Genre: Academic theses

Publisher: California, Pa. : Pennsylvania Western University

Publication Date: 2025

Format: 1 online resource (1 dissertation (29 leaves)) : color illustrations text file PDF

Description:

Inappropriate antibiotic use in the outpatient setting is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance. Patients often lack knowledge about when antibiotics are needed, the importance of adherence, and potential side effects. Prescribers are frequently pressured to treat patients with antibiotics, which increases inappropriate use. A quality improvement project with a pretest-posttest design was implemented with adult patients (ages 18-65) who were prescribed antibiotics at a rural urgent care center. Participants completed a five-question pretest, received a CDC educational handout, and then completed the same questionnaire via telephone follow-up within 3-7 days. Pre- and posttest scores were compared to assess knowledge improvement.