Approximately 80% of adults with acute bronchitis receive a
prescription for antibiotics; yet most bronchitis is due to viral
infection for which antibiotic therapy offers no benefit and should
be avoided.
Unnecessary use of antibiotics poses significant risk,
contributing to (1) an increase in antimicrobial-resistant
bacteria, and (2) side effects and adverse outcomes for patients,
including the increasing and serious complication of Clostridium difficile
infection.
The physician's and patient's mutual goal of safe and effective
care is best achieved with a well-educated and informed patient
population. Patients are more receptive to not receiving a
prescription for antibiotics when their health care providers do
the following:
- Validate their patients' concerns
- Acknowledge the discomfort caused by viral illness
- Provide specific recommendations for symptom relief
Tools
Resources
This campaign is based on the guiding principles of an
expert panel organized by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention with representatives from the American Academy of Family
Physicians, the American College of Physicians, and the Infectious
Disease Society of America (Annals of Internal Medicine
2001;134:479-529). This information is not a substitute for a
credentialed provider's experience and education. When treating any
patient, please use your own independent medical judgment.
Supporters of this project include the Massachusetts Medical
Society, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the
Massachusetts Association of Health Plans, the Partnership for
Healthcare Excellence, the Massachusetts Hospital Association, and
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.