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Therapeutics
Verbal advice plus an information leaflet reduced antibiotic use in acute bronchitis
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ebm.7.4.119

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    (2002) BMJ 324, 91; Macfarlane J, Holmes W, Gard P, et al.. Reducing antibiotic use for acute bronchitis in primary care: blinded, randomised controlled trial of patient information leaflet.. Jan 12;. :. –4.
    OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text

    
 
 QUESTION: In patients presenting with acute bronchitis, does verbal advice plus an information leaflet describing the uncertain value of antibiotics reduce antibiotic use more than verbal advice alone?

    Design

    Randomised (unclear allocation concealment*), blinded (clinicians and data collectors),* controlled trial with 4 weeks of follow up.

    Setting

    3 general practices in Nottingham, UK.

    Patients

    259 patients ≥ 16 years of age who had acute bronchitis (ie, illness for ≤ 21 d; main symptom of cough; ≥ 1 of sputum production, dyspnoea, wheeze, or chest discomfort or pain; and no alternative explanation) and were not receiving medical attention for an underlying disease, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. 47 patients were judged to need antibiotics immediately. 212 …

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