Deprescribing of Antibiotics: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility.

**Aim:**To study the physicians’ perceptions and other factors that influence the deprescribing of antibiotics and develop a prediction model for the deprescribing of antibiotics in a hospital setting.

Objectives:

1. To assess the perceptions of antibiotic deprescribing among physicians’. 

2. To determine the various factors that influence the deprescribing of antibiotics in a hospital setting.

3. To develop a prediction model for antibiotic deprescribing.

**Introduction:**Antimicrobial resistance is frequently caused by the irrational use of antibiotics. At both the community and individual levels, there is strong evidence linking misuse of antibiotics to antimicrobial resistance; longer-term antibiotic exposure causes greater antimicrobial resistance than shorter-term exposure. Reducing the use of antibiotics requires the right mechanism at the right time. Various methods have been developed to decrease the improper use of antibiotics. Deprescribing, a planned method of medication withdrawal, is quickly gaining popularity around the globe. Non-adherence, polypharmacy, risk of adverse drug reactions and usage of potentially inappropriate medicines can be brought down by antibiotic deprescribing. Therefore, antibiotic deprescribing is crucial for improving patient outcomes, reducing unnecessary adverse effects, and maximizing cost-benefit.

Need of the study: There is not much research on antibiotic deprescribing, especially in India, carrying out this study will be beneficial to all medical professionals and patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors that influence the deprescribing of antibiotics in healthcare settings and the perception of physicians regarding this practice and ultimately develop a prediction model for antibiotic deprescribing.

**Methodology:**This will be a prospective cross-sectional study which will involve the assessment of physicians’ perception about antibiotic deprescribing through a questionnaire and to know their general perception regarding antibiotic deprescribing through qualitative interviews.

Patients who are prescribed antibiotics, their medication chart will be assessed after obtaining consent from them. Patient will be interviewed to collect their medical and medication history after their consent. Participant information sheet and informed consent form will be given to respective patients. A pre-designed data collection form will be used to collect the data. Lastly, a prediction model will be developed for antibiotic deprescribing.