Resetting the Default: Improving Provider-patient Communication to Reduce Antibiotic Misuse

Antibiotic overuse and misuse contributes to the development of antibiotic resistant infections and adverse drug reactions. The majority of all antibiotic prescribing occurs in outpatient settings; most of which are for respiratory illnesses. It is estimated that 50% of these prescriptions are unnecessary. The most important factor that leads to overprescribing is inadequate parent-provider communication. This study will recruit providers and eligible parents of children 1-5 years of age. Parents in both arms will receive identical brief antibiotic education via tablet computers. Providers will be randomized to the parent-provider education or communication skills intervention arm and trained accordingly. Parent data will be collected via a tablet computer RedCap survey administered in the exam room prior and immediately following the child's visit. Additional data will be garnered from the medical record (antibiotic prescribing) and a 2-week follow-up telephone call with parents (re-visits and adverse drug reactions).