Pediatric visits via mobile applications may boost inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in respiratory infections
The use of direct-to-consumer telemedicine (DTC), where patients have access to a physician via mobile applications is growing rapidly also among pediatric patients. A recent study conducted by Cleveland Clinic involving children with respiratory tract infections found that physicians were more likely to receive a 5-star rating from the parent when a telemedicine visit resulted in an antibiotic prescription. Visits ending to an antibiotic prescription were also shorter in length. Interestingly, pediatricians prescribed less antibiotics than non-pediatricians, but patients were more satisfied when their child was taken care of by pediatrician. Those pediatricians who prescribed more antibiotics had also higher satisfaction ratings. These findings present possible incentives for physicians to unnecessarily prescribe antibiotics for respiratory tract infections, which are often caused by viruses. Overuse of antibiotics also promotes the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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