Antibiotic overuse is a major public health issue worldwide. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. However, many people take antibiotics in an attempt to treat infections usually caused by viruses (such as upper respiratory tract infections: colds, flu, and bronchitis). This treatment is unnecessary because antibiotics are not effective against viruses.

The overuse of antibiotics promotes the development of antibiotic resistance. As a consequence, stronger and stronger antibiotics need to be used to fight bacterial infections. The more often these stronger drugs are used, the more likely it is that bacteria will become resistant to even the most potent antibiotics.

The aim of the IMPAACT Project is to develop and test ways to ensure appropriate antibiotic use in adults who have acute respiratory tract infections.

This project was supported by the Translating Research Into Practice Initiative, jointly sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (Grant #1 R01 HS013915), and the Health Services Research and Development Service of the Department of Veteran Affairs (AVA-03-239).