Deeba Freshta Kazempoor, DNP, MSN, FNP-C

Abstract:

Background: Oseltamivir treatment for influenza should begin within 48 hours of symptom onset; however, there is no significant benefit or data supporting the use of Oseltamivir beyond the 48-hour window in otherwise healthy adults. There are many reasons for inappropriate usage of antiviral prescriptions, including providers’ lack of knowledge regarding guideline recommendations for antiviral use for influenza, the belief that prescribing medications may have some benefit, and the need to satisfy patient wants by prescribing a medication for a viral illness other than influenza. The most commonly prescribed antiviral for influenza in urgent care settings is Oseltamivir. The problem is that providers are prescribing Oseltamivir when it is not appropriate and not in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prescribing guidelines, which can impact antiviral resistance. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether urgent care providers’ knowledge about Oseltamivir, Oseltamivir resistance, and current CDC prescribing recommendations would increase after implementation of a short, one-on-one educational intervention. Methods: This quality improvement (QI) project enrolled providers working in urgent care clinics. Pre-intervention questionnaires collected baseline knowledge about Oseltamivir, followed by a 15-minute, one-on-one educational presentation on Oseltamivir. Post-intervention questionnaires were collected four weeks after the educational intervention. Statistical analysis consisted of Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: The pre-intervention knowledge scores had a mean of 35.8%, whereas the post-intervention knowledge scores revealed a mean score of 65%, p=0.012 Conclusion: The project was feasible and essential in identifying the gaps in healthcare providers’ knowledge about Oseltamivir and appropriate prescription usage of Oseltamivir for influenza. The end goal was for prescribers to be aware of best practices and CDC guidelines to improve patient’s health and well-being. 

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