Project Lead: Viktoria Hofer
Authors: Viktoria Hofer, Jule Anna Pleyer
Publication: November 2025
Language: English (with German summary)
Inappropriate prescriptions, particularly for antibiotics and opioids, contribute significantly to antibiotic resistance, opioid dependence and rising healthcare costs. Despite available guidelines, a discrepancy often exists between evidence-based recommendation and actual prescribing practices. Nudging interventions promise to optimise prescribing decisions without prohibitions or financial incentives. This research project uses a systematic review to investigate which behavioural nudging interventions can optimise doctors' prescribing practices in an evidence-based manner. For this purpose, randomised controlled trials were analysed, and experts were consulted on the feasibility of implementation in the Austrian healthcare sector.