Neuraminidase inhibitor use in adults presenting to hospital with suspected influenza: A questionnaire-based survey of practice among hospital physicians

Background: UK Public Health England (PHE) guidelines recommend the liberal use of neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) in hospitalised adults with suspected influenza and are aligned with international guidelines. NAI use is recommended to start as early as possible and empirical use is recommended whilst awaiting laboratory results. Current UK hospital physician knowledge, attitudes, and practises regarding the use of NAIs, and levels of adherence to guideline recommendations are not known. Methods: This online, cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of self-reported prescribing practice using clinical scenarios, was distributed to secondary care physicians involved in the assessment of adults presenting to hospital with suspected influenza. The primary outcome measure was adherence to PHE guidelines. Results: There were 237 respondents to the survey. 157 (67%) of 233 respondents reported awareness of PHE guidelines. Adherence to guidelines in the clinical scenarios ranged from 56% (95% CI 49–63%) to 72% (95% CI 66–79%) with considerable variability between specialities (p = 0.0008). Not treating suspected cases was common as was withholding of NAIs whilst awaiting laboratory results, despite the acknowledgment of prolonged turnaround times. 73 of 220 (33%) respondents reported that concerns about NAI efficacy influenced their prescribing. Conclusions: Concordance with national guidelines for the treatment of influenza is sub-optimal. Lack of guideline awareness and concerns over the effectiveness of NAIs are contributing factors. This study highlights a disparity between public health policy and clinical practice and suggests that strategies that promote rapid diagnostic testing and adherence to treatment guidelines are required. Study registration: This study is registered with the ISRCTN:18249297.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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