Research determines younger doctors less likely to prescribe lengthy antibiotic regimens

During the 2016-2017 fiscal year, researchers at the University of Waterloo examined that prescribing habits of Ontario family doctors with regards to oral antibiotics. It found that 39% of late-career physicians - those practicing 25 years or more - were apt to prescribe antibiotics for at least eight days. For doctors in the first 10 years of their career, only 30% are likely to order a prolonged course. Lengthy antibiotic treatments are thought to contribute to drug-resistance in bacteria, so the study recommends late-stage physicians be educated on antibiotic stewardship.