What do patients expect from consultations for upper respiratory tract infections?

Background and objective. A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst patients who consulted for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) at 22 private practitioners' offices. Method. A total of 505 adult patients and 504 guardians (parents or grandparents of child patients) completed a self-administered questionnaire. Results. The majority thought that URTI would not resolve on its own, while half thought that injections would speed recovery. But 78% disagreed with the statement that ''taking multiple medications means faster recovery''. Although 91% consulted for medicines, only 36% went specifically for antibiotics and 20% for injections. More than half would accept it if the doctor advised no medicine. More guardians (85%) than adult patients (69%) went for reassurance and to exclude complications. Using logistic regression analysis, the more educated respondents and the working guardians had higher knowledge scores, while the working guardians and respondents who knew the viral cause were less likely to worry and to demand antibiotics and injections. Conclusion. Much patient education and a change in doctors' prescribing habits in the management of URTI are needed in Hong Kong.