Evidence‐based prescription of corticosteroids for COVID‐19 patients: A comparison between general medicine and other specialty in Japan

BACKGROUND: The difference of evidence‐based prescription for COVID‐19 patients between general medicine and other specialty in Japan is unclear. METHODS: A retrospective observational study using a hospital‐based administrative database was conducted for the differences between departments for prescriptions of glucocorticoids in COVID‐19 patients. RESULTS: Of 65,156 patients, 23,348 met indication for glucocorticoids. General medicine physicians in Japan were more likely to prescribe corticosteroids for COVID‐19 patients than other departments after its evidence was published (adjusted odds ratio, 1.32; p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.56). CONCLUSIONS: General medicine physicians were more likely to practice evidence‐based care for COVID‐19 patients.