Evaluating the Appropriateness of Antibiotic Treatment of Tonsillitis during COVID-19 in the North Wale Primary Healthcare Setting.

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the delivery of primary care 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 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 5 GP centers from March 2020 until the end of October 2020. Data was extracted and analyzed using chi-square or fisher exact rank and Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

Our results have shown no significant difference in antibiotic prescribing behavior 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.