BACKGROUND
Antibiotics have saved many lives since their discovery, but today, due to their overuse, are becoming less effective. A portion of provider reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid is based on patient satisfaction. Because of the previous effectiveness of antibiotics, patients have come to expect them from their provider when being seen for bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and pharyngitis. Evidence suggests that educating patients, utilizing shared decision-making strategies, and communicating the reason for or against antibiotic prescriptions can produce positive outcomes when treating upper respiratory infections.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this evidence-based quality initiative which employs a quasi-experimental pre- and post- design is to determine if patient education and shared decision-making with regards to pharmacologic treatment for adults with upper respiratory infections will increase patient satisfaction in a primary care clinic setting in urban Kansas.
METHODS
Antibiotic resistance education was provided to 64 participants who are over the age of 18 and present to the clinic with upper respiratory complaints. Patient satisfaction will be measured with the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey and compared to results from 61 participants who were treated for upper respiratory complaints prior to implementation of the standardized educational intervention.
RESULTS
Evidence suggests the two groups were not comparable (p=0.02). The evidence-based quality improvement initiative proved successful at increasing patient satisfaction in two areas, the antibiotic resistance education was recommended to the clinic for adoption as standard of care for patients with upper respiratory complaints.
CONCLUSIONS
The EBQI has potential to decrease inappropriate antibiotic use and improve healthcare consumer satisfaction at the local level. A similar model of education and shared decision-making could be applied to other clinical problems in the future.