Antibiotic overuse occurs in multiple jurisdictions and is associated with rising rates of antimicrobial resistance. Mailing letters to the highest antibiotic prescribing physicians is a potentially effective method to optimize antibiotic use. The objectives of this study are to improve enrollment to Health Quality Ontario's Primary Care Practice report and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. The investigators are conducting a randomized controlled trial recruiting the 3500 highest antibiotic prescribing primary care physicians in Ontario. The investigators have incorporated behavioural science theory into designing letters to modify prescribing behaviour. Letter 1 is testing change ideas related to antibiotic initiation and letter 2 is testing change ideas related to antibiotic duration. There will be 1500 physicians receiving letter 1, 1500 receiving letter 2, and 500 will serve as controls. Twelve months later all 3500 physicians will receive a letter.
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The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Antibiotic prescribing rate
Timeframe: 12 months
Prolonged duration prescribing rate
Timeframe: 12 months