Date of Award
Summer 2020
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Faculty Chair
Dr. Laura Walker
Abstract
Background: Upper respiratory infections (URIs) comprise a large amount of Urgent Care visits. Though certain patients with URIs may require antibiotic intervention, the majority of patients are considered uncomplicated. Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics has a direct association to antibiotic resistant bacteria and increased patient mortality (Harris, et al., 2016). Antibiotics are prescribed for more than half of URI’s presenting to Urgent Care clinics.
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to determine if proper education on current evidence-based practice guidelines for both the patient and provider will result in a reduction in the number of antibiotics prescribed for an uncomplicated URI.
Design Methods: Patient and provider education related to appropriate antibiotic prescribing for an uncomplicated URI was implemented. Education sessions were held for providers based on current evidence-based research. The patient intervention consisted of educational handouts.
Results: An 11.5% reduction in antibiotic prescribing was noted. This result was not considered statistically significant (p=.419). However, this result is considered clinically significant due to the 11.5% reduction of antibiotic prescribing for an uncomplicated URI in the Urgent Care setting arguably reducing the potential for patient harm due and/or adverse drug events. Conclusion: Antibiotic overprescribing contributes to antibiotic resistant bacteria and unnecessary adverse drug reaction (Harris, et al., 2016). The 11.5% prescribing reduction was not statistically significant (p=.419). However, the reduction of inappropriately prescribed antibiotics is considered clinically relevant in nature.
Implications for Nursing: A general reduction of inappropriate prescribing may reduce the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. This clinically significant reduction may also decrease overall patient risk and adverse drug reactions that can cause significant patient harm
Recommended Citation
Popp, Chelsea, "A Multifocused Intervention to Reducing Antibiotic Prescribing in Uncomplicated Upper Respiratory Infections in the Urgent Care Setting" (2020). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 4.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/4