Why Are Antibiotics Prescribed for Uncomplicated Upper Respiratory Infection?
Emergency physicians are five times more likely to prescribe antibiotics when they think patients expect them, but patients are equally satisfied whether they receive antibiotics or not. Although most emergency department patients with uncomplicated respiratory infection have viral infections, antibiotics often are prescribed. Overprescribing of antibiotics has been linked to increased drug resistance and drug-related complications. The myriad causes of overprescribing include perceived patient demand, pressure for increased patient throughput, and physician error. Researchers assessed factors associated with antibiotic prescribing in a prospective study of 272 adult and pediatric patients who presented to 10 academic EDs with a single diagnosis of uncomplicated bronchitis or upper respiratory infection. Patients were interviewed before their encounter with an emergency physician about expectations for emergency care (e.g., blood tests, prescriptions) and again immediately and 2 weeks
