WHO decision leaflet cuts inappropriate antibiotic use in simulation

This behavioral experiment offers stewardship teams causal, though hypothetical, evidence that a patient-facing decision support leaflet can reduce inappropriate antibiotic initiation during the delayed prescribing window.

antibioticsantimicrobial stewardshipdelayed prescribingdecision support toolantimicrobial resistancebehavioral experimentprimary careWHO leafletrandomized experimentpatient decision aid Infectious Disease / Antimicrobials

Background Information

Decision support reduces inappropriate antibiotic use effectively.

Overprescribing antibiotics in primary care contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Decision support tools reduced inappropriate antibiotic use for viral infections in all tested conditions (p < .001). Incorporating decision support into delayed prescriptions can reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, promoting better antimicrobial stewardship. Decision support tools improve responsible antibiotic use in delayed prescription settings.

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Authors: Sievert EDC, Gross R, Korn L, Betsch C, Böhm R

Citation: Sievert EDC, Gross R, Korn L, et al. Using a decision support tool to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use after a delayed prescription. Applied psychology. Health and well-being. 2026;18(4):e70198. doi:10.1111/aphw.70198

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

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