Families in rural settings: values regarding acute respiratory infections

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the integration of research, clinician experience, and patient values; however, most studies focus on research and clinician experience and ignore patient values. Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are experienced routinely by both adults and children and are often mistreated with antibiotics, despite findings from multiple research studies indicating that antibiotics do not decrease the severity or duration of ARIs. Several studies indicate that clinicians tend to prescribe antibiotics for ARIs when they perceive that patients want them; however, little is known about actual patient values related to ARI management and even less is known about rural patient values. The aim of this study was to learn more about the values, beliefs, and attitudes held by rural individuals and families regarding ARI management. Focus group interviews were conducted with 42 individuals from five rural communities in Wyoming. Four themes emerged from the data: (a) "cowboy up," (b) access, (c) self and family knowledge, and (d) community as family. These themes have important implications for rural health care providers and EBP.