Effects of a Training Course for Andalusian Podiatrists on Antibiotic Management in Ingrown Toenail Infections: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: The use of antibiotics (ABs) for the prevention and management of infections has been widespread for decades and, at this time, AB resistance is a global health crisis. The available evidence highlights the need to reduce the prophylactic and therapeutic use of ABs to avoid associated risks. Methods: A preliminary study with a total sample of 56 Andalusian (Spain) podiatrists was surveyed. The purpose of this study was to identify whether there were changes in prescription habits from a situation before a subsequent training course on AB indications for the management of infections associated with ingrown toenails. An ad hoc questionnaire of 15 items related to therapeutic and prophylactic prescriptions of ABs was developed for this purpose, and the evaluation was carried out before and after the training course. Results: The responses obtained before and after training were compared. The training activity led to improvements in the prescription habits of the participants, producing significant changes in the prescription pattern of the professionals in 10 of the 15 items. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study show that the podiatrists surveyed improved the rational use of systemic AB therapy in ingrown toenails infections.