Antibiotic prescribing outcomes for suspected respiratory tract infection in Advanced Nurse Practioner clinics

Abstract

This data set makes accessible a case study designed to evaluate the potential of point-of-care (POC) C-reactive protein (CRP) testing to aid antibiotic decision-making in primary care for uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), as recommended in the NICE pneumonia guideline. During a 3-month period (Nov 2015-Jan 2016), adult patients presenting to an advanced nurse practitioner clinic with a suspected LRTI were offered POC CRP testing (n=68). The number of patients receiving antibiotic prescriptions was compared with the same 3-month period in the previous year (Nov 2014- Jan 2015), which did not include POC CRP testing (n=106). A review of the GP notes was conducted for every patient 28 days after initial presentation to monitor any unscheduled attendances either to primary, secondry or urgent care for the same complaint.