CHICO intervention helps GPs decide whether to prescribe antibiotics for children with respiratory infections

Clinicians have found the ‘CHIldren with acute COugh’ (CHICO) intervention valuable in supporting decision-making around antibiotic prescribing and facilitating discussions with carers about concerns and treatment options, according to University of Bristol led research published in the British Journal of General Practice.

A young boy (18 months) with a nasty cough, coughing with his mouth open and tongue poking out

Childhood respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common, often leading to unnecessary antibiotic use and contributing to antimicrobial resistance. The qualitative study aimed to explore how clinicians implemented the CHICO intervention, using interviews to understand its acceptability and use.

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Sharing prescription medications is common and a public health concern

Sharing prescription medications is common and a public health concern, according to researchers at the Universities of Bristol and Sheffield, whose study investigating the behaviour was published in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP) today [20 February].

Blister packs of pills of different colours and sizes.

The study reviewed data from 19 primary research studies. Prevalence of the behaviour occurring in a person’s lifetime ranged from 13% to 78% in the studies reviewed. Painkillers were found to be the most commonly shared, followed by antibiotics and allergy medications.

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