Researchers discovered overuse of healthcare services persists and more research must be done to more fully understand the extent and prevention of inappropriate care in the United States, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
For their study, researchers analyzed medical literature from 1978-2009 that focused on overuse of procedures, tests and medications. In total, the researchers found 172 articles that fit their inclusion criteria.
Of the 172 research articles on overuse of healthcare services, 53 related to therapeutic procedures, 38 to diagnostic tests and 81 to medications. The most commonly studied healthcare services were antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections, coronary angiography, carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting. Their analysis did show, however, overuse of carotid endarterectomy and antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections decreased over time.
For their study, researchers analyzed medical literature from 1978-2009 that focused on overuse of procedures, tests and medications. In total, the researchers found 172 articles that fit their inclusion criteria.
Of the 172 research articles on overuse of healthcare services, 53 related to therapeutic procedures, 38 to diagnostic tests and 81 to medications. The most commonly studied healthcare services were antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections, coronary angiography, carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting. Their analysis did show, however, overuse of carotid endarterectomy and antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections decreased over time.
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