OBJECTIVES: Inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to antimicrobial resistance, one of the key global health threats. Measures to reduce the overuse of antibiotics are urgently needed, particularly in the treatment of respiratory infections in community care settings. The introduction of rapid point-of-care diagnostics offers a promising solution. However, the use of these diagnostic tests is limited in most European countries. This study aims to identify the barriers and facilitators related to pharmaceutical policies in the peri-launch phase that could influence the use of rapid diagnostics for community-acquired respiratory infections, including health technology assessment (HTA), funding, pricing, and procurement.

METHODS: We conducted case studies with expert interviews with representatives from public authorities in five European countries: Austria, Estonia, France, Poland, and Sweden.

RESULTS: Hindering and facilitating factors for the reduction of inappropriate use of antibiotics are strongly influenced by the specific country context and health care system. In addition, findings specific to the different policy areas emerged: HTA processes face challenges due to insufficient evidence and the use of methods developed for medicines without appropriate adaptation to diagnostic tests. The level of funding for diagnostic tests was closely linked to their use. Pricing strategies relied primarily on indirect mechanisms such as procurement procedures, with Poland being the only country to implement a price cap.

CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening policies in the peri-launch phase could improve funding mechanisms and facilitate evaluation of the benefits associated with the use of rapid diagnostics. This study highlights the need for tailored approaches that take into account the unique characteristics of each country's health care system to promote effective adoption of these technologies to combat antimicrobial resistance.