Antibiotic overuse and resistance are not only local issues, but are global problems as well. Major causes of antibiotic resistance are over-use and misuse of antibiotics. South Africa, Kenya, China, India, and Vietnam are just some of the countries that have major concerns regarding antibiotic overuse. At the family and urgent care practice setting, there was a concern regarding antibiotic overuse. There was not a standardized protocol to treat acute otitis media. They treat according to their knowledge base and local standards. Two evidence-based practice frameworks were used to guide this project. The Transtheoretical Model of Change was used to understand the steps of change for the project. The Rosswurm and Larrabee’s Model was used to guide the steps of change. The objectives of the project were increased adherence to national standards, decreased antibiotic use, and decreased follow up visits. Outcomes were improved patient care and the practitioner’s adherence to protocol. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted to evaluate practitioner compliance with the protocol. The wait and see prescription (WASP) protocol was found and discussed with the providers. The providers were educated on how and when to use the protocol. Providers were instructed on what to discuss with patients and parents/guardians. Additionally, patient education materials were shared with the providers. For the most, practitioners adhered to the recommended protocol. The majority of the patients who were eligible received a WASP. There was inadequate documentation as to how much education patients received regarding the WASP. After thorough consideration, the project director makes the following recommendations: 1.) develop a standardized protocol for treating other illnesses where it is questionable whether the etiology is viral or bacterial. 2.) look to other avenues to identify more prudent use of antibiotics across the board.
