Efforts to address overuse of antibiotics for RTIs are important to limit antimicrobial resistance. Leaflets used during GP consultations can empower patients to self-manage respiratory infections (RTIs) and support a reduction in unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a Treat Your RTI (TY-RTI) patient leaflet for GP consultations in Ireland.

A single-arm mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted. Six GPs in daytime practice and three GPs in out-of-hours (OOH) services were recruited to use the TY-RTI leaflet during routine RTI consultations where an immediate antibiotic was not deemed necessary. GPs and patients completed questionnaires to assess the feasibility and usefulness of the leaflet during the consultation. Ethical approval was obtained.

The TY-RTI patient leaflet was used by GPs in 201 RTI consultations (57 in OOH, 28%), and 84 (42%) patients/parents completed the questionnaire (9/84 in OOH, 11%). For over 90% (182/201) of consultations, GPs reported the leaflet was useful, supported communication, safety-netting, and did not increase consultation time. All patients/parents found the leaflet easy to read and useful. They reported the leaflet gave them confidence to self-manage RTIs without antibiotics (88%, 74/84), and it changed their views of the need for antibiotics (81%, 68/84).

This study demonstrates the feasibility and acceptability of the TY-RTI leaflet for GPs and patients, supporting its wider implementation. The leaflet supports improved communication and safety netting in the consultation and empowers patients in the self-management of RTIs, with potential to reduce patients’ antibiotic-seeking behavior.

To identify behavioral factors explored in the literature and the theoretical frameworks used to understand antimicrobial prescribing behaviors of ICU physicians.

Scoping review following the JBI methodology.

Studies conducted in intensive care units (ICUs) across various healthcare systems.

Physicians working in ICUs; studies involving other healthcare professionals or aggregating data from multiple specialties were excluded.

Not applicable.

From 995 records identified through PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science, 18 studies met inclusion criteria. Fourteen were cross-sectional surveys and four used qualitative semi-structured interviews. Knowledge about antimicrobial use and its role in resistance was generally adequate. Attitudes reflected that beliefs, clinical uncertainty, and contextual factors influenced prescribing behaviors. Reported practices highlighted the role of adherence to institutional protocols and guidelines. Despite the behavioral focus, most studies lacked explicit use of theoretical frameworks to guide data collection or interpretation.

Antimicrobial prescribing in ICUs is influenced by behavioral determinants that are not consistently evaluated using theoretical models. Future research on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) should integrate behavioral science frameworks to enhance understanding and enable better design of stewardship interventions.