Table 2 Study inclusion and exclusion criteria

• Primary research studies reporting doctors` views and experiences of antimicrobial prescribing in acute hospital settings, including adult and paediatrics

• Used qualitative methods of data collection (e.g., interviews, focus groups) and inductive analysis (e.g., grounded theory, phenomenological analysis)

• Mixed-methods studies only if the qualitative data are discreet and findings reported adequately

• Studies carried out in countries considered to have a developed healthcare system according to international classification

• Published in English language between 2007 and 2017

• Primary research reporting doctors` views and experiences of prescribing other treatments or other aspects of prescribing e.g., costs, effectiveness.

• Research on prescribing antibiotics in other settings e.g., primary care or residential settings

• Studies conducted in countries not considered to have a developed health care system^a

• Sample including prescribers other than acute hospital doctors e.g., general practitioners or nurses

• Studies that did not report primary qualitative data collection and analyses e.g., quantitative research, descriptive case studies, commentaries, editorials, reviews. Mixed-methods studies where qualitative data were not reported separately