The Over-Prescription of Antibiotics in the Outpatient Setting

Antibiotic overprescription in urgent care settings contributes to antimicrobial resistance and poor patient outcomes. The CDC Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship provide a framework for optimizing antibiotic use, yet their implementation in mobile urgent care settings remains underexplored. To improve prescribing practices, this quality improvement project aimed to implement an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in a mobile outpatient urgent care setting in Phoenix, Arizona. This project introduced an evidence-based ASP incorporating prescriber-directed education, patient education, and provider feedback on prescribing patterns. Educational sessions focused on guideline adherence, diagnostic stewardship, and shared decision-making. Antibiotic prescribing rates, patient outcomes, provider knowledge, and attitudes were measured using retrospective chart audits and pre-/post-intervention surveys. Results indicated reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, improved adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and increased provider awareness of antibiotic stewardship. This quality improvement project focused on antibiotic stewardship to improve the quality of care, promote responsible antibiotic use, and enhance provider education in mobile urgent care. These findings could contribute to the broader efforts for antimicrobial stewardship in non-traditional healthcare environments.