PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 391 - 30 Nov 2002

■ There is a large amount of misinformation amongUS consumers regarding the appropriate use ofantibacterials, according to the results of a surveyconducted by Harris Interactive and released by theCouncil for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH).Many Americans continue to use antibacterialsimproperly, despite widespread public alarm regardinginappropriate use contributing to increasedantibacterial ineffectiveness. The survey found thatone-third of Americans believe viruses, such as coldand ’flu, can be effectively treated with antibacterials.Moreover, an estimated one-third of individuals in theUS discontinue their course of antibacterials prior tofinishing the full amount prescribed.Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare. New Survey Shows One-Third ofAmericans Use Antibiotics Inappropriately. Media Release : 20 Nov 2002.Available from: URL: http://www.caqh.org/antibioticsinfo 809015465

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PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News 30 Nov 2002 No. 3911173-5503/10/0391-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved