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Unnecessary Antibiotic Prescribing in US Ambulatory Care Settings, 2010-2015
Adam L Hersh1, Laura M King2, Daniel J Shapiro3
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Abstract:
The proportion of antibiotic prescriptions prescribed in US physician offices and emergency departments that were unnecessary decreased slightly, from 30% in 2010-2011 to 28% in 2014-2015. However, a greater decrease occurred in children: 32% in 2010-2011 to 19% in 2014-2015. Unnecessary prescribing in adults did not change during this period.
Insights
Unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions decreased slightly overall in US physician offices and emergency departments. However, unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in children saw a significant reduction, while adult rates remained unchanged.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health threat.
- Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing contributes to the rise of antibiotic resistance.
- Understanding trends in unnecessary antibiotic use is crucial for antimicrobial stewardship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in US physician offices and emergency departments between 2010-2011 and 2014-2015.
- To examine age-specific differences in the reduction of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of antibiotic prescription data from US physician offices and emergency departments.
- Comparison of unnecessary antibiotic prescription rates during two distinct time periods (2010-2011 and 2014-2015).
Main Results:
- Overall unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions decreased from 30% to 28%.
- Unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in children significantly decreased from 32% to 19%.
- No significant change was observed in unnecessary antibiotic prescribing rates among adults.
Conclusions:
- While overall unnecessary antibiotic prescribing shows a modest decline, the substantial reduction in children is a positive development.
- Targeted interventions may be needed to address persistent unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in adults.
- Continued monitoring of antibiotic prescribing patterns is essential for combating antimicrobial resistance.
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