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Although most emergency department patients with uncomplicated respiratory infection have viral infections, antibiotics often are prescribed. Overprescribing of antibiotics has been linked to increased drug resistance and drug-related complications. The myriad causes of overprescribing include perceived patient demand, pressure for increased patient throughput, and physician error.
Researchers assessed factors associated with antibiotic prescribing in a prospective study of 272 adult and pediatric patients who presented to 10 academic EDs with a single diagnosis of uncomplicated bronchitis or upper respiratory infection. Patients were interviewed before their encounter with an emergency physician about expectations for emergency care (e.g., …