Patient Satisfaction Outcomes Following Antibiotic Resistance Education for Adults

Abstract

Antibiotics have saved many lives since their discovery, but today, due to overuse, are becoming less effective. A portion of provider reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid is based on patient satisfaction. Because of the previous effectiveness of antibiotics, patients have come to expect them from their provider when being seen for bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and pharyngitis. Evidence suggests that educating patients, utilizing shared decision-making strategies, and communicating the reason for or against antibiotic prescriptions can produce positive outcomes when treating upper respiratory infections. The purpose of this evidence based quasi experimental project was to determine if patient education and shared decision making with regards to pharmacologic treatment for adults with upper respiratory infections will increase patient satisfaction in the primary care setting. The setting of this project was an urban clinic with 125 total participants over the age of 18 with complaints of an upper respiratory infection. Antibiotic resistance education was provided to 64 participants who are over the age of 18 and present to the clinic with upper respiratory complaints. Patient satisfaction was measured with the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey and compared to 61 participants who were treated for upper respiratory complaints prior to implementation of the standardized educational intervention. Demographic and treatment data were obtained from the electronic health record. Evidence suggests the two groups were not comparable (p=0.02), and no significant improvement in satisfaction was shown pre-post intervention. By demonstrating that education and shared decision-making about antibiotic resistance is effective, patient satisfaction scores increase with or without prescribing an antibiotic.