Journal
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Volume 7, Issue 12, Pages -Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa544
Keywords
antibiotic risks; antibiotic stewardship; patient perceptions; qualitative study
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
In this qualitative study with parents and adult patients, participants demonstrated an incomplete understanding of indications for antibiotics and minimized risks associated with antibiotic use. Most participants were willing to defer to their clinicians' recommendations if antibiotics were not necessary. Background Inappropriate antibiotic use is common. Understanding how patients view antibiotic risks and/or benefits could inform development of patient education materials and clinician communication strategies. We explored current knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to antibiotics among populations with high antibiotic use. Methods We conducted 12 focus groups with adult patients and parents across the United States by telephone in March 2017. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants with high antibiotic use. We transcribed the discussions verbatim and performed thematic analysis. Results We identified 4 major themes. First, participants expressed uncertainty regarding which clinical syndromes required antibiotics, and emotion often influenced their desire for antibiotics. Second, they had a limited understanding of antibiotic risks. Antibiotic resistance was viewed as the primary risk but was seen as a distant, future issue, whereas immediate adverse events, such as side effects, were minimized; however, patients expressed concern when told about the risk of serious adverse events. Third, they prioritized antibiotic benefits over risks in their decision-making, both due to an inaccurate estimation of antibiotic risks and/or benefits and a tendency to prioritize instant gratification. Fourth, most participants were willing to defer to their clinicians' decisions about antibiotics, especially if their clinician provided symptomatic treatment and anticipatory guidance. Conclusions Patients have a limited understanding of antibiotic risks, potentially explaining why they are willing to try antibiotics even if it is unclear antibiotics will help. Educating patients on the potential antibiotic risks versus benefits, rather than just antibiotic resistance, may have a bigger impact on their decision-making.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available