Objective: Previous investigation revealed that plan members diagnosed with conditions that usually have a viral etiology (colds, upper respiratory tract infections, and bronchitis) received antibiotics at high rates. These rates were higher than those reported in national studies and higher than deemed desirable by medical experts. The objective of this report is to describe the development and implementation of strategies to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.
Methods: Since the behaviors and experiences of providers and patients could have contributed to the use of antibiotics to treat infections that commonly have a viral cause, an intervention strategy focused on both. Continuing medical education programs, informational articles in provider newsletters, pharmacist-physician interaction, and mailed prescribing profiles were used along with lay press releases, patient education articles, and website promotion. Additionally, participation in a statewide project (the Michigan Antibiotic Resistance Reduction Project) encompassing provider, government, academic, payor, and public participation addressing the problem was also undertaken in an effort to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.
Results: Data are currently being gathered to assess the impact of these ongoing interventions. Results will be available by the third quarter of 2000.
Conclusion: Although it may be too soon to document changes in behavior, efforts to combat the inappropriate use of antibiotics should continue at multiple levels. Provider performance and patient expectations for antibiotic therapy remain the major areas of intervention.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the extent to which antibiotics are used inappropriately; 2. Recognize that the inappropriate use of antibiotics is a major public health concern because of the subsequent development of antibiotic-resistant microbial agents; 3. Identify the players whose behavior must change in order to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics; 4. List the strategies aimed at reducing inappropriate antibiotic use
Keywords: Antibiotic Resistance, Prescription Drug Use Patterns
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.