Exploring Patient Awareness and Perceptions of the Appropriate Use of Antibiotics: A Mixed-Methods Study

Antibiotics
Marion E DavisMelanie D Spencer

Abstract

In the outpatient setting, estimates suggest that 30% of the antibiotics prescribed are unnecessary. This study explores patient knowledge and awareness of appropriate use of antibiotics and expectations regarding how antibiotics are used for their treatment in outpatient settings. A survey was administered to a convenience sample of patients, parents, and caregivers (n = 190) at seven primary care clinics and two urgent care locations. Fisher's exact tests compared results by patient characteristics. Although 89% of patients correctly believed that antibiotics work well for treating infections from bacteria, 53% incorrectly believed that antibiotics work well for treating viral infections. Patients who incorrectly believed that antibiotics work well for treating viral infections were more than twice as likely to expect a provider to give them an antibiotic when they have a cough or common cold. Patients who completed the survey also participated in semi-structured interviews (n = 4), which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Patients reported experiencing confusion about which illnesses may be treated by antibiotics and unclear communication from clinicians about the appropriate use of antibiotics. Development of easy to un...Continue Reading

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Citations

Nov 7, 2019·FEMS Microbiology Letters·Elena-Alexandra Alexa OniciucAvelino Alvarez-Ordóñez
Feb 6, 2019·Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·Jennifer StallwoodAngie Hibbert
Dec 15, 2019·Journal of Pharmacy Practice·Mary Beth A SeipelBrittany L Melton
Jul 3, 2019·British Journal of Community Nursing·Angel Chater, Molly Courtenay
Jun 6, 2019·Journal of Infection and Public Health·Fauna HerawatiChristina Avanti
Jan 7, 2021·Infection and Drug Resistance·Md Anwarul Azim MajumderMarquita Gittens-St Hilaire
Jan 19, 2021·Journal of Dairy Science·M WemetteR Ivanek
Apr 8, 2021·Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·Inga PetruschkeUNKNOWN RAI Study Group
May 20, 2021·Social Science & Medicine·Tanya Stivers, Stefan Timmermans
Dec 24, 2021·European Journal of Dental Education : Official Journal of the Association for Dental Education in Europe·Amira Saad BadranMahassen Mohamed Farghaly

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