METHODS: IDPH established a workgroup with representation from medical groups, professional societies, payors, and universities to help guide campaign planning and implementation. Outpatient healthcare facilities were recruited through presentations and emails targeting medical directors. Campaign sign-up required completion of commitment forms at the facility and individual provider levels. IDPH customized, printed, and distributed the posters. Facilities were instructed to hang the posters in exam rooms. Provider interviews were conducted to evaluate how the posters were being used.
RESULTS: Thirty-eight outpatient practices signed up to participate in the campaign which represents 239 providers. Seventy-nine providers completed the commitment form and 43 completed the baseline survey. Over 500 commitment posters were printed and distributed. Over half of baseline survey respondents believed that patients would be dissatisfied if they did not get antibiotics for a cough, cold, or flu. To date, five providers have been interviewed; interviewees stated that the poster increased provider-patient communication, addressed patient expectations regarding antibiotics for acute respiratory infections, and reinforced a uniform message. Building relationships with key stakeholders through the campaign workgroup helped to secure facility buy in, however, engaging individual providers in campaign activities, such as completing the baseline survey, has been a challenge.
CONCLUSIONS: Displaying a personalized commitment poster is a promising, low cost quality improvement intervention that can be used to improve patient satisfaction.