Hospital launches wellness bag program to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Outpatient Medical Director Dr. Elizabeth Dennis has established a wellness bag program at Mayo Regional Hospital. In collaboration with Mayo Regional Hospital’s management team, Dr. Dennis has launched an annual initiative to provide patients in the primary care practices and emergency department with a wellness bag that includes cough drops, tissues, hand sanitizer and other assorted items with the goal of reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. The wellness bags will also have educational material provided by Choosing Wisely. Staff have now begun distribution of the wellness bags.
The five practices (located in Dover-Foxcroft, Guilford, Milo, Dexter and Corinth) and the hospital’s emergency department have kicked off a campaign to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. Although indicated for some illnesses, the majority of sore throats, colds and coughs, including bronchitis are viral infections. Patients with these types of viral infections get better on their own. Although not widely understood, it is common for patients to cough for several weeks after having a viral infection. Antibiotics do not help people recover from viral illnesses.
Dr. Dennis said, “This project is especially exciting as it involves a collaborative effort between primary care practices and the emergency department. I am confident that our efforts will both educate patients and keep them safer as they seek care in their local community.”

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Photo courtesy of Mayo Regional Hospital
WELLNESS BAGS — To help reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics, Mayo Regional Hospital has launched a wellness bag program. Holding the bags are, from left, Elizabeth Dennis, DO, MPA outpatient medical director; Dori Farrenkopf, EHR system and support supervisor, Kim Alexander, RN, Interim VP physician practices; and Stephanie Koscielny, practice relations coordinator.