DECISION+2: Randomized Control Trial - PROJECT COMPLETED

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) such as otitis media, rhinosinusitis, acute pharyngitis and bronchitis account for up to 10% of consultations in emergency departments. Several studies have shown that these infections are overwhelmingly of viral etiology and therefore self-limiting. Although antibiotic therapy is unnecessary in the treatment of acute respiratory infections of viral etiology, the use of antibiotics is still widespread among clinicians in North America. Inappropriate antibiotics consumption is associated with antibiotic resistance, increased risk of side effects and a higher rate of readmission. This is a major public health problem. Information tools are a promising way to inform patients and doctors about this problem. Information tools can support informed decision-making about an individual health issue. This can open the dialogue for shared decision-making between the patient and the doctor. Shared decision-making is a decision-making process in which the physician, the patient, and those around them share information that is informed by the highest level of evidence, evaluate all possible diagnostic and therapeutic options, identify the patient's priorities, deliberate, and jointly decide on the best care for the patient. This project was based on the data gathered during a pilot randomized control trial of Decision+. The main aim of the pilot was to establish the feasibility of conducting the project on a larger scale. The pilot project assessed the impact of DECISION+ on antibiotics use for acute respiratory infections (ARI) – the main reason for consultations in primary care. This project was funded by the FRSQ-Conseil du Medicament.

This project is funded by the FRSQ-Conseil du médicament.

2009 to 2012