Which practices are high antibiotic prescribers? A cross-sectional analysis

Substantial variation in antibiotic prescribing between general practices persists but has not previously been explored at national level. Using national data, a multiple regression model was produced containing nine practice and population characteristics, which explained 17.2% of the variance in antibiotic prescribing. Practice location in the north of England was the strongest predictor of high antibiotic prescribing (beta = 0.17). National consultation-level and qualitative studies are needed to help further explain these findings and improve understanding of this variation.