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Background: Antibiotics savelives and have been effectively and reliably used for decades to treat infections and improve health outcomes. This trust in antibiotics has contributed to over prescribing and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Significant amounts of antibiotics are still widely prescribed and taken, especially in young children. However, there is a paucity of existing literature relating to how mothers, who are the main carers of young children, may be influenced by their trust in antibiotics. Aims: To explore what factors influence mothers' decisions to seek antibiotics for their young children. Design: Qualitative case study using postcode boundaries. Methods: Thematic analysis of qualitative data from mothers of children under 5, recruited via community playgroups within the case. Data were collected between October 2018 and May 2019, from six focus groups (n = 19) and one‐to‐one interviews (n = 14). Thematic analysis of the data consisted of six phases: data familiarization; generating initial codes; searching for themes; reviewing themes; defining and naming themes; and producing the report. Results: Mothers were influenced by their belief and trust in antibiotics. Antibiotics were identified as symbolic of recovery, healing and of providing protection and safety. Conclusion: By understanding the symbolic power of antibiotics on maternal decision making, all antibiotic prescribers may be able to offer and provide reassuring alternative and acceptable treatment options to mothers, rather than using antibiotics. Impact This paper introduces the concept of antibiotics as powerful symbols which influence antibiotic seeking behaviour. This in turn may result in inappropriate use of antibiotics which contributes to the risk of antimicrobial resistance developing. Although the majority of antibiotics are still prescribed by doctors, the number of nurse prescribers has been increasing. Therefore, an increased awareness of antibiotic symbolism, in all prescribing clinicians, is important to enable future local and national strategies to be developed, to support maternal decision making and reduce antibiotic seeking behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overuse of antibiotics and inappropriate prescribing has resulted in rapid development of antimicrobial resistance. Most antibiotics in the United Kingdom (71.4%) are prescribed in primary care by general practitioners, with about half prescribed for viral rather than bacterial illnesses. To explore antibiotic prescribing and factors which may influence maternal decision making to seek antibiotics for their young children. Data for children under five years were gathered using a mixed-methods case study approach. Quantitative general practice antibiotic prescribing data (n = 697 children) was statistically analysed and these results were further explored in six focus groups with mothers (n = 19) of children under five. The qualitative data was thematically analysed. Quantitative data identified nearly half of children received antibiotics. Children under one were prescribed the fewest antibiotics. Qualitative focus group data showed mothers trusted their general practitioner to provide expert care for their child and often wanted convenient and timely access to advice and reassurance rather than treatment. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for young children in primary care. Healthcare professionals need to understand the maternal influences contributing to antibiotic use in children and consider strategies and interventions to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. Nurses and health visitors should have a greater role in supporting maternal decision making for managing their children's illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mothers often make key decisions regarding their children's health. They hold core beliefs and attitudes towards healthcare providers, relying on healthcare services to provide support, advice and reassurance. It is crucial that health providers form authentic relationships with families with young children, in order to effectively provide healthcare, support and information as needed. In this paper, we explore mothers' views on the accessibility and expertise of healthcare professionals caring for their child's health. A case study, using a geographic post code as the case boundary was used. Focus groups and semi‐structured interviews with mothers of children aged under five years old were conducted. Participants (n = 33) were recruited from local playgroups and six focus groups (19 participants) and 14 individual interviews were conducted. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. General Practice (including general practitioners [GPs] and practice nurses) was considered to be the preferred option when seeking timely healthcare advice and information. Participant mothers were open to accessing professional advice concerning their child's health, from a range of health professionals and understood the role and potential contribution of various health professionals. However, some factors, influenced mothers' decision‐making. These were captured in three themes: maternal perceptions of GPs as accessible experts; practice nurses as approachable and reassuring sources of advice; and difficulty in accessing health visiting services primarily due to service funding cuts. Further investment in primary care services, including expansion of the practice nurse role and an increase in health visiting service provision, may help to provide sufficient support for mothers seeking healthcare advice. In addition, healthcare service strategies, which engage with mothers and ensure nurses are recognised as knowledgeable, accessible, supportive and a suitable alternative to GPs, would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]