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Testing the physician's knowledge of antibiotic use: Self-assessment and learning via videotape
Abstract:
Because recent reports suggest that physicians in the United States do not use antimicrobial agents properly, we analyzed scores for the first 4513 physicians viewing the National Antibiotic Therapy Test, a nationally televised self-assessment test on the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. The 75-minute videotape test, produced by the Network for Continuing Medical Education, contained three section: a 10-question pre-test, a 25-question teaching test, and a 15-question post-test. Scores were tabulated according to the specialty, years in practice, and volume of patients seen. The mean correct score was 68 per cent for all 50 questions, 55 per cent for the 10 pre-test questions, and 71 per cent for the 15 post-test questions. Physicians in practice for one to five years, residents and internists scored better than other subgroups. Answers to questions indicated deficiencies of knowledge and the need for further postgraduate education in the use of antibiotics.
Insights
Physician antibiotic use in the US needs improvement. A national test revealed knowledge gaps, particularly in antibiotic therapy, indicating a need for enhanced medical education to ensure proper antimicrobial agent utilization.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Education
- Antimicrobial Stewardship
Background:
- Growing concerns exist regarding the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents by physicians in the United States.
- Physician knowledge and application of antibiotic therapy are critical for combating infectious diseases and preventing antimicrobial resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current knowledge of physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.
- To identify specific areas of deficiency in antibiotic therapy knowledge among US physicians.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a self-assessment test in highlighting educational needs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of scores from 4513 physicians who participated in the National Antibiotic Therapy Test, a televised self-assessment program.
- The test comprised a pre-test, teaching test, and post-test, covering diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.
- Scores were analyzed based on physician specialty, years in practice, and patient volume.
Main Results:
- The overall mean correct score across all 50 questions was 68%, with lower scores on the pre-test (55%) and higher scores on the post-test (71%).
- Physicians with one to five years of practice, residents, and internists generally scored higher than other groups.
- Performance indicated specific knowledge deficits in antibiotic use and treatment protocols.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights significant knowledge gaps in antibiotic therapy among physicians, underscoring the need for targeted postgraduate education.
- Improving antimicrobial stewardship through continuous medical education is essential to address improper prescribing practices.
- The National Antibiotic Therapy Test served as a valuable tool for identifying and addressing these educational deficiencies.