Analysis Highlights Factors Affecting Long-term Antibiotic Prescriptions for Acne

The qualitative analysis included stakeholders that viewed antibiotic stewardship was a professional responsibility.

A new analysis provided insight into the thinking of dermatologists prescribing antibiotics for treating acne.

The research team set out to identify factors influencing prolonged oral antibiotic prescriptions for acne treatment by dermatologists, despite guidelines recommending limitations of less than three months. For the qualitative analysis, the authors used data from dermatologists, infectious disease physicians, dermatology residents, and nonphysician clinicians collected through online surveys and video interviews.

Their results revealed five salient themes affecting long-term antibiotic prescribing: perceived lack of evidence for practice change; challenges in managing patient expectations; discomfort addressing contraception; iPLEDGE-related obstacles; and the absence of a robust progress measurement system for antibiotic stewardship. The 30 stakeholders included in the analysis demonstrated high awareness of antibiotic guidelines and recognized antibiotic stewardship as a professional obligation.

“The findings of this qualitative study indicate that multiple salient factors affect long-term antibiotic prescribing practices for acne treatment,” the authors concluded. “These factors should be considered in the design and implementation of any future outpatient antibiotic stewardship program for clinical dermatology.”