Effects of local variation, specialty, and beliefs on antiviral prescribing for influenza

Clin Infect Dis. 2006 Jan 1;42(1):95-9. doi: 10.1086/498517. Epub 2005 Nov 18.

Abstract

In 2004, we conducted a survey of physician knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding influenza diagnosis and treatment at Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts and Scott & White Hospital and Clinic in Texas. Of the 579 physicians we contacted, 336 completed the survey. Sixty-one percent of the respondents prescribed antivirals, and 62% used rapid testing. Prescribing practices were associated with location, practice size, use of rapid testing, and belief in the efficacy of antivirals.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Culture
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis*
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Medicine
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data*
  • Specialization
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents