Evaluation Of The Acceptability Of A System To Assist Clinicians In Prescribing Antibiotics In Daily Practice

Abstract

Context : Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing remains a major driver of bacterial resistance worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Antibiotic prescribing decision support systems (APDS) such as Antibioclic are promising tools for improving prescribing appropriateness and promoting the proper use of antibiotics. Objective : Evaluate the acceptability and use of an antibiotic prescription support system by clinicians in their daily practice, using Antibioclic as a reference model. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational cohort study (exposed/unexposed) was conducted between January and June 2025 in several healthcare facilities in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba (Democratic Republic of Congo). Data were collected using electronic questionnaires administered to prescribing clinicians, pharmacy staff, and patients. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v30 and Epi Info 7.2.2.6, calculating frequencies, 95% confidence intervals, relative risks (RR), and chi-square tests. Results : The physician participation rate in the survey was 95.45%. Among them, 80.95% primarily used reference books (Vidal, Doroz, guides) as prescribing aids, while 85.71% stated they were willing to adopt Antibioclic in their practice. Patients who did not receive an explanation of their prescription had a 2.64 times higher relative risk of not purchasing their entire course of treatment (p < 0.05). Similarly, hospitalized patients were significantly less informed than outpatients (RR = 3.73; p < 0.05). Conclusion : The study reveals high acceptability of the Antibioclic SDPA (Single-Dose Prescription Drug) among Congolese clinicians, but its use remains limited in favor of traditional sources. A lack of explanation regarding prescriptions is a major obstacle to treatment adherence. The effective integration of SDPAs, accompanied by continuing education programs, is essential to improve prescribing quality and combat emerging antimicrobial resistance in sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords : Antibiotics, Decision support system, Acceptability, Prescription, Clinicians, Sub-Saharan Africa