Attitudinal classification of patients receiving antibiotic treatment for mild respiratory tract infections

The aim of this study was to determine patients' perceptions of antibiotic therapy and the doctor's skill in the management of ambulatory respiratory tract infections. Standardized face-to-face interviews were used with more than 3000 randomized patients or parents from four European countries. Attitudinal dimensions relating to their doctor identified four patient types: Involved (30%), Deferent (23%), Ignored (13%) and Critical (17%). Involved and Deferent patients were the most satisfied by the information received from their doctor (43%/39% compared with 17%/16% for Ignored/Critical, respectively, P < 0.01). They also scored more highly on the accurate use of antibiotics, with 80%/80% vs. 38%/62%, respectively (P < 0.01), understanding dosing intervals and 77%/77% vs. 36%/60% (P < 0.01), understanding the course length. Involved and Deferent patients showed better compliant behaviour, with 91% of both groups vs. 86% of the Ignored and Critical claiming to have taken every dose (P < 0.001) and 92%/87% vs. 84%/85% claiming to have finished the course (P < 0.001 for Involved only). Involved and Deferent patients were less prone to save part of a course of antibiotics than the Ignored and Critical (46%/41% vs. 20%/31%, P < 0.001), and they perceived the antibiotics prescribed to be more effective (36%/31% vs. 21%/15%, P < 0.001). By analysing patient perceptions, this study identifies an important mirror effect, whereby a more sympathetic attitude from the doctor should increase the patient's involvement in disease management, for a more appropriate use of antibiotics in common infections.