Parental issues in selection of antimicrobial agents for infants and children.
The traditional American family has changed during the past several decades with increases in the number of single-parent households and working mothers. These changes have led to increased stress in the family when children become ill. Infectious diseases are the most common reasons parents seek care for ill children, and parents want effective and convenient treatment regimens so the child can recover quickly and return to day care or school. Issues that affect parental compliance and satisfaction with antimicrobial treatment regimens include efficacy, safety, cost, convenience, and previous experience. Parents are more involved in medical decision making than ever before and often want to be included in the selection of an antibiotic for their child. Physicians should be aware of the many issues impacting on parents' opinions about antibiotic therapy.
Bauchner
H
H
Division of General Pediatrics, Boston City Hospital, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA.
Klein
J O
JO
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008019:Life Style; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000188:drug therapy; D010290:Parents; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013995:Time
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents