Reducing variation in antibacterial prescribing rates for 'cough/cold' and sore throat between 1993 and 2001: Regional analyses using the general practice research database

In addition to a substantial reduction in diagnosis of cough/cold and sore throat, there has been a reduction in diagnosis-related prescribing episodes in almost all regions. Although there continues to be regional variation in diagnosis-related prescribing this has reduced substantially over the 9-year study period.