A new study of decision-making about the use of antibiotics in medicine has found that the mistaken belief that antibiotics are harmless is widespread, especially among patients. Clinicians and patients alike are influenced by the general notion of “why not take a risk”, or “WNTAR”, a belief that there is potential benefit and very little risk in taking antibiotics, when in reality there are specific downsides, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Scientists have discovered that when comparing the status quo of remaining sick to the potential benefits of antibiotic use, patients are more likely to expect antibiotics, which leads clinicians to prescribe them more antibiotics despite having a greater knowledge of the drugs and their side effects. The study, “Patients’ and clinicians’ perceptions of antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory infections in the acute care setting” also found that the “WNTAR” belief can lead to increased health-care costs and adverse reactions, such as antibiotic resistance and secondary infections. The research has been published in the journal, Medical Decision Making .
