Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Clinical judgement and antibiotic use in general practice.

Br Med J 1976; 2 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.6043.1061 (Published 30 October 1976) Cite this as: Br Med J 1976;2:1061
  1. J G Howie

    Abstract

    Illustrated booklets that contained standard physical but variable social and psychological information relating to 16 patients with sore throats were posted to 1000 general practitioners. The doctors were asked whether they would prescribed antibiotics in each of the cases presented. Replies were received from 634 doctors and it was found that the variations in social and psychological history provided had significantly affected the doctor's responses.