Implementation of an Educational Intervention to Reduce Inappropriate Antibiotic Use in Upper Respiratory Infections

Background: Inappropriate use of antibiotics for viral upper respiratory infections (URI) directly contributes to antibiotic resistance. Educational interventions reduce antibiotic prescriptions written for viral (URI) symptoms and antibiotic resistance. Objective: This study aims to ascertain whether provider education will reduce antibiotic prescriptions. The study also aims to change provider prescribing practices through education on antibiotic resistance. Methods: Simple random sampling was used to review charts of patients pre- and postintervention in a single provider primary care practice for patients aged 18-64 years with URI diagnosis and/or symptoms. Results: Preintervention, 85% received an antibiotic for URI symptoms compared to 79% in the postintervention group (p = .514). Chi-square analysis comparing the 2 groups indicated there was no statistical significance between the proportion of antibiotics prescribed within these timeframes (p = .58). Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality will continue to increase without aggressive antibiotic stewardship. Although the results did not reach statistical significance, there was still a 6% reduction in the amount of antibiotics prescribed by the single provider. The decrease, albeit small, has the potential for clinical significance, and further studies should be pursued.