
for community physicians with prescribing information and specific guidelines for antibiotics resistance.
Patients should be also noticed about antibiotic medication information more accurately. Including prescription
incentive policy, improvement of healthcare system will be carried out at the same time.
Korean J Health Promot 2016;16(3):203-213
Keywords: Antibiotics, Antimicrobial durg Resistance, Focus group interview, Information distribution, Delivery
of health care