Study Highlights Inappropriate Prescriptions at Urgent Care Centers
In a recent investigation, researchers from Michigan Medicine revealed a concerning trend in urgent care centers across the United States. The study scrutinized a vast number of visits, uncovering that patients are often receiving unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics and steroids, particularly for ailments where these medications are either ineffective or not typically required.
Published in the study, the findings are stark:
- Antibiotics were prescribed for 31% of middle ear infection cases, 46% of genitourinary symptom cases, and 15% of acute bronchitis cases, all instances deemed “never appropriate.”
- For sinus infections, steroids were given to 24% of patients, and for acute bronchitis, the figure rose to 41%, despite these being “generally inappropriate.”
These prescribing habits pose significant risks. The misuse of antibiotics contributes to the rise of resistant bacteria, commonly known as “super bugs,” while steroids can lead to side effects like insomnia, mood swings, headaches, and elevated blood pressure.
Furthermore, the study identified that opioids were also prescribed in “generally inappropriate cases,” albeit at a lower rate compared to steroids and antibiotics. This included cases such as non-back musculoskeletal pain (5%), abdominal pain and digestive symptoms (6%), and sprains and strains (4%). Overprescription of opioids is concerning due to the potential for dependence and side effects like constipation and drowsiness.
The researchers suggest that urgent care providers would benefit from implementing stewardship programs. These could involve regular audits, feedback mechanisms, enhanced training on suitable prescribing practices, and strategies for effectively communicating with patients about why certain medications, like antibiotics, may not be beneficial for their condition.
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