Table 1.

Contextual factors & influence on prescribing

Influence	Encourage prescribing	Reduce prescribing	Can encourage or reduce prescribing	Increase resource use/Affect decision-making/Influence health beliefs
Theme
Space & place	Rural vs urban practice -rural practice can encourage prescribing		Culture
Patient characteristics	Frequent Attenders Adverse Social Factors	Gender – reduced prescribing to women		Family & Friends Education Medical Knowledge
Time, stress, & emotion	Time Constraints Busy Hours Emotional Capacity of GP			Waiting Room Pressure
Therapeutic relationship	Fear for Dr-Patient Relationship	Knowledge of Patient
Negotiating decisions & practice style	Patient Pressure Ease of Access to Antibiotics The Internet Patient Manner Rituals of Consulting Private Practice Patient Wishes & Expectations		Practice Style	Costs
Managing uncertainty	Uncertainty/Medico-legal Concerns Peers & Practice	Networks
Clinical experience	Negative Experiences Habits Formed		Dynamic Behaviour