Reducing antibiotic use for acute bronchitis in primary care: blinded, randomised controlled trial of patient information leaflet * Commentary: More self reliance in patients and fewer antibiotics: still room for improvement

Abstract

Objective To assess whether sharing the uncertainty of the value of antibiotics for acute bronchitis in the form of written and verbal advice affects the likelihood of patients taking antibiotics.

Ensuring Quality Information for Patients: development and preliminary validation of a new instrument to improve the quality of written health care information

“…[1][2][3] However, patient retention of information can be improved by 50% if supplemental written information is provided. 3,4 Providing patients and families with written information may reduce anxiety, improve use of preventative or self care measures, increase adherence to therapy, prevent communication problems between health care providers and patients, and lead to more appropriate and effective use of health care services. [5][6][7][8][9] The importance of written patient information has been recognized by the Department of Health and the NHS.…”

Effectiveness of Interventions in Reducing Antibiotic Use for Upper Respiratory Infections in Ambulatory Care Practices

“…For example, in a prior study, patients with acute bronchitis were less likely to fill an antibiotic prescription if they also were given an informational leaflet. 31 However, our intervention did not provide educational materials at the time of the provider visit, which may have reduced its effectiveness.…”

The BSS - A Valid Clinical Instrument to Measure the Severity of Acute Bronchitis

“…Matthys et al, 25 Chuchalin et al, 22 as well as Matthys et al, 23 who go back to Williamson 38 and Macfarlane et al, 39 evaluate them explicitly as "the five most important symptoms" of AB.…”