Track Summaries - Antibiotic Decision Making

In all tracks, you will collect and analyze data, identify gaps in care, and create and implement improvement plans to close identified gaps. The supporting content in the Clinical Guide and respective Barriers and Suggested Ideas for Change grids provide essential information to guide your improvement efforts.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URI)—This track will assess if patients are: a) not prescribed an antibiotic for a viral URI; b) informed about the expected course of illness and the reason antibiotics are not prescribed/beneficial; and c) counseled to follow up if URI symptoms persist longer than expected or worsen.

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)—This track will measure if patients are: a) offered symptom relief for otalgia; b) diagnosed with AOM using evidence-based criteria; c) assessed for additional observation (watchful waiting); d) provided a 48–72 hour follow-up plan if under observation; e) informed about the risks of antibiotic therapy; and f) judiciously and appropriately prescribed an antibiotic.

GAS Pharyngitis (ASP) —This track will determine if patients are: a) diagnosed with GAS pharyngitis without viral symptomology based on history and physical examination by a clinician and confirmed with positive rapid antigen detection test, PCR test, or throat culture; b) informed about the risks of antibiotic therapy; c) appropriately prescribed penicillin or amoxicillin as the first-line drug choice (unless patient has a penicillin allergy); and d) treated appropriately with second-line antibiotic, if applicable.

Acute Bacterial Sinusitis (ABS)—This track will determine if patients are: a) diagnosed with ABS using guideline-based criteria; b) assessed for observation (watchful waiting) for 3 days when criteria are met; c) provided a 48–72 hour follow-up plan if the condition worsens or does not improve; d) informed about the risks of antibiotic therapy; and e) judiciously and appropriately prescribed an antibiotic.