Overuse of Antibiotics for URI — Still a Problem

New studies look at an educational intervention to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and the influence of perceived patient expectations on antibiotic prescribing.

Two new studies conducted in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) address the ongoing issue of overuse of antibiotics for upper respiratory infections (URIs).

In one study conducted at 15 EDs, eight hospitals were randomized to receive an elaborate educational intervention, involving both clinicians and patients, aimed at reducing antibiotic prescribing for nonspecific URIs and acute bronchitis (in patients without chronic bronchitis); the other seven served as controls. In a comparison between the year before and the year after the intervention, antibiotic prescribing for presumed viral URIs decreased significantly from 52% to 42% at intervention EDs. Antibiotic prescribing remained unchanged at control EDs.

In a study conducted at 10 EDs, resea…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Overuse of Antibiotics for URI — Still a Problem

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Reviewing Author