Table 2 Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for primary-care and hospital-care physicians

Statement

S 1: Antibiotic resistance is an important Public Health problem in our setting (Ignorance).

S 2: In a primary-care context, one should wait for the microbiology results before treating an infectious disease (Ignorance).

S 3: Rapid and effective diagnostic techniques are required for diagnosis of infectious diseases (Responsibility of others – Health care System).

S 4: The prescription of an antibiotic to a patient does not influence the possible appearance of resistance (Ignorance).

S 5: I am convinced that new antibiotics will be developed to solve the problem of resistance (Responsibility of others – Investigation)

S 6: The use of antibiotics on animals is an important cause of the appearance of new resistance to pathogenic agents in humans (Responsibility of others)

S 7: In case of doubt, it is preferable to use a wide-spectrum antibiotic to ensure that the patient is cured of an infection (Fear).

S 8: I frequently prescribe an antibiotic in situations in which it is impossible for me to conduct a systematic follow-up of the patient (Fear).

S 9: In situations of doubt as to whether a disease might be of bacterial aetiology, it is preferable to prescribe an antibiotic (Fear).

S 10: I frequently prescribe antibiotics because patients insist on it (Complacency).

S 11: I sometimes prescribe antibiotics so that patients continue to trust me (Complacency).

S 12: I sometimes prescribe antibiotics, even when I know that they are not indicated because I do not have the time to explain to the patient the reason why they are not called for (Indifference).

S 13: If a patient feels that he/she needs antibiotics, he/she will manage to obtain them at the pharmacy without a prescription, even when they have not been prescribed (Responsibility of others – Other Professionals).

S 14: Two of the main causes of the appearance of antibiotic resistance are patient self-medication and antibiotic misuse (Responsibility of others – Patients).

S 15: Dispensing antibiotics without a prescription should be more closely controlled (Responsibility of others – Health care System).

S 16: In a primary-care context, amoxicillin is useful for treating most respiratory infections (Ignorance).

S 17: The phenomenon of resistance to antibiotics is mainly a problem in hospital settings (Responsibility of others – Other Professionals).

Statement

S 1’: Clinical practice guidelines.

S 2’: Documentation furnished by the Pharmaceutical Industry.

S 3’: Courses held by the Pharmaceutical Industry.

S 4’: Information furnished by Medical Information Officers.

S 5’: Previous clinical experience.

S 6’: Continuing Education Courses.

S 7’: Others, e.g., contribution of specialists (microbiologists, infectious disease specialists, etc.).

S 8’: Contribution of peers (of the same specialisation).

S 9’: Data collected via the Internet.