Antimicrobial resistance and physician prescribing of antibiotics in Alberta: a qualitative exploration

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat in Canada, with substantial mortality and high rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing—particularly in Alberta, where physicians issue most prescriptions and nearly 40% are unnecessary. This qualitative study, based on focus groups with physicians, found considerable variability in prescribing practices driven by patient, clinical, and contextual factors. The “MD Snapshot-Prescribing” tool, developed by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, was viewed as an effective instrument for education and self-reflection, contributing to more evidence-based prescribing and reductions in unnecessary antibiotic use. Overall, the findings highlight that targeted, data-driven feedback from regulators can positively influence prescribing behaviour, with further improvements recommended to enhance the tool’s impact.