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# Messages Cut Inappropriate Antibiotic Scrips: Study
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/messages-cut-inappropriate-antibiotic-scrips-study/
- Published: 2020-05-07T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:14:08.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5146743

A study conducted by Medscape in collaboration with FDA found that short-form messaging combined with digital continuing medical education (CME) to clinicians reduced the inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics. The [study](https://pharmacypractice.org/journal/index.php/pp/article/view/1773/801?ref=fdaweb.com) examined whether short-form messages (e-mails, Web alerts, and mobile alerts) and digital CME could affect the volume of first-line fluoroquinolone prescriptions in conditions where they are contraindicated. It found that combining the two forms of messaging led to a 22% reduction in new prescription volume.

“Our findings show that effective and targeted digital communication and online education can have a powerful effect on clinical behaviors,” [said](https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/medscape-and-fda-study-shows-potential-of-digital-communication-to-drive-practice-change-improve-public-health-2020-05-07?tesla=y&ref=fdaweb.com) lead study author **John Whyte**, who is WebMD chief medical officer. “In addition to reducing the inappropriate prescribing of fluroquinolones, these findings could prove highly relevant in the age of Covid-19, when changes in clinical data and guidance demand that clinicians receive swift and accurate dissemination of information to improve care and safeguard public health.”